In the book of Exodus there is a narrative which states that before Israel left Egypt they were given a command from Moses to collect goods from their Egyptian neighbours:
“Speak now in the hearing of the people that each man ask from his neighbor and each woman from her neighbor for articles of silver and articles of gold.”
Exodus 11:2
They may have thought these articles were for their benefit when they reached the Promised Land, but when they arrived at Mount Sinai, God had a surprise for them. The articles of Gold and Silver, and others, were to build a sanctuary so that God could dwell in their midst.
"Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
“Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution. Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.""
Exodus 25:1, 2, 8
The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom has a mission to support the poorer parishes in England and Wales. Many Ransomers, like the Israelites of old, have contributed funds to the Guild over the years enabling this support to continue annually. Every December the Guild distributes a large portion of the cash held in its accounts to every diocese in England and Wales. The grants are distributed by the Bishops to their poor parishes so that 'God can dwell in their midst'. Many times over the years we have received testimonies from priests stating that the grant received enabled their parish Church to stay open. It meant that the local Catholics were able to have a building in which to worship God, and that there was a place in a particular town or city where the Blessed Sacrament was reserved - God was able to dwell in their midst.
The attached chart shows the distribution of grants for December 2019.