Parish Planning
Finance Council
By Bill Ringel
Oct 24, 2003, 12:28

The Council consists of six members, all of whom are appointed by the Pastoral Coordinator and serve for a period of three years. Council meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. Meetings are not open to other parishioners but they may direct questions to the Council either in writing or by contacting a Council member. All questions will be answered provided they do not involve disclosure of parish salaries or parishioner contributions. The Director of Parish Administration attends all meetings.

Currently, all Council positions are filled. However, future appointments will be made as needed by the Pastoral Coordinator. Parishioners who wish to serve on the Council should inform the Pastoral Coordinator. No special knowledge is required to serve; a parishioner who is responsible for payment of his or her household expenses could serve with little or no difficulty.

Prior to a Council meeting, members are supplied with a variety of financial reports upon which they may ask questions or offer comments. Other items on the agenda are also discussed.

Council's most challenging task is the preparation of the parish's financial budget which starts in January and must be submitted to the diocese by May 15. The budget must be balanced and can not anticipate any financial support from the diocese.

On August 15, Finance Council submits fiscal year parishioner statistical and financial reports to the diocese. A similar printed report together with Council's comments are submitted to parishioners, usually in mid-September.

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