August 24, 2005

Reverend and Dear Father,

             One of the most pressing responsibilities that I have given to the Episcopal Vicars is to ensure that there is an active, fully functioning finance council in every parish of the Diocese.  While it recognized that a finance council is a requirement of the Code of Canon Law and of Diocesan Statutes, it is equally important to understand that no parish self-study, no realistic planning for the Diocese can take place without the active involvement of finance councils in all of our parishes.

             I have asked the Episcopal Vicars to work with all pastors to ensure that a finance council is empaneled and empowered to do the important work of advising pastors as together they address the economic concerns of the parish.  To aid the Vicars and all pastors in the development and advancement of finance councils in this Diocese, I have issued the enclosed directives.  They are directives and should be treated as such.  The enclosed documents set forth the standards by which the Vicars will judge effectiveness of a parish’s finance council.

             Also enclosed is a brochure that will assist not only members of your finance council but other interested parishioners who may have questions regarding the finances of the Diocese.  There are many myths and many misunderstandings regarding diocesan finances.  It is my hope that the brochure will aid all those who have questions about money matters in the Diocese of Scranton to have a better understanding of fiscal realities.  The Episcopal Vicars will be able to obtain copies of the brochure for members of the finance council and other interested parishioners.  In addition, the text of the brochure is available on the website so that you can download it and copy it as often as you need.  

            Some pastors have expressed an interest in the role of business managers in the parish.  I have enclosed a job description which may be helpful should pastors wish to employ an individual to assist with parish operations.

             Finally, during the next few weeks the Vicars and representatives of the Finance Office will be scheduling meetings with pastors to discuss all of the enclosed materials.  We will not have successful planning and diocesan reorganization if we do not have active, fully engaged finance councils in all of our parishes.  This is a major goal; it is an objective that must be achieved at the outset.  I ask for your support and cooperation as together we make the establishment of a finance council a priority in every parish of the Diocese.

             With kind personal regards, I am,

                                           Sincerely yours in Christ,                                                                                                

                                                      Most Reverend Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist. E.D.
                                           Bishop of Scranton