One of the things that I have run into is the fact that every parish that I worked on had boxes and closets full of old but still usable items (Vestments, Chalices, censors, Candlesticks, Monstrances and I even found a Bishops Zuchetto. I know that someone at one time paid for these items as a memorial to a loved one. I thought it was a sin to allow these things to go to waste so I started a service to try to make a difference. I collect all of the items the parishes are not and will not be using and give them to parishes that will. All of the left over items that are not needed or wanted I send to Cuba, Africa, Mexico through my old Seminary friends that are now working with the poor. The items that are not in a condition that is appropiate for use will be destoyed and burried at the Catholic cemetery in St. Petersburg. I haven't had to do that yet but the avenue is reserved. I do all of this for free and do not personally get any money for the items. I try to keep track of where everything comes from so the receiving parish can respond back to the to the church that gave me the items if they want. ...This is my way of making a difference in the world.
So here is my request, would you look around your parish and see if there is anything that is not being used and allow me to give it to a parish that will use it? Would you ask your brother priest to do the same? If you or your brother priests need anything for your parishes, please feel free to call on me and I will do my best to locate an item that is available.
Thank you for this time and I would hope to hear from you soon.
Matthew C. Taft
5110 Carrollwood Meadows Drive
Tampa, Florida 33625
813/969-0097
TAFT8 @ AOL.COM