The Parish Share Scheme
The scheme has been in operation since 1995 and the Diocesan Board of Finance is very grateful to the parishes for their continuing contributions under the scheme to support the ministry of the Church in the Diocese of St Albans.
Each year, the Diocesan Synod agrees a budget for the expenditure from the Diocesan Common Fund. The principal part of Diocesan Common Fund expenditure relates to the cost of providing clergy to minister in our parishes; their stipends and related costs, their housing and training, both pre- and post- ordination. Money is also required to fund the work of the wider Church in our diocese, in providing support services and resources for parish ministries, including grants for parishes that are struggling, and also a contribution towards the costs of the National Church.
The main principles of the Parish Share scheme are that:
- all parishes should contribute towards the direct cost of clergy ministry in the parish,
- the Diocesan Budget or Common Fund should allow some support for less affluent from more affluent parishes,
- a small budget should be available to support parishes with particular needs.
How the contribution is made up
There are two key elements that reflect the scheme’s principles as set out above:
- Stipend Contribution
A contribution towards the cost of the provision of clergy - Ministry Support Contribution
A contribution linked to church membership within the parish and their potential ability to give
Details of how the contributions are calculated
Parish Share by Deanery
Parish share calculations relating to the current year and next year, and also the latest monthly parish share collection analysis.
