Dromore Diocesan Trust
Re
ort of the Trustee
The Trustee presents its Annual Report and the financial statements of the charity, Dromore
Diocesan Trust, for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Constitution and alm8
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dromore was established through the reorganisation of the Irish
Church in the late ￿e1fth century. It is one of the smaller dioceses in Ireland and covers portions
of Countles Down, Armagh and Antrim with its cathedral located in the city of Newry.
The Dromore Diocesan Trust is a charitable trust, established by a trust deed dated 1 November
2010. On 20 April 2016, Dromore Diocesan Trust was registered as a charity with the Charity
Commlsslon for Northern Ireland and given the registration number NIC105046. Under amending
legislatlon- ihe Charltles Act {Northern Ireland) 2022- reglstratlon of the Dromore Diocesan Trust
Is deèmed to commence on l Aprll 2022. For tax purposes, Dromore Diocesan Trust Is also
registered with HM Revenue and Customs - reference number XT27177. The sole trustee of the
Charity is a Corporation, Diocese of Dromore Trustee. The Company Is Ilmlted by guarantee and
was registered on 17 November 2011 registratlon number N1609968. On 13 January 2012 the
Lord Chief Justlce of Northern Ireland authorlsed Diocese of Dromore Trustee to act In any
Charitable or Ecclesiastlcal Trust as a Trust Corporation.
ObSectlves and actlvltlo8
The principal objects of the Charity are.,
The advancement of the Roman Cathollc religion in the Roman Catholic Dlocese of
Drornore subject to any future curtailment or addition of are8 made in accordance
wlth the laws and regulations of the Roman Cathollc Church.
The advancement of any charltable purpose supported by the Roman Catholic
Church throughout the world or in any part of the world.
The Diocese of DromorÈ, in unlon wlth the Catholic Church worldwide, seeks to achleve Its
objectives through activities Including the following-
Proclamation of the Gospel
Worship of God
Provision of clergy and pastoral personnel
Formation and development of parish communities
Support for families
Provision of educational, pastoral and youth mlnlstrles
Provlsion and maintenance of places of worship
Aid for impoverished and needy communities worldwide
The means used to fvlfil the purposes of the Dromore Diocesan Trust are constantly monitored
and revlewed in order to ensure that the principal aims and objectives of the charity are adhered
to.

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
Staternent that the Trustee has had regard to the Charlty Commlssion for Northern
Ireland public benefit requirement statutory guldance
The Trustee confirms It has complied with the requirements of S￿tIOn 4 (6) of the Charities Act
(Northern Ireland) 2008 to have due regard to the publlc benefit guidance published by the Charity
Commisslon for Northern Ireland in determining the activities undertaken by the Charity,
Throughout thls Annual Report the Trustee seeks to demonstrate that the Charity's aims and
objectlves are for the publlc benefit.
Structure, Governance and Managomont
Eccleslastical Law requires certaln structures to be in place wlth5n the Diocese. Structure5 in the
Dlocese of Dromore include.. Dlocesan Consultors (fvlfilled by the Cathedral Chapter), a Council
of Priests and a Finance Council. The Bishop is also assisted in ecclesiastical governance by 8
Chancellor, a Vicar General and a Finance Adminlstrator. In the absence of a bishop {sede
vacante), the dlocese is under the governance of a Diocesan Administrator (elected by the
Diocesan Consultorsl or an Apostolic Admlnlstrator (appointed by the Holy Father).
The overall operation of the Charity, Includlng financial and legal responsibility in clvll law, Is
overseen by the Trustee. the directors of which are appointed by the Bishop. who Is Chair of the
Board. Recruitment of the directors Is basèd on their knowledge of the local Church and their
having the professional skills and experiences necessary for overseeing the affairs of the Charity
by ensuring it is solvent, well-run, and that it delivers the outcomes for whlch It was established.
The Board Is composed of a mixture of clergy and lay members of the Church.
On appolntment, new directors receive induction and are Introduced to their role and
responslbilltles by the Chancellor, the Finance Administrator and the Finance Officer of the
Dlocese. They are provided with copies of the Trust Deed and the latest financial information and
reports. Directors 8ltend formal and informal training sesslons as requlred.
The day-to-day business of the Diocese is managed through the Diocesan Curia. The Bishop
refers ecclesiastical related matters to the Chancellor and other appropriate officials. Civil
administrative matters are referred to the Finance Administrator and the FinanGe Officer. The
Council of Priests also assists the Bishop in the governance of the Diocese according to the norm
of law 'so that the pastoral welfare of that portion of the people of God entrusted to the Bishop
may be most effectively promoted, (Code of Canon Law, canon 495). Reflecting Canon Law, the
activities of the Charity are separated in thls Report into Parish and Curia functions.
On 15 April 2019, Archbishop Eamon Martln, Archbishop of Armagh, became Apostollc
Administrator of the Diocese. An Apostollc Administralor is appointed to temporarlly govern a
diocese when special or serious circumstances warrant such an appointment. Archbishop Martln
governs in the name of the Holy Father and has all the powers and duties of a diocesan blshop.

