"Go therefore and make disciples" Matthew 28:19
The work of both the Pastoral Council and Finance Council is informed and inspired by the vision of the Church itself, especially as set forth in the teaching of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The Pastoral and Finance Councils are closely related to one another, yet are distinct bodies “by virtue of their distinct purposes, their distinct responsibilities, and the distinct qualifications for membership on each” (Bishop John J. Paul, Pastoral Letter On Consultation in the Parish and Deanery, p. 21).
The Parish Finance Council, is “a consultative body that helps the Pastor to act justly and prudently in the administration of the parish’s temporal goods . . . The ways by which it fulfills its shared responsibility are: the spiritual enrichment of the members; formation of financial policies, including devising and regular monitoring of a parish budget, and of policies for the proper maintenance of the buildings and grounds of the parish; long-range financial planning; preparation of an annual financial report; and attention to civil law pertaining to the administration of the temporal goods of the parish” (pp. 24-25). The Finance Council meets approximately six times per year. In order to assist the Parish Finance Council in fulfilling its responsibilities, there are ordinarily three working groups or permanent committees according to the particular needs of the parish: Budget Committee, Building and Grounds Committee, and Cemetery Committee. This list of committees is not exhaustive as other committees may be formed according to specific needs of the parish.