The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body of laypersons mandated by Canon law to advise the Pastor in matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the Parish. As a good steward, the Pastor is expected to invite qualified parishioners to sit on the Parish Finance Council and share their expertise and advice.

“Each parish is to have a Finance Council which is regulated by universal law as well as by the norms established by the Diocesan Bishop; in the Council, the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the Pastor in the administration of the parish goods with due regard for the prescription of Canon 532” (CIC, 537).

The Pastor has authority from the Bishop and the universal law of the Church to decide and act on behalf of the Parish (CIC, 532). The Parish Finance Council is advisory to the Pastor and its decisions/recommendations are valid only when accepted and ratified by the Pastor. It is important, therefore, that the Pastor be central to the deliberations and the functioning of the Parish Finance Council. The relationship between the Council and the Pastor is one of support and cooperation.

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Parish Finance Council must be directed by the values of the Gospel and must follow good business practices with integrity.

Parish Finance Manual     Diocese of Bridgeport    January 2021