Finance Council

The Parish Finance Council is mandated by the universal law of the Church. The pastor must consult it regarding major matters related to the financial well-being of the parish. Its consultation is also required to expend parish resources over certain amounts. The finance council monitors the parish's compliance with diocesan financial guidelines and in general advises the pastor and pastoral staff on financial matters. It also assists in planning major fund-raising efforts and advises the pastor and parish staff in the oversight of parish grounds and buildings.

For the Parish Finance Council in Parishes of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, on December 8, 1994, the Bishop promulgated the Lay Ministries: Handbook for Parishes and Institutions. Within that resource, the following description is given of the work of the members of the Parish Finance Council:

• Assist the pastor in the preparation and presentation of an annual budget for both operating and capital expenditures.
• Assist the pastor in the integration of the budget mechanism with goal setting processes to ensure that financial resources and parish goals are compatible.
• Study parish revenue and make recommendations to the pastor for maintaining / increasing revenue.
• Assist the pastor in providing parishioners with periodic reports on the financial position of the parish.
• Advise the pastor in the development of a salary administration program for all employees of the parish.
• Review all contracts over $10,000.00 between the parish and outside parties before they are signed.
• Recommend to the pastor financial policies for the parish considering current policies issued by the diocesan finance and legal office.
• Review and recommend security procedures for handling money (e.g. counting, transporting, cash on hand, etc.).
• Provide consultation on the financial feasibility and projected resources to support planning project for the parish.

In addition, one must meet the following criteria for membership on the Parish Finance Council:

• Fully initiated Catholics (having received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) who are registered and active in parish life and are in good standing with the Church.
• Persons with an understanding of and commitment to the Church as expressed in the documents of the Second Vatican Council.
• Are skilled in one or more of the areas of finance, administration, and/or law.
• Skilled in group process, interpersonal communication, and collaboration.
• Committed to prayer, Gospel values, and growth in personal holiness.
• Knowledgeable about the life and teachings of Jesus, the mission of the Church, and the distinctive characteristics of the parish, its ministries and its people.
• Willing to participate in on-going faith formation.

The Saint Aidan Parish Finance Council is composed of the following members: