Parish Finance Council
The pastor represents the parish in accord with the norm of canon law; he is to see to it that the goods of the parish are administered in accord with the norms of canons 1281-1288.”
Canon 537 introduces the Parish Finance Council as a mandated body having an advisory and consultative role with the pastor. Canon 537 says,
“Each parish is to have a finance council which is regulated by universal law as well as by norms issued by the diocesan bishop; in this council the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the pastor in the administration of parish goods.”
Every parish therefore is required, both by adherence to the Code of Canon Law and diocesan regulation, to have a Parish Finance Council. To be effective, the Parish Finance Council should meet regularly with specific agendas and should have access to all the relevant financial information and policies of the parish.
The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body of lay persons established to advise the Pastor in matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the parish. The relationship between the Pastor and the council is one of support and collaboration. The authority of the Pastor is not diminished by the establishment of the Parish Finance Council.
Traditionally, the Parish Finance Council is comprised of individuals with financial backgrounds; Certified Public Accountants, auditors, Investment Advisors, bankers, bookkeepers and others with financial experience.
Please feel free to communicate with any member of the Council by clicking on the name of the member and an email will be sent to them in which you should received an answer within four working days.