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
Parishes
The Diocese is divlded into parish communilies. The parishes in Ihe Diocese are estsblished and
operate under the Church's Code of Canon Law which bestows on them separate canonical
status which explains their treatment in the following financial accounts specifically through the
columnar layout. The funds and assets of each parish are held in trust by the Dromore Diocesan
Trustee forthe benefit ofeach specific parish. Under Canon Lew, each parish must have a flnance
committee to advise the parish priest in ragard to the administration of the parlsh. Parish finance
committees include parishioners with knowled9e and experien￿ In flnance, propety
management and administration,
Parish PriestslAdministrator8 and Curates are appointed by the 818hop to provlde pastoral care
for parish communities and to manage parishes In all Jurldlcal affairs thus ensuring that parishes
are administered in accordance with the norms of Canon and Civll Law while fulfilling the aims of
the Chan'ty.
As encouraged by The Directory for the Pastoral Mlnistry of Bishops {Apostolcrum Successores),
the Blshop, In consultation with prlests and laity, reviews on a regular basis the parish structure
to ensure the long-term pastoral sustainabllity of the parishes.
Curla
The Diocesan Curia consists of those institutions and persons whiGh furnish asslstance to the
Bishop in the governance of the entire DioGe5e, especially, In dlrectlng pastoral activity, in
provlding for the administration of the diocese and in exerclslng Jurldleal power. It also includes
all who participate in the overall administration of the dlocesè, especially those who direct
dioGesan activities such as pastoral support. youth work, education, family ministy, liturgy, and
other faGets of the local Church's life.
The Trustee Board delegates oversight of the Diocese's day to day financial, Pfoperty and
admlnlstratlon matters to the personnel within the Curia, Under the leadership of Archbishop
Martin, the commlttee structure of the Trustee Board was revised to provide greater oversight of
the areas of Finance, Bulldings and Property, and Personnel, The remuneration of key personnel
Is disclosed in the Financlal Statements, All employment matters and remuneration Issues are
overseen by the Trustee Board and reviews are undertaken periodically.
R18k Management
The Trustee Board, through the corporate governance framework identify and manage the rlsks
to which the charity is exposed.
The Trustee Board, aware of the various risks to which the Diocesan Trust Is exposed, p8rticular5y
those relating to the operation and finances of the Trust, has establlshed a comprehensive
planning process, together with established systems and procedures which enables them to
assess and address risks. They have published and promulgated Intern81 controls for use
throughout the Diocese, The implementation of these controls continues to be monitored and an
ongoing assessment is being undertaken to ensure that systems are in place to manage th8
exposure to major risks,

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
The main areas of risk identified and monltored by the Board Include:
Safeguarding
Compliance with Health & Safety, employment and other legislatlon
Reduction in active clergy numbers
Reduction in voluntary income
Increaslng costs for the care of sick and retired clergy
Reduction in reserves due to capital projects and other long-term commitments
Compliance with data protection regulations.
Achievements and performan¢e
The territory covered by the Diocese of Dromore has a total population of approximately 190,000
people of whom approxlmately g0,OQO are Catholics, The Diocese con51Sts of ￿enty-1￿0
parlshes, clustered Into five pastoral areas. Each pastoral area consists of a number of adjolnlng
parlshes unlted In the interests of promoting and realizing the objects and the mlsslon of the
Dlocese of Dromore wlthin their local communities.
Proclamatlon of the Gospel and Worshlp of God
Within the Diocese, religion is advanced through the provision of places of worship, the facllilation
of religious practice, and in particular the community celebratlons of Mass. In rnost parishes, there
is a public ￿lebratiOn of Mass every day., and on every weekend there ar8 several community
Masses celebrated in each parish over Saturday evenlng and Sunday morning. All such
celebrations are open to the public without any restrictions on attendance. In some parishes,
where there is a declinin9 number of Clergy avallable, other forms of worship have been
Introduced such as Liturgies of the Word and Eucharlstic Adoration, led by members of rellgious
ommunities or lay personnel.
other activities of the Charrty in thls category Include th8 celebration of other religious ceremonies
(including baptisms, weddings and funerals), running programmes in relation to spiritual formation
and development, and encouraglng and supporting inter-church relationships. As many of the
places of worshlp wlthln the Diocese are listed and some contain significant religious works of art
and other artefacts which form part of our national heritage, these places are open to the general
public and provlde a publlc benefit to the whole community. They offer spaces for qulet reflectlon
and splrltual contemplatlon.
It is within the parish community that people experience what it Is to be a member of the Cathollc
Church. It is in this context that faith is nurtured and given expression. Hence parlshes provlde,
In various ways, for the moral and spiritual wellbeing of all parishioners. Oppjrtunlty Is given for
practical manifest8tions of faith in various pastoral, social and educational actlvlties many of whlch
rely wholly on the voluntary involvement of parishioners. In the last year for whlch statlstlcs are
currently available (2023}, there were 1,310 Baptisms (2022: 1,306). 1,426 children made thelr
Flrst Holy Communion (2022: 1,418) and 1,579 young people recelved the Sacrament of
Confirmation (2022. 1,473). A total of 280 marriages (2022.. 297) were offlclated in the same
period.

