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Parish Financial Council

Welcome to Parish Finance Council Page

“We are securing people’s blessings”

The Parish Finance Council (PFC) is a canonical and advisory body that assists the Parish Priest in the administration of parish temporal goods, including financial planning, budgeting, transparency, and accountability. It ensures that the Church’s resources are used wisely in accordance with Canon Law and Church mission.

Parish Finance Council (PFC)

Overview & Canonical Basis

1. Canonical Foundation

  • Canon 537 of the Code of Canon Law states:

    “In each parish there is to be 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 parish priest in the administration of parish goods…”

2. Purpose of the Parish Finance Council

  • Assist the Parish Priest in:

    • Planning the annual parish budget

    • Monitoring income and expenditures

    • Ensuring accountability and transparency

    • Overseeing fundraising projects and financial reports

    • Advising on property use, maintenance, and investments

    • Complying with diocesan financial policies

The PFC is distinct from the Parish Pastoral Council but collaborates with it, especially in planning and prioritizing pastoral needs.

3. Composition

Chaired by the Parish Priest, the PFC includes:

  • Finance Coordinator/Chairperson (layperson appointed or elected)

  • Secretary – records minutes and financial resolutions

  • Treasurer or Bookkeeper

  • Members with expertise in:

    • Accounting / Finance

    • Business Management

    • Law / Legal Matters

    • Engineering / Maintenance (for infrastructure decisions)

    • Fundraising / Stewardship

4. Meetings

  • Regular meetings: Quarterly or as needed

  • Must meet before and after major financial events (e.g., annual fiesta, construction, major donations)

  • Must review and approve the Annual Financial Report to be presented to:

    • The parish community

    • The Diocese

5. Duties and Responsibilities

  • Prepare, review, and monitor the parish budget

  • Ensure proper recording of tithes, collections, and donations

  • Supervise:

    • Construction or maintenance projects

    • Fund drives, raffles, and benefit activities

  • Ensure all expenses are:

    • Approved

    • Receipted

    • In line with parish priorities

  • Submit quarterly and annual financial reports to the diocese

  • Promote a culture of transparency and stewardship

6. Spiritual Character

  • Members must be of proven integrity, active faith, and known prudence.

  • They are not just technicians—they are stewards of God’s blessings.

  • Meetings begin and end with prayer and discernment.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Parish Finance Council (PFC)
Immaculate Conception Parish – Diocese of Tandag

 PREAMBLE

In accordance with the Code of Canon Law, particularly Canon 537, and recognizing the Christian obligation of transparency and stewardship, we, the Parish Priest and lay collaborators of Immaculate Conception Parish, establish this Parish Finance Council (PFC) to responsibly manage the temporal goods of the Church in service to its mission.

ARTICLE I – NAME

This body shall be known as the Parish Finance Council (PFC) of Immaculate Conception Parish.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The PFC shall:

  1. Advise and assist the Parish Priest in the administration of parish temporal goods.

  2. Prepare and monitor the annual parish budget.

  3. Ensure transparency and accountability in all financial matters.

  4. Provide guidance for:

    • Construction, maintenance, and repairs of parish property

    • Fundraising projects and financial campaigns

  5. Oversee the proper documentation, safekeeping, and use of funds and resources.

ARTICLE III – COMPOSITION

The PFC shall be composed of:

  • Parish Priest (Chairperson)

  • Finance Coordinator/Chairperson (appointed layperson)

  • Secretary – records minutes and financial actions

  • Treasurer or Bookkeeper – assists with records and reports

  • At least 3 lay members with financial, legal, or technical competence

Members must be baptized, active Catholics, of good moral standing, and known for prudence and integrity.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP AND TERM

  • Members are appointed by the Parish Priest in consultation with the Pastoral Council or elders.

  • Term of office is two years, renewable once.

  • A member may resign in writing or be removed for cause (e.g., misconduct, inactivity, breach of confidentiality).

 

ARTICLE V – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Parish Finance Council shall:

  1. Assist in the preparation, discussion, and approval of the annual parish budget.

  2. Monitor income and expenditures, ensuring responsible stewardship.

  3. Review and submit quarterly and annual financial reports to the Diocese.

  4. Examine project proposals, cost estimates, and contractor agreements.

  5. Ensure that canonical and diocesan guidelines on temporal goods are observed.

  6. Provide financial reports to the PPC and parish community.

  7. Maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters.

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS

  • The Council shall meet at least once every quarter, or as needed.

  • A simple majority of members shall constitute a quorum.

  • All meetings shall begin with prayer and a short reflection.

ARTICLE VII – DECISION MAKING

  • The PFC is a consultative body, and all decisions are subject to the approval of the Parish Priest.

  • Efforts shall be made to reach decisions through discernment and consensus.

ARTICLE VIII – ACCOUNTABILITY

  • All funds must be duly receipted, deposited, and recorded.

  • All disbursements shall have:

    • Proper documentation

    • Approval of the Parish Priest

    • Accompanied by vouchers or receipts

  • Annual financial