Athlone parish to set up fundraising committee for church works

St Peter's and Paul's Parish plans to set up a fundraising committee to help finance a number of significant infrastructural works on churches in the parish.

The parish, which consists of Ss. Peter's and Paul's Church in Athlone, St Bridgid's Church in Drum, and Our Lady of the Wayside Church in Clonown, is struggling to cover ongoing costs of running the churches.

A recent parish newsletter read: “In the latter part of 2024 the weekly collection in Ss. Peter & Paul’s Church has risen, however when we take into account the largest expenditures, including heating, electricity, insurance and staff salaries for secretaries, sacristans, we are very often left with very little over.”

“Over the next couple of years, we will have a number of large projects to address, we will most likely set up a fund-raising committee to oversee the finances that will be required.”

Projects that need immediate attention in the parish include a new heating system, and new storm glazing on the windows in Ss Peter's and Paul's Church, as well as repairs to the flat roof which has been experiencing leaks.

In St. Brigid’s Church, Drum repairs are needed to stop leaks, a new porch covering is required, as well as insulation of the porch and new cladding on the facia. The church is also looking to add a permanent Baptism Font to the front of the church.

Finally, the bell from the old chapel will be installed in the tower of Our Lady of the Wayside Chapel in March, and will be automated to ring for the Angelus at 12 noon, and 6pm, before Sunday Mass, and for funerals.

St Peter's and Paul's parish has extended its sincere thanks to all those parishioners who donate weekly.