Parish Finance Council

Canon law mandates a Parish Finance Council in each parish to serve as the consultative body to advise and assist the pastor in controlling and overseeing the financial affairs of the parish and any schools, centers, or other operations affiliated with the parish (Canon 537).

The pastor is responsible for all financial aspects of the parish operations, but is expected to consult with the Parish Finance Council in establishing and reviewing annual operating budgets for the parish, school, and other parish operations and in setting the annual capital expenditures budget. The Parish Finance Council receives monthly expense and income reports from the parish and preschool to review and provide its insight and advice.

The Parish Finance Council is accountable to the pastor but if the advice of a Parish Finance Council is unanimous in any particular matter, that decision is expected to be given serious consideration. Members of the Parish Finance Council are appointed for terms by the pastor and may be active members of the parish or, as needed, may be recommended parishioners from surrounding communities. Parish Finance Council members represent the parish at large and no specific group within the parish community.

When possible, members should be skilled in business with expertise in management, finance, accounting, law, development, or related fields.

Membership to the Parish Finance Council is a process of discernment. The pastor confirms the appointment of members.