If there is one subject that priests do not like raising with their parishioners, it's money, according to the Bishop of Ferns, Dr Brendan Comiskey. Any awkwardness, however, has had to be put aside for the changeover to the euro in the new year.
A fear that the change could prompt a dramatic fall in revenue has prompted the diocese of Ferns to take the initiative with a campaign informing parishioners about the implications of the change, and explaining how contributions to church funds are spent.
By next Sunday every home in the diocese should have received a brochure, Think Euro - The Change is in your Parish!
The currency switch, says Dr Comiskey, provides an opportunity for the Catholic Church to look at the issue of money "with a fresh eye".
Until now, it has been the topic that priests most shy away from publicly addressing.
"The reasons for this are at least twofold. Some readily acknowledge their lack of skill in the area while almost all will tell you privately that they find the whole issue embarrassing and, I suspect, though it is not said, diminishing," says the bishop.
The brochure says support for the local church could be damaged by the changeover.
"It is fair to say that the £1 coin is the basic unit of currency in terms of all giving towards charities, but the new 1 euro coin will be worth only 79p."
Ireland, it adds, is the only EU member-state in which the euro will be worth less than the existing basic unit of currency.
"Many commentators have pointed out the risk of a 20 per cent reduction in funding of churches and charities.
"We know you don't want this to happen and in these few pages, we will try to explain to you what the various collections are for and appeal for your continued, very generous, support."
The brochure outlines in detail the purposes of the two types of collection held in the diocese, the weekly basket collection at Masses and the "Sunday envelope".
The initiative, says diocesan spokesman Father John Carroll, is intended to display transparency and accountability.
"The brochure not only expresses the gratitude of the local priest to his parishioners, it also encourages people to assess their levels of commitment to the parish and the diocese."