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee {continued)
As well as pastoral care and the provision of the sacraments fo the members of parish
communities, the Diocese offers chaplaincy services to those who cannot be part of a regular
parish community. A Hospital Chaplaincy service is provided to Craigavon Area Hospltal, while
other clergy and lay pastoral visitors regularly visit other hospitals and nurslng homes in the area
frequented by members of the Diocese.
Each year, priests and people of Dromore joumey to anclent pllgrlmage sltes within the dloce88
and beyond. The annual Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes and the pllgrimage to Knock have
resumed following the interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the challenging
years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pilgrimage dlrector and committees have been re-vitalising
the annual pilgrimage with a view to returning to the treasured Practice of bring sick and assisted
pilgrims to the shrlne In France.
By the start of 2023, parish life was returning to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic. While
parishes continued to be cautlous (taking cognisance of the elderly members of Congregations),
there was a welcome return to ctturches and to the celebration of the sacraTnents throughout this
year,
Provislon of clorgy and pastoral personnel
Central to parlsh life is the relationship between the priests, deacons and people. Clergy are not
employees of the Diocese. However, In Canon Law the care and welfare of incardinated priests
of the Diocese Is mandatory and is, therefore, part of the Charity's on-going commitments.
For the maln part, prlests mlnlsterlng In parishes organise, animate and motivate the I￿al faith
communStles. They constantly strive to be witnesses of hope and authentic shepherds for their
people. At the end of 2023 there were 14 diocesan priests active in the Diocese. The provision of
dedicated, well-quallfied and competent clergy to serve in parishes and other ministries remains
a priority for the Diocese. Through means of regular conferences, retreats, courses. workshops
and sabbaticals the priests ofthe Diocese are kept informed and provided with guldance In regard
to current issues and developments in all aspects of ministry and mission. A key to sustalnlng the
advancement ofthe Catholic religion is the promotion and support of vocatlons to the Prlesth¢)od.
The Vocations Director works closely with the local branches of St Joseph's Young Priests
Society, a national lay organisation forthe promotion and support ofcandldates for the prlesthood.
After several years when there were no students in formation for the priesthood, in September
2018 iwo candidates entered Ihe first year of their formation and one continues in formation in the
academic year 2022-23, bringing the current total of seminarlans for the years concerned to tsvo,
In recent years, the Diocese introduced the Permanent Dlaconate. The role of the Permanent
Deacon is to be a helper to the bishop and priests, to proclaim by his life the Church's call to serve
the needs of others, to proclaim the Gospel message, to Ilve a life of fidelity to Christ and the
Church and to lead the community in buildlng a Klngdom of grace, faith, justice and compassion.
The Diocese completed a cycle of discernment and tralning in January 2022. Five candidat8S
were selected to begin their formation In 2022 and four of thes8 continued their preparation in
2023.

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (contlnued)
The important role played by the many volunteers who are active in their parishes cannot be
overstated, and thelr contrlbutlon is vltal to enabling the Diocese to continue to fulfil and develop
its stated objectlves. Volunteers give generously of time and energy, serving in varlous mlnlstrles
as part of the worshlpplng community and also caring for and visiting the sick, the housebound
and those on the marglns of our society. They play a significant role in helping to maintaln parlsh
propertles and asslstlng in financial and other administrative duties such as through membership
of parish and diocesan pastoral, finance and safeguarding committees, Such volunteè.rs are often
th6 lifeblood ofthéir communities. It is not possible to quantify the number and range of voluntèers
active throughout the Diocese, nor is it possible to put a financial value on thelr involvement.
A5though the Charity relies on the donations from parishioners for Its fundlng, access to religious
services is never restricted on the grounds of ability to pay. In additlon, members of the Catholic
communlty are encouraged, as a consequence of their faith commitment, to contribute towards
creating a better society by becoming active promoters of the Common Good within their local
area through membership of other charities, local socletles and community groups and by
volunteering in 811 sorts of ways to benefit society in general.
Besides the work accomplished at parish level, the Curla {the central administration of the
Diocese) coordinates and carries out a number of essenlial functions necessary to the
advancement of the Calhollc religlon at local, national and international level. In order to do 50,
the Curla operates through a range of dlocésan commissions, committees and through various
personnel charged wlth spe¢lfic responsiblllties.
The Diocese continues to foster close relationships with other Christian churches and to
participate in important ecumenical activities, included the Week of Prayer for Chrlstlan Unlty and
the Irish Inter Church meeting which takes place annually in the Diocese. At clergy conference8,
held on at least a quarterly basis, significant liturgical moments are prepared for and dlseussed.
The general well-being and care of clergy in a￿1ve ministry is coordlnated by the Diocesan Curla.
Priests, stipends and re18ted matters are overseen and regulated by a Clergy Remuneration
Committee. Equally important is the welfare of priests who are slck or retired. Thelr welfare is thè
responsibility of a committee that adrninisters the Clerlcal Provldent Fund.
The Diocese continues to engage with men and women who wish to undertake dlscemment In
regard to vocations to the priesthood, the permanent dlaconate and the religious and consecrated
life. The Diocesan Vocations Director, along wlth the Diocesan Vocations Commission,
coordlnates this essential mission mostly through the means of discernment groups, prayer vigils,
discernment retreats and chaplaincy work In the post-primary schools of the Diocese.
The objectives of the Charity are greatly supported, and the life of Ihe Diocese Is enriched, by the
ontribution made by the many members of Religious Institutions, Secular Institutions andlor
Societles of Apostollc Life servlng In the Dlocese, The Diocese of Dromore expres5es its sincere
gratitude to these men and women of falth for their ministries of generous service and sacrifice

