The Role of the Parish Finance Council

Canon law mandates that every parish have a Parish Finance Council, which is advisory to the Pastor. As a good steward, the Pastor is expected to invite qualified parishioners to sit on the Parish Finance Council and offer their expertise and advice.

Regular meetings of the Parish Finance Council cover a wide range of issues, such as:

• Support the Pastor to safeguard the assets of the parish.

• Oversee the preparation of budgets for approval.

• Monitor the financial performance and effectiveness of offertory collections and other fund-raising activities.

• Develop plans for the financing of repairs and renova- tions of property and purchase of equipment, as needed.

• Oversee implementation of all Diocesan policies on financial matters.

• Monitor procedures and controls to ensure that all requirements of federal and state tax laws are met and accurate records are maintained.

  With the help of the Parish Finance Council, the Pastor prepares and publishes an Annual Financial Report for distribution to the Parish Council and the members of the parish community.