THE ROLE OF THE FINANCE COUNCIL


It is the role of the parish finance council, not of the pastoral council, to advise the pastor in matters
pertaining to the financial affairs of the parish.  According to a memo from Bishop Donoghue to pastors,
December 14, 1988, however, the pastoral council “must review all aspects of parish life including finance.”

The memo further states, “The various commissions and other groups should submit their budgets to the
parish pastoral council for approval and recommendation and then to the parish finance council for
determination.  The pastoral council would not charge any commission budget but would review and
recommend.  The parish finance council would not be bound by the recommendation but would have to
give it weight.”

The memo provides that the “two councils would meet together for their final recommendation to the
pastor…” and that “…the parish finance council should consist of three members – one appointed by
the pastor and two by the parish council with the pastor’s approval.”