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
Support for famllles
Family Ministry within the Diocese is dedlcated to strengthening marriage and fam115es by
coordinating programmes and ministries that have faith as their foundats'on and Chrlst as their
goal. By responding to the needs of today's families, as they strive to live in a very challenglng
culture and a rapidly changing world, Family Ministry serves as a resource for famllles, clergy and
parlsh communities. In collaboration with other groups, Famlly Ministry offers services and
practlcal resources to assist people, at all stages of1Sfe, In order to help them Éxperience more
fvlly the love and compassion of God in the ordinary events of Ilfe. Among the various servicès
provided wlth the Diocese are: ACCORD Catholic Marriage Care Servicè, Marriage Encounter,
Engagéd Encounter, Familles Flrst (Parentlng Skllls).
Since the ending of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, various pastoral groups have been
resuming in-pgrson pastoral activities, home visitation and gatherings which had been curtailed.
A digital presence has continued for those who are vulnerable and most parishes which had
developed an online liturgical presence and spiritual support activities have maintained these
resources which were highly valued by vulnerable members,
The Universal Synodal Procgss within the Diocese
The dlocese continues to be involved in the universal synodal process with the steerlng commlttee
overseeing meetings and discussions in 2022 and 2023 that fed into preparations for the flrst
stage of the Unlversal Synod held in Rome in October 2023. The Dromore Diocesan Synod Core
Group organised local and dlocesan-wlde consultation leading to a Diocesan Synopsis submitted
to the National Synodal Team In 2022. A Dlocesan Synodal gathering took place in January 2023
to which the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland was invited. In late 2023 this was followed up by the
establishment of a Diocesan Pastoral Councll pilot team which accepted the challenge of bringing
alive a vision for the Diocese going forward, namely.. We will have vital and vibrant parish
communities that are sustainable for future generations. Four particular areas have been
identified for ongoing action pSanning.' Pastora1 Care of the Clergy; Communications- Faith
Development resources., Effective pastoral and administrative structures to support the mission
of the Diocese.

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
Provislon of educatlonali pastoral and youth mlnlstrles
Catholic schools wlthin the Dlocese
A key aspect of the contribution of the Dlocese to the local community is the lar9e network of
Catholic Schools. There are nine nursery schools, thirty-s8v8n primary schools and ￿e1ve post-
prlmary sc.hools In the Dlocese with a total 8nrolment ofapproximately 22.,000 pupils. The Dlocese
partlclpates In celebratlng this contrlbution in Catholic Schools Week, an event held throughout
Ireland in JanuarylFebruary of each year.
The Diocese of Dromore remains fvlly committed, through its Catholic Schools, to malntalning,
by way of a holistlc méthodology, the highest standards in learning and thus continulng to offer
academic excellence and faith-filled education to all youn9 people. Many non-catholic parents
choose to educate their children in Catholic Schools, not least, because of the excellent education
on offer but also the identifiable ethos of trust, mutual respect and recognltlon of responsibility to
those in need.
The Diocese offered support to school communities as they struggled wlth the impact of closure
and the difficulties of distance learning. From the inablllty to make pastoral visits to schools to the
interruption of the public celebration of key mments the lives ofthe children (e.g. the sacramentsl
celebrations of First Communion and Confirmation), the pandemic had a significant impact on
young people and their spiritual development whlch Is still hard to quantify. Parish communities
are to be praised for the provision of alternatlve arrangements for these key events under greatly
restrlctlve clrcumstances.
A new dlocesan advlsory team was established working closely with partners in the Archdlocese
of Armagh to share best practice, resources and ideas to support religious educallon and the
ethos of Catholic schools. Celebrdtions to mark Catholic schoo15 week took place In January
which were well attended by local schools at both primary and p05t-primary level.
Schools Singing Programme
2022-2023 saw the roll•OUt of a pilot project to encourage young people to enjoy the benefits of
singing as part of their curriculum, while growing in their understandlng of faith and liturgy. Partly
funded by a UKcharity, the project united 600 children from schools In the Archdiocese of Armagh
and the Diocese of Dromore. The children benefited from free weekly, professional singing tuition
aimed at raising pupil self.esteem as well as provldlng opportunities for school staff to develop
leadership skills in whole-class and group singing.
10

