Dear Editor, The Sunday collection in aid of the famine-stricken countries of Africa was a very laudable action which had the potential to raise many millions.
However, the opportunity was somewhat wasted by the lack of preparation. Most Mass-goers only knew of the collection when it was announced at Mass on the day and they duly put their one pound coin in the small leather collection bag.
This collection should have been the subject of the homily the previous Sunday and Mass-goers encouraged to give until it hurt as the people of Africa are hurting.
Furthermore, I think that Christian Aid and other denominations could have been invited to join in a joint collection on the day. Perhaps it is not too late.
Yours etc.,
Joe McCann,
Belfast, Co. Antrim.