The parish finance council is a consultative body of laypersons established to advise the pastor in matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the parish. The Code of Canon Law, as well as Diocesan Statutes, requires that every parish have a finance council. The applicable canon and statute are as follows:

The relationship between the pastor and the council is one of support and collaboration. The authority of the pastor, as defined in canon 532, which is to act and decide in behalf of the parish, is not lessened by the establishment of the parish finance council.

The 1983 Revised Code of Canon Law, which requires the creation of a parish finance council, clearly places in it the competence to assist the pastor in the administration of parish temporalities. The Code also allows the establishment of parish pastoral councils to assist the pastor in planning, coordinating, guiding and directing of all aspects of parish life (canon 536). The establishment of parish pastoral councils in every parish is mandated in the Diocese of Scranton. While the two councils are separate and each has a different and specific role in the life and operation of the parish, they must work together for the good of the parish.

Therefore, for the purpose of good planning, cooperation and accountability, the person chosen to be the chairperson of the parish finance council might be ex-officio a member of the parish pastoral council. He/she shall act as liaison between the two councils and shall provide the parish pastoral council regular and timely reports (at least three times a year) on the financial status of the parish and the work activity of the parish finance council.

In the ongoing relationship between the two councils, the premier role of the parish pastoral council must be recognized. It is the mission of the parish council to work in collaboration with the local pastor and his assistant priest(s) in unifying, planning, guiding, motivating and directing all aspects of parish life.

In fulfilling its responsibilities the parish finance council must be directed by the values of the Gospel as well as by good business practice. Efficient and effective use and management of parish resources must be measured as much by their contribution to parish mission and ministry as by commonly accepted business standards.

Membership:

A. The parish finance council shall be composed of the pastor as president and not fewer than three reputable and practicing members of the parish who are knowledgeable and skilled in financial matters and known for their prudent judgment. Members shall be by appointment of the pastor who should consult widely before making appointments to the parish finance council. If there is a parish pastoral council, he should also consult with the members of this council.

B. The pastor is the ex-officio president of the parish finance council.

C. The parish bookkeeper/business manager shall not be a member of the parish finance council. However, his/her attendance at council meetings may be helpful and at times required.

D. Members of the parish finance council may not be related to the pastor, nor to any assistant priests assigned to the parish. A deacon assigned to the parish may not be appointed to the council.

Members of the parish finance council shall serve a three-year term and may be appointed to additional terms.

E. The pastor presides at all meetings of the parish finance council and receives the council’s proposals.

F. There shall be a chairperson appointed by the pastor. The chairperson assists the pastor in coordinating the work of the council, in preparing for meetings and in implementing those proposals of the council which have been accepted and ratified by the pastor. The chairperson performs other such tasks as may be delegated to him, including, if the pastor so desires, chairing and conducting the regular meetings of the council. The chairperson is appointed for a term of one year. He may be re-appointed.

The parish finance council shall meet at least three times a year. Meetings and agenda shall be arranged by the chairperson in consultation and with the approval of the pastor. The pastor and members are expected to attend all meetings.

The pastor has authority from the bishop and the universal law of the church to decide and act on behalf of the parish (canon 532). The parish finance council is advisory to the pastor and its decisions/recommendations are valid only when accepted and ratified by the pastor. It is important, therefore, that the pastor be central to the deliberations and the functioning of the parish finance council. The relationship between the council and the pastor is supportive and by no means adversarial.

In order for the parish finance council to fulfill its mission, it must have access to such fiscal information which it shall need for its deliberation such as parish financial accounts and records including indebtedness and all monies on account. Such information must be received and given in a spirit of confidentiality and prudence.

If the pastor in good conscience believes he cannot accept the recommendations of the council, he shall fully and frankly communicate his reservations to the council’s membership.

Pastors and parish administrators are obliged to administer parish goods, according to the church law, as found in canons 1281-1288. The parish finance council assists the pastor in fulfilling the following responsibilities:

1. To assure that an annual budget for the parish and its school, if there is one, is properly prepared for review by the parish council.

2. To review, as needed, the implementation of the diocesan bookkeeping and accounting system for all parish finances.

3. To ensure that the Annual Financial Report is prepared and submitted to the Diocese.

4. To prepare and publish an Annual Financial Statement and Report for the parish council and the members of the parish community.

5. To develop procedures for the deposit of church funds in interest-bearing checking and saving accounts in accordance with Diocesan Statutes.

6. To evaluate and make recommendations regarding church support through the Sunday offertory and other fund-raising activities.

7. To develop a plan for the financing of necessary repairs, renovations, and equipment purchases.

8. To develop a plan for systematic payment of any parish debt.

9. To coordinate all fund-raising programs.

10. To provide the parish council with periodic reports (at least three times a year) on the financial status of the parish.

11. To meet all requirements of federal and state tax laws and maintain an accurate record of payment.

12. To submit to appropriate civil authorities tax exempt forms, as required by law, and to maintain records of same for all church-owned properties.

13. To safeguard the assets of the parish from loss or damage through appropriate review of insurance coverage.

14. To implement all diocesan policies relative to financial matters.