Parish Finance Councils assist the pastor in the administration of parish temporal matters. These guidelines are designed to aid Pastors and Finance Council members in the effective functioning of a Parish Finance Council by supporting the pastor in his stewardship of parish resources while being accountable to the parish and the diocesan bishop. An active, well-formed Parish Finance Council is a key element for promoting the financial health of a parish, assuring accountability and assisting the pastor with his temporal responsibilities.

The Finance Council works closely with the pastor, who is accountable to the diocesan bishop for the administration and stewardship of the temporal goods of the parish. The pastor, according to Canon Law, has among his responsibilities, the responsibility for parish financial and temporal management. The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body that assists the pastor in meeting these obligations. While the Parish Finance Council does not have decision making authority, consultation is at the heart of the decision-making process – sharing information, listening, contributing to the discussion, and promoting consensus.

In order to be effective in their responsibilities as members of the Parish Finance Council,members should have a love for the Church and its mission and develop a thorough understanding of the parish’s mission, goals, people and other resources. The members should have knowledge of diocesan statutes and policies regarding temporal issues and other financial matters. It is the pastor’s responsibility to give the members appropriate background and enrichment so they are able to carry out their duties.

Members of Finance Council

Jill Anderson
Diana and Darek Marek
Chris Sarakaitis
Gus Siller