Crown of Thorns
P.O. Box 49, Lingfield SURREY RH7 6YQ U.K.
TEL: 01342 870472
www. crownofthorns.org.uk email: office@crownofthorns.org.uk
Promoting the Holy Rosary in the UK & throughout the world.
Annual Report 2021-2022
It is extraordinary to see what a difference a simple card can make and how much hope it can bring to those in dark places. For ‘Crown of Thorns’, a charity working to give hope through the simplicity of the understanding of the faith, cards are at the very center of the work.
The promotion of the Holy Rosary has been the main principle of the charity and the rosary cards produced have travelled far and wide, supporting the work of priests, chaplains and religious in dioceses across many countries and situations.
Crown of Thorns rosary cards, rosary packs, reconciliation cards, along with items donated through the generosity of parishes and individuals, supports the work of priests and chaplains in a multitude of circumstances and continue to reach out to comfort and console the downtrodden, the imprisoned, the sick and those at sea.
We have continued to receive many requests from prison chaplaincies over the last year. These chaplains have had a challenging time through the pandemic. We have done what we could to provide what items we had available for these situations, including the provision of rosary packs and small devotional booklets for the prisoners.
The effect of these cards has been remarkable. A prison chaplain recently wrote “If you walked around the prison you would find many cells on every landing with your leaflets on the wall...it really and truly changes the atmosphere of the whole place in a very, very powerful way. I can't describe the difference it makes!”
Another chaplain wrote:
“I want to say a big thank you for the items you have provided me with for use at our prison. These will all go a long way in helping to bring Christ to the lives of our prisoners and I know it will bring a sense of comfort to them too. Even having a small picture on the wall helps them stay focused on what is
Crown of Thorns; Registered Charity No. 1042751
really important in such a noisy, uncomfortable and sometimes volatile environment. I am so grateful for all that you have provided.”
With the similarity between the work of prison chaplains and those working with seafarers, again our cards travel out to support souls in need. By working together, the cards reach those who will benefit most, gently supporting and comforting these seafarers during long months at sea. By supporting these chaplains ecumenically, we can also enable Anglican chaplains to have items available for any Catholic seafarers on the ships that they visit.
From a Seafarers chaplain:
“The box of items arrived in beautiful condition and I took some to the ships today. They are really appreciated.”
During the long months of the Covid-19 pandemic we have been particularly privileged to assist in supporting many of our hospital chaplains in the U.K. with rosary cards, rosary packs and other items to support their work in the hospital wards. These items have been for the benefit of not only the Covid-19 patients but also for the support of the hospital staff, other patients, patient’s family members and visitors.
From chaplaincy in a secure mental health unit:
“I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge ‘Thank you’ to Crown of Thorns for the continued support for the ministry of the Chaplaincy Team. The items which you send us make a real difference to both our staff and patients. It is greatly appreciated.”
The provision of these simple items of devotion continues to prove to be a great comfort, and hospital chaplains have returned to us time and time again for further supplies, having seen first-hand the effect that these rosary cards and rosaries can bring to those who receive them, especially for those in the very depths of exhaustion or despair. It is heartening for us to hear of all the different ways that the rosary cards have been used, and how they have benefited those who have been given one, or picked one up at the chaplaincy tables.
Shipments:
Even through lockdowns we were still able to send deliveries to poorer dioceses abroad. These not only included supplies for the promotion of the Holy Rosary but also many items that have been donated to the charity by parishes and individuals for redistribution, including diocesan vestments and sacramental items which are of great benefit to the local dioceses, parishes and seminaries.
We have concentrated on smaller but more concentrated consignments over this period. All shipments have been safely delivered and most gratefully received. Destination dioceses were Oyo in Nigeria and Harare Archdiocese in Zimbabwe.
Crown of Thorns; Registered Charity No. 1042751
Priest support:
The day to day running of the charity puts us into contact with people in all kinds of situations. This includes clergy who for one reason or another need a helping hand. We have compiled a support network for priests including legal assistance. It is essential that priests can access the help they may need at the very earliest opportunity. We are grateful to all professionals who have volunteered their time and expertise.
Projects nearing printing:
Now that lockdowns are over we are planning reprints of our main rosary and prayer cards to incorporate slight changes and additions to bring them up to date. Printing is a major cost in our work and we are grateful to our printer, who has been consistently supportive for the last thirty years, for keeping costs as reasonable as possible for this work.
In the coming year we will add to our range of cards, including a Christmas card for use in chaplaincy situations, something that has often been requested. This will include scriptural readings to highlight the Christmas story. We plan also to add an Easter card for the same use.
Several other cards that have been requested are nearing completion and will be printed shortly. All our cards aim to comfort and console. A beautiful item will be rejoiced over, a gift shows love. A card lets the world know that someone cares.
Our team and supporters:
Crown of Thorns relies on experienced personnel giving their time free of charge to carry out the work of the charity. We are grateful also to all specialist professionals who have given of their time so generously. For our general work and printing costs we rely on donations, where possible utilizing Gift Aid. All donations to the charity are used in their entirety for the work in hand.
It is only through the generosity of our supporters that this work is possible. We are grateful to all our donors for enabling our work through this time. Small actions carried out with love can have a huge impact on those around us. This was something reflected deeply in the words of St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta when she said “I don’t want the work to become a business but to remain a work of love.”
It seems many years ago now that a small parcel arrived with our post. It enclosed a woven stole bearing a simple message that touched us deeply. It simply read ‘Crown of Thorns - Mission of Hope’.
Crown of Thorns; Registered Charity No. 1042751
CROWN OF THORNS nances for year 1st April 2021 - 31st March 20
| Notes 1 2 3 4 5 Charitable support 6 Religious supplies 7 Administration 8 Closing reserves Opening reserves Surplus of income Surplus of income Total expenditure over expenditure over expenditure Charitable Expenditure Expenditure Total income Legacy Inland revenue gift aid Interest Sales of religious items Donations Income for year ended 31/3/22 Statement of Financial Activities |
2009 £6,411 £9,042 £202 £30,000 1 Donations are either from someone who knows the work of the charity, or from a person receiving religious items from the charity making a donation £0 £45,654 2 3 £2,726 4 Single legacy £0 5 The main aim of the charity is to send religious prayer cards and items to poor £3,425 £2,126 6 £8,278 7 £37,376 8 £73,430 £37,376 £110,806 These are one off payments for specific religious projects of special need These are printed prayer cards and rosaries to go with them, and items requested by churches in Africa. The purchase of specific religious items one of the main criteria for the charity. countries (mainly Africa states) and religious furniture donated from parishes in the UK to furnish churches in these countries. There are no administration charges, as all work is carried out by the trustees and volenteers free of charge, as is use of the charities premisis. Interest from the charity's bank account This is revenue generated from the sale at cost or slightly above of religious items. Notes All donations are gift aided whenever possible. |
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