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
Youth Mlnlstry
The Dromore Youth Commission develops faith services to young people across the Diocese.
Developing and nurturing leadership skills is a key facet of its work, as the leaders of tomorrow
are to be found in the ranks of today's young people. Parental participatlon and contribution Is
encouraged as drawing the family into this youth work, draws them closer to God. The
organlsatlon of thls ministry is led by the Diocesan Youth Dlrpctor who roordinates over 75
volunteers across the Diocese. Volunteers undergo approprlate safeguarding vetting and training
to prepare them for ministry, as well as speclalist preparatlon for particular programmes hosted
by the Commlsslon. The Diocesan Youth Dlrector maintalns actlve engag8ment with the schools
of the Diocese to support thelr work In the spirttual development of pupils, The Diocesan Youth
Commission malntalns actlve collaboratlon with other agencies such as the Education Authority
Youth Service, YouthLink and other community youth initiatives at regional and national level.
In partnership with the Archdiocese of Armagh, a group of young leaders attended World Youth
Day in Portugal in July 2023 and a parallel "World Youth Day at Home" was organised for those
who were unable to travel abroad. This included pilgrimage to Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick
In Co Mayo, A successful initiallve IVAKS> to provide 42 young volunteers to asslst at Knock
Shrine was highly valued by the participants in terms of growing in faith, personal confidence and
leadership skills. Summer camps in NewGastle, Co Down, attracted 70 young people and
facilitated the training of young leader5. 42 parents and grandparents travelled for a ￿0-daY
resldential experience at Knock Shrine to discuss support for young people and to develop
parentlng skllls.
Key programmes offered by the Youth Commission are. Growing in Faith Together, (GIFT)
offered to puplls after receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Pope John Paul 11 Award
offered to school-leavers. The activities of the Youth Commission have resumed in 2023,
including the participation of students in the Pope John Paul11 Award.
Safeguardlng
The Diocese is committed morally and legally to upholding the rights of children, young peoplè
and vulnerable adults. The Diocesan Safeguarding Office continues to co-ordlnate and build upon
the existing good work of safeguarding throughout the difficult circumstances of recent years. The
Diocesan Safeguarding Office was led by Mrs Patrlcia Carvllle (Dlrector of Safeguarding and
Diocesan Liaison Person) who retired from post In January 2024 after 15 years of service. She
has been replaced by Mr Stephen Sherry. Safeguardlng Informatlon Is readily accessible through
the Dlocesan website.
The role of the Safeguarding Office is to develop and oversee the Implementation of safeguarding
practices for the Dlocese, for both chlld protection and adult safeguarding, and to liaise with the
statutory agencles In felation to the management of cases and the development of best praclice.
All the safèguardlng personnel in the Diocese work to a Code of Practice in line with the National
Board for Safeguarding Children In the Cathollc Church in Ireland {NBSCCCI) Standards and
Guldance Document. Following the Impact of the p8ndemlc in previous years, there has been
concerted effort on the implementation of a development plan written to ensure that parishes were
compliant with the Standards for Safeguarding. This acts'on was successfully implemented during
2023.
11

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
The Diocesan Safeguarding Committee meets regularly to review and support the work of the
Safeguarding Office and is accountable to the Apostolic Administrator. The Diocese has opted to
use, as its Advisory Panel, the National Case Management Committee of the Natlonal Board for
Safeguarding Children {based in Maynooth) because of the expertise of the group and the fact
that they were independentofthe Diocese and objective in their perspective.. the D5ocesan Llalson
Person meets with them ￿1c& each year to discuss case managemenL
Much has been achieved, particularly, by havin9 so many dedlcated people provlding exemplary
support. It is important to note that the Diocese of Dromore safeguarding parish structures
comprise of Local S8feguarding Councils made up of representatlves who themselves are vetted
and trained. These dedicated volunteers continue to maintain a unlque and robust safeguarding
structure designed to ensure that best practice is drlven and rnalntained at parish level where
children, young people and vulnerable adults partlclpate in parish activities.
In 2023 the arrangements for Safeguarding In the Diocésè of Dromore were Independently
reviewed by the National 8oard for Safeguardlng Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland. The
Review Report is available on the diocesan website and shows that the Diocese of Dromore Is
abldlng fully with best practice in safeguardlng standards.
In 2021, the dlocesan authorities and its legal advisors devised and Inltlated a Redress Scheme
for survivors and victims of child sexual abuse perpetrated by members of the clergy and other
representatives acting under the authority of the Diocese of Dromore. The scheme was Inltlally
scheduled to run for ￿0 years, but during 2023 the Diocese agreed to extend the scheme for a
further six months to March 2024, Over 40 applications have been made to the scheme with the
vast majority proceeding to resolution. A full report will be Issued following the completion of the
scheme.
It 15 vltally important that the Diocese has the necessary human and financial resources going
forward for Safeguarding best practice and for respondlng, vla counselling, support and just
compensation and redress to those who have been abused. Being conscious that remaining
dlocesan funds are limited, the Dlrectors of the Dromore Diocesan Trust have conducted a review
to Identlfy any diocesan assets that could be sold in order to meet existing and ongoing
safeguardlng responsibilities. Followlng an extensive feasibility study during 2023, the Trust has
Identlfied lands at Armagh Road, Newry, whlch it proposes to sell in order to finance the liabilities
of the Dlocese. These lands, adjacent to. and Including the existing Bishop's House, are in the
ownershlp of the Dlocese of Dromore. Given their proximity to the amenities of Newry City Centre
and to varlous educatlonal and retall facillties, it is understood that sections of the land would
Ilkely be very sultable for resldential development in order to help meet the identified social and
prlvate houslng need In the Newry area,
12

