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Dear members of the diocese,

Recent economic changes, including new rules about priests’ salaries, have resulted in many questions among members of our diocese. People may particularly wonder how the Church in Finland will survive under the new circumstances. Therefore, I wish to clarify how the members of the diocese can support the Church financially. At the same time, I also want to underscore their obligation in this matter.

In the Catholic Church, every parishioner is obligated to support the Church and the parish, also financially, according to his or her ability. In the Catholic Diocese of Helsinki, starting from the beginning of year 2018, this is implemented as follows:

Every Catholic above 18 years of age has the obligation to pay 1,5% of his or her taxable income to the membership fee bank account of his or her own parish. (Obviously, one does not need to pay, at least the full amount, if under grave economic hardship). The recommended method of payment is a monthly automatic transfer to the membership fee account of the parish.

Each parish regularly gives 10% of the income it has collected to the use of the diocese. The diocese needs this income for upkeep of common functions, including, among other things, supporting those parishes which are not financially independent.

This guideline does away with all previous directions about financial support for the Church. However, one may still also support the diocese directly, just as before. Also, members of the diocese are still obligated to pay the annual subscription fee for the diocesan newspaper Fides, which is sent to every Catholic home.

Thank you to all those that already support the Church!

Helsinki, Jan. 8, 2018

+ Teemu Sippo S.C.I.

Bishop of Helsinki

Account Numbers for the Membership Fee

Pyhän Marian seurakunta
FI65 1023 3000 2047 89 – Reference number: 90010