Parish Finance Council

Canon Law 537 introduces the Parish Finance Council as a mandated body having an advisory and consultative role with the pastor: “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 with due regard for the prescription of canon 532.”

The Finance Council works closely with the pastor, who is accountable to the diocesan bishop for the administration and stewardship of the temporal goods of the parish. The pastor, according to Canon Law, has among his responsibilities, the responsibility for parish financial and temporal management. The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body that assists the pastor in meeting these obligations. While the Parish Finance Council does not have decision making authority, consultation is at the heart of the decision-making process – sharing information, listening, contributing to the discussion, and promoting consensus.

In order to be effective in their responsibilities as members of the Parish Finance Council, members should have a love for the Church and its mission and develop a thorough understanding of the parish’s mission, goals, people and other resources. The members should have knowledge of diocesan statutes and policies regarding temporal issues and other financial matters. It is the pastor’s responsibility to give the members appropriate background and enrichment so they are able to carry out their duties.

Specifically, the Parish Finance Council’s purpose are as follows:

  1. Advice on matters pertaining to administration, the management of parish funds and banking arrangements.
  2. Prepare and review the parish annual budget and parish annual report.
  3. Formulate and communicate the Annual Financial Report to the parish community, as required by Canon 1287.2. Communication keeps parishioners informed of the parish’s condition, its priorities, its needs, and progress on previously announced initiatives.
  4. Regularly review periodic (at least quarterly) financial reports – balance sheet, income statements, comparisons to budget as well as prior year results and cash flow analysis.
  5. Consult on the construction or renovation of parish facilities, and rental agreements. The Finance Council assists the pastor in planning for repair, replacement, or service of property and equipment to ensure that the parish buildings and property are adequately maintained. Review maintenance and utility costs seeking to minimize costs through preventative maintenance, energy conservation, and the implementation of risk management programs and recommendations.
  6. Assess effectiveness of existing fund-raising programs and recommend new programs or changes to existing programs if revenues are insufficient. Support parish and diocesan stewardship programs.

Chairman: Msgr Mario Josefino Martinez
Head: Atty Ma Vilma Fabian
Properties Custodian: Clifford Calongin

Members: Rose Cadapan
Alex Cochon
Aurora Frias
Atty Manuel Jacela
Mona Lafradez
Ma. Elvira Ortega