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
Provlslon and malntenance of places of worshlp
Churches play a centr81 role in the spiritual life of Parishioners and along with parochlal houses
and other associated parish buildings they are often significant landmarks within the wlder local
community. Public benefit is provided through the provision of sale and worthy places of worship
and assembly for not only the Catholic community but for those who wish to make use of them
for personal or spiritual contemplation. Many ol the Churches and assoclated bulldings afe listed
as being of special or historical architectural interest. The proper care of these buildings can be
onerous but they are essential for the on-going realisation of the prlncipal object of the Charity,
the advancement of the Catholic religion.
Church Buildings and their contents amount for approxlmately 7SOk of the tangible fixed assets
on the balance sheet of the Drornore Dlocesan Trust (see page 26 and note 13). These churches
are held by the Dromore Dlocesan Trustee In trust for each parish in which the churches are
located.
General malntenance, mlnor and major schemes of renewal and projects of construction in regard
to church bulldlngs and propertles often require major outlays which are essential If these
important structures, which form part of our national heritage, are to be maintalned not lust for
present use but for future generations. The management of this responsibility is on-golng and Is
carefully regulated and professionally monitored so that legitimate requests for new works,
renovations and adaptatlons can be readlly assessed and progressed.
The Dlocese ha5 In place insurance cover in respect of all Its bulldlngs so that public access
should not be unduly restricted by laGk of funds to repalr or restore buildings harmed as a result
of acGidental or other damage.
Renovatlons to the exterior of the sanctuary of Newry Cathedral were carried out in 2022-23. This
work to Ilmlt Ingress of water and marked the commencement of phased series of renovations to
the Cathedral In comlng years.
Fundralslng
The Trust receives a large proportion of its income from donations, bequests and legacles from
its supporters who are generally parishioners or those who have close connectlons to the Church.
Without this valuable support the Trust would not be able to carry out most of its mission. The
Trust is mindful of its duty of care to those who support it including vulnerable people, and
therefore ensures that fundraising is done in a responsible and caring manner, always bearing In
mind that the people themselves are integral to the Church. The Trust does not require its
parishioners to donate in order to share in the generous resources thal God has provided for thelr
use, It rather encourages a Culture of giving where this is posslble and ther8fore places no
pressure on its donors to glve more than is affordable. Our aim Is to look after our parishioners
and continue to engage with them in interesting, informative and innovative ways. We continue to
strive to reach out to new potentlal donors and diversify revenue streams.
The closure of churches for public worship durlng the COVID-19 pandemic and the restriclions
on capacity for worship in those years had a serious Impact on the ability of parishes to raise
funds. Efforts were made to engage parishioners with onllne donatlons and standing orders. The
Diocese was able to make an insurance claim on behalf of parishes for Business Interruption.
These claims were resolved to the sum of £662,000 for 2020 and £465.000 for 2021.
13

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
Ald to Impovèrlshed and needy communltl88 worldwlde
Trocaire is the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church In Ireland. It was
established by the Irish Bishops, Conference in 1973 as a means through which people contrlbute
to overseas emergency relief and development aid pro9rammes. Its dua1 mandate Is to support
the mostvulnerable people in the developing world while, also, raising awareness of In]ustlce and
global povety. The f&liocese of Drornore, despite its small size, is a slgniflcant contributor to the
charitable work of Trocaire, and in 2023 contributed over £169,260 (wlth additional funds sent
directly by parishioners to Trocaire),
Management of Re8ourc88
Dromore Diocesan Trust is governed by the Diocese of Dromore Trustee through its Board of
Directors. The Directors meet regularly throughout the year to attend to the financi81, propety,
building, legal and administrative affairs of the Dlocese.
There are six {2022.' eight) directors of the Dlocese of Dromore Trustee. The Archbishop is Chalr
of the Trust Board. The Vlcar General Is ex officio member of the Board. There are three lay and
three priest members of the Trustee Board chosen by the Archbishop for their integrity,
experience and expertise.
The Secretary for the Trustee Board, appointed by the Archbishop, Is the Diocesan Flnancial
Administrator.
The Trustee Board has instituted a number of Gommittees to assist and advise it in the proper
performance of its duties, including the Diocesan Building and Property Committee, The Diocesan
Finance Committee and the Diocesan Personnel Committee.
The Building and Propety Cornmlttee provides overslght and makes recommendations in relation
to the area of building and property development and considers all capital expenditure budget
requests. This includes acquisitions, disposals, lettlng, leasing, licensing and any other form of
alienation which alters the value of a property. The Committee meets on a bNo-monthly basis and
the Chair of thls Committee reports Its dellbératlons and makes recommendations to the Trustee
Board.
The Dlocesan Flnance Commlttee provldes oversight and makes recommendations in relation to
the area of flnance wlthln the Dlocese and parishes as set out in the Administrative and Financial
Guidellnes. Th5s Includes strateglc planning, fundraising, audit and reporting requirements,
controls, Investments, budgets etc. The Committee also meets on a b￿￿MonthlY basis and the
Chalr of thls Commlttee reports Its deliberations and makes recomrnendations to the Trustee
Board.
The Personnel Commlttee makes strategic recommendations on behalf of and to the Trust Board
In relation to the area of parlsh and Diocesan personnel and human resource management. The
Commlttee meets on a ￿0-MonthlY basls to consider all issues relating to personnel, employment
and remuneration. The Chalr of this Committee reports directly to the Trustee Board.
14

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
Revlew of Flnanclal Performance
Thè detailed flnanclal results for the year ended 31 December 2023 are set out in the financial
statements th8t accompany thls report_
The table b81ow sun)marises the financial activities of the Diocese..,,
2023
£'ooo
2022
£'ooo
Parishes
Income
Expenditure
4,282
(3,697)
3,835
(2,980)
Net income before assessm8nt and transfers
Diocesan Assessment and other transfers
Investment property revaluation
585
1756)
712
855
(1.338)
Increase l (decrease) in reserves
Curla
Income
Expendlture
Diocesan assessment and other transfers
541
(483)
288
(877)
756
625
(3,836)
1,338
Surplus l (deficit) before investment gains
Net gain l (loss) on investments
167
(1,8731
(1161
103
Investment propety revaluation
1,936
Increase l (decrease) in reserves
2,206
(1,989)
Total Incroase l {docroa$el In parish and Curia reserves
2,747
(2,472)
Complete detalls ofthe Income and expendlture are shown In the statement of financial activities
on page 25 and in the notes to the accounts.
Revlew of transactlons and flnanclal posltlon ol the Charlty
The principal funding source for parishes has continued to be donations from parishioners through
the Sunday offertory and other donations which have been used primarily to fund the costs of
pastoral activity, maintenance of buildings and administration in the particular parishes in which
the donations were received. This source of income is 79% of the parish total. This Increased
from £2.6m in 2022 to £3.4m in 2023.
Total Curia income decreased from £0.6m in 2022 to £0.29m in 2023. Total expenditure
decreased from £3.8m in 2022 to £0.88m in 2023.
15

Dromore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (Gontinued)
The reserves of the Charity at 31 December 2023 total £28.5m (2022.. £25.7m) and of this total
£29m relate solely to the assets and activitles of 5ndividual parishes and are not available for the
non-parish general purposes of the Charity. Curla total reserves are in deficit (£0,5m) at the year-
end. The Curia has a negative unrestricted reserves balance which has arisen due to Ihe provision
for liabilities and charges, The Trust regularly réviews its potential liabilities in relation to
safeguarding issues. As these have grown in recent years, resulting trom an increase in the
number of clalms brought against the Dlocese, the curial unrestricted reserves havo moved
further Into deficit.
The Trust conslders the resolution of safeguarding issues as of highest priority and Is actlvely
commltted to seeking a resolution that brings some level of closure and restitution to the vlctlms.
The Trust regularly revlews Its potential liabilities and lists them on the balance sheet. It has also
engaged In a process of identifying assets that can be realised to meet those liabillties. The Trust
recognises that, the in line with ils fixed assets policy, the carrying value of Its fixed assets on the
balance sheet is stated at cost less depreciation which is considerably less than the realisable
value of those assets. The Trustee Board have identified unrestricted assets that could be sold to
redress the nègative reserves balance (see report on Safeguarding on pages 11-121. The Trust
has determined that, once resolved, its future internal incomes and expendltures can be managed
in the medium term to accumulate sufficient assets to offset any remainlng deficit In these
reserves.
Investment Policy and Performance
The Trust Deed authorlses the Trustee to make and hold investments. The Trustee has appolnted
Davy Charities as Investment Managers. The managers have full discretion to inves( subject to
the parameters laid down by the Trustee. There is a regular review of informatlon from the
Investment Managers whlch monitors the performance of the portfolio and the Investment
strategy. Furth8r detalls are set out al note 14.
At present the Diocesan Finance Committee Ilaises with the current Investment managers,
monitors the performance and reports to the Trust Board.
Under Charity Law the Trust Board must seek to obtaln the best financial return possible
consistent with commercial prudence.
Investment ObJectlve8
The Trustee Board has adopted investment objectlves that seek to protect and enhance the real
value of the Diocesan Assets over the long term whlle also achieving agreed rates of income
generation.
In fulfilling these objectives, the Trustee Board adheres to an ethical policy that precludes
investment in asset classes directly or mainly Involved In the manufacture andlor supply of goods
and services which are not accordance with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Environmental issues are also a factor with the Trustee Board seeking to invest in low carbon or
carbon neutral investments. In March 2020, the Trustee Board approved to divest from all
comp8nies directly involved in fossil fuels in the Dlocesan Trusvs Investment Portfolio,
The Diocesan Trust Investment Portfolio (£1.,105m) currently managed by Davy Investment
Managers is invested over the mediurn to long term wlth emphasis on current income with a low-
medium risk profile.
16

