Finance Council

Mission
The Parish Finance Council is established in accord with Canon 537 to advise the pastor in matters pertaining to parish finances.  The Finance Council assists the pastor in overseeing and planning the financial aspects of parish life with particular concern for good stewardship and proper use of the parish resources to spread the Gospel.

Responsibilities

1. Oversee the financial stewardship of the parish and recommend to the pastor appropriate action in the areas of finance and administration of materialities in accordance with Archdiocesan policies and procedures.
2. Oversee preparation and approval of the parish budget in consultation with the Pastoral Council.
3. Review on a periodic basis current parish finances in order to maintain the budget and make any necessary adjustments.
4. Report at least annually to the parishioners the financial status of the parish.
5. Assist the pastor in promoting stewardship and increased giving within the parish so that the financial needs of the parish will be adequately met.
6. Ensure the establishment and maintenance of a system of internal controls for the proper handling of funds.
7. Advise the pastor in matters of extraordinary administration.

Membership
The pastor appoints the members of the Finance Councilafter consultation with the current council and/or Pastoral Council.  Members are appointed for a three year period, renewable once.  At least two years must intervene before reappointment after two terms.  Terms are staggered to provide for minimal turnover each year.  Appointed members are to number between six and nine members.  The pastor, the associate and parish manager are ex officio, non-voting members.

Finance Council Member 2012-13

The Finance Council is consultative to the pastor.  While the pastor presides at all meetings, a chairperson is annually selected to conduct meetings.  Decisions are made by consensus.  Minutes of the meeting are to be kept in the permanent records of the parish with a copy submitted to the Archdiocese with the annual report.

1. The council meets at least four times a year.
2. The pastor is required to seek the prudent judgement of the council in the areas of parish administration especially in matters designated by the Code as "acts of extraordinary administration" which are actions that do not occur regularly or routinely, are of major importance, and are not covered within the meaning of "ordinary administration" (ie. payment of bills, routine purchasing, ongoing care of the facilities, items approved in the budget).
3. All acts of extraordinary administration require the pastor to consult with the Archbishop and to obtain his approval.  These include new construction, major renovation, expenditures of funds in excess of $50,000 (for parishes the size of St. Ann), fund drives/financial campaigns and all legal matters of whatever kind.
4. In all matters, the pastor and the Finance Council are subject to the norms of Canon Law, Archdiocesan Policies and the specific norms of the Archbishop.