"We remember our Sick & Retired Priests of the Diocese with great love and affection. We have eleven retired priests, still active in prayer and witness: one living in Rome, one living in Chile, three in houses throughout the diocese, five in parish presbyteries, and one at the Residence of the Little Sisters. We thank God for the gift of these priests and keep them in our prayers. In 2023 our two special collections raised £37,384 and our Friends Campaign and donations raised £11,499, Gift Aid claims £4,826, rental income £9,270 and legacies £18,148. Our total income was £81,127. In 2023 our expenditure was £170,574 made up of retired priests’ allowances £78,247, housekeepers’ wages £11,222, repairs to properties £10,985 medical and nursing home fees £21,612, the Healthcare Trust £14,137, Council Tax £8,882, rental of premises £18,950 and other costs of £6,539. This left a shortfall of £89,447 of income compared to expenditure, partly offset by net (dividend) income of £73,438 from the Sick & Retired Priests Investment Fund, but this still left a deficit of £16,009. We greatly appreciate any support you can give at this time."