Domore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
Reserves Policy
The Trust recognises that its income arises primarily from voluntary donatlons and that
accordingly it is important to seek to carry adequate levels of reseryes to ensure its ablllty to meet
future expenditure commitments as they arise. Parishes are encouraged to maintaln adequate
short-term reserves to ensure that they can meet operating costs In the short-term and to bulld
longer-term reserves that will be available if 5ubstantlal commllments, such as bullding
refurbishment projects, arise in the future. The Diocese centrally alms to malntain adequ8t6 levels
of reserves to meet Diocesan operating costs in the short to medlum term and to provide for any
slgnificant expenditures and contingencies that may arise at future dates
Unrestrlcted funds are not all freely avallable, should the charlty need Immedlate access to
reserves. In order to ensure that the organisatlon has access to funds It is necessary to adjust
unrestricted resérves as recommended by SORP 2019 by excluding Fixed Assets as It would be
unllkely that the organisatlon would be able to liquidat6 the fixed assets in a timely manner, Our
reserves position is heavily impacted by our high asset base which includes Churches which the
Board have no intention of selling. The Trustee Board monitors our reseNes position and the cash
In bank balances on a regular basis to ensure there is no immediate risk to the Twst. The Charity
recogni5es that by excluding Fixed Assets it has a negative unrestricted reserves balance. The
Charlty has been impacted by an increase in its provision for liabilities this year. The Trust has a
strong Gash position at the year end 2023 of £3.6m which equates to twenty four months of
planned operating expenditure going forward, The Charity will Gontinue to monitor thls posltlon
and actlvely take steps to address this position by realislng assets and reducing costs. The
Charity's targeted policy Ss to maintain 6 months unrestrlcted expenditure as free reserves and it
will continue to work to achieve this position of Ilquidlty.
Flnanclal Management
With the pro-active involvernent of the Trust Committees, Diocesan resources are managed to
tightly control all costs in particular property and human resourceslemployment costs. The Trust
Committees pursue a policy of obtaining value for money and protection of Diocesan assets. The
management of the Trust propety buildings, with input from the Building and Property Committee,
is time consuming and costly. However, the resour￿ of propety is key to engaging with the
Charity's stakeholders and essential for the public benefit it provides.
The Personnel Committee focu5es on the costs of employments and compensatlng employees
falrly. The Finance Committee monitors general overheads, one-off expenditure and the financl81
Impllcations of the Building and Property Committee declslons as well as actlng as a sounding
board for all the Trustee Committees.
Targeted fundraislng Is employèd when major expendllure projects are being planned which
would otherwise put too much straln on exlstlng resources.
Future plan8
This brief overview reflects the work of the charity in the current year and also Indicates its on-
going commitment in regard to fulfilling the principal aims and objectives of the Charltable Trust
into the future.
The Diocese of Dromore wlll contlnue to build upon and develop the Initiatives and activities
outlined in the narrative above and so continue to fulfil the principal aims of the Charity. In addition,
primary focus of the Trustee is to secure the long-term financial stability of the Diocese, The
appointment of Archbishop Eamon Martin, as Apostolic Administrator, means that the Diocese
continues to manage the Issues facing the diocese. Periodically the Trustee undertakes a review
exercise in respect ofall aspects ofthe activities of the Charity through reports from Parish Priests,
Parish Administrators and thé various bodies whlch are constituent parts of the Diocese. The
Trust will continue to build upon the work undertaken to date and will continue to foster strategic
17

Domore Diocesan Trust
Report of the Trustee (continued)
stakeholder engagement,
In support of our work, excellent organisational governance wlll remain a priorlty focus, ensurlng
compliance and delivering required assurances to all our stskeholders.
The Ilnancial statements reflect a deficit in unrestricted curia reserves at the end of the year of
£3.1 m that has arisen from the increasing provision for claims made against the Diocese and the
cost of the Redress Scheme launched in September 2021. The Board of Directors of the Trustee
have met on numerous occasions since being informed of the increasing provision for claims. It
has taken advlce from legal and financial specialists and is implementing a plan of action, Firsiiy,
Trustee is reviewing the assets held within the curia to identify those asset¥ that can be realised
and gener8t& gains that will allow the unrestricted curia fund5 to settle the liabilities within the
provision as they fall due. It is expected that the provision will fall due over a number of year8,
Secondly it has been reviewing 811 assets to establish more clearly which are clearly restricted
and beyond the use of the Curla, Thirdly, it has commenced actions with assets that have been
identified with development potentlal and the Trustee has commenced discussions around the
process of increasing the asset value with a view to selllng these to developers. Finally, it is
exploring other avenues to raise funds that can ba utilised for the settlement of claims.
The Trustee is of the opinion that assels can be identified and work undertaken to increase thelr
value and these can be subsequently sold and gains achieved to allow the unrestricted curia
funds to settle the liabilities within the provisions as they fall dLJe.
Slgned on behalf of the Trustee on.. 31 October 2024
Most Reverend Eamon Martin, Apostolic Administrator
Reverend Feidhlimidh Magennis
18