Parish Finance Council Canon Law

Parish Finance Councils (PFCs) are mandated by Canon Law (specifically, Canon 537) within the Roman Catholic Church to assist the pastor in the administration of parish goods. While the pastor bears the primary responsibility for overseeing the parish’s temporal affairs, the PFC provides crucial advice and support, promoting transparency and accountability.

Canon 537 states: “In each parish there is to be a finance council which is governed by universal law and by norms issued by the diocesan bishop; in this council the parishioners, selected according to the same norms, are to assist the pastor in the administration of the goods of the parish, without prejudice to the prescript of can. 532.” Canon 532 affirms the pastor’s role as the legal representative of the parish.

The key aspects of PFCs according to Canon Law and related norms are:

1. Mandatory Existence: Every parish is required to have a PFC. This underscores the importance the Church places on sound financial management.
2. Advisory Role: The PFC primarily provides advice and counsel to the pastor. While the pastor ultimately makes the decisions, he is expected to seriously consider the recommendations of the council. This fosters a collaborative approach to parish finances.
3. Membership and Selection: Members are to be selected according to norms established by the diocesan bishop, ensuring that qualified and dedicated parishioners serve on the council. Considerations often include expertise in finance, accounting, law, or business. Members are ideally practicing Catholics in good standing.
4. Scope of Responsibilities: The PFC’s responsibilities typically include: preparing the annual parish budget; reviewing financial statements; advising on major expenditures, including building projects and repairs; ensuring compliance with diocesan financial policies; and providing counsel on fundraising activities.
5. Diocesan Norms: The diocesan bishop has the authority to issue specific norms and guidelines for the operation of PFCs within the diocese. These norms may address matters such as membership requirements, term limits, reporting procedures, and the level of expenditure requiring PFC approval. This ensures consistency and accountability across all parishes within the diocese.

In essence, the PFC serves as a vital instrument in promoting good stewardship of parish resources. By involving qualified parishioners in the financial management process, the Church aims to build trust, foster transparency, and ensure that parish funds are used effectively to support the mission of the Church. Failing to establish and properly utilize a PFC can lead to financial mismanagement, mistrust within the parish community, and potential canonical repercussions for the pastor. The diligent operation of a PFC not only satisfies canonical requirements but also contributes significantly to the overall health and vitality of the parish.