The Parish Finance Council supports the Pastor in managing the temporal goods of the community.

Church Law or Canon Law establishes that every parish is required to have a Parish Finance Council. Cannon 537 says,

“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 cannon 532.”

The Parish Finance Council is an advisory body whose membership includes individuals with an expertise in management, business, civil law and/or finance. The Parish Finance Council does not have decision making authority, but shares information, generates discussion and promotes consensus. The pastor is ultimately responsible for all parish finances and he is the one who assembles this council. Six members are appointed to three-year terms. However, every year, two new members arrive and two leave, in order to maintain some continuity.

The main functions of the Parish Finance Council are:

• To provide guidance and counseling to the pastor, promoting the financial health of the parish

• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget

• Regularly review financial reports, assuring accountability

• Analyze the financial impact of the mission and ministry of the parish as established by the pastor.

• Assist the pastor in the planning for repairs, replacement and adequate maintenance of parish property. They consult on the construction, renovation, sale or purchase of parish facilities and/or equipment.

• Assist the pastor in assuring that the financial statements are presented or communicated to the parish community

Current Members of IHM Finance Council

Michael Vrazel (Chairperson)

Jackie Beverly

Emil Sacco

Tim Buckley

John Patrick Pignetti

Paul Kesler

School Advisory Council & Finance Council Liaison:

Pat Durrett

The Finance Council meets every two months.

There are parish employees who support the Parish Finance Council and are available to answer questions regarding programs, accounting, financial reporting and internal controls. These employees are:

Parochial Vicar

School Principal

School Administrative Director

Business Manager