The collection of parish membership contributions for January–March shows encouraging development. In the first quarter of 2026, contributions reached as much as €166,012—an increase of 27 percent compared to 2024.
This development is particularly significant given Finland’s economic situation. Household purchasing power is under pressure, and unemployment has increased in recent months. Despite this—or perhaps precisely because of it—more and more parishioners have wished to express their sense of belonging to the Church and its work in a concrete way.
The importance of membership contributions has been communicated in parishes and in Fides magazine already earlier, but since last December the communication has been further strengthened. The Bishop addressed the matter personally, and the message was clear: the Church needs the financial support of each of its members in order to sustain parish life, sacramental life, youth work, and assistance to those most in need.
The figures show that this message has reached the hearts of the faithful. A parish membership contribution is not merely a fee—it is a concrete act through which each person can help build the Church.
Thank you to all of you who have already responded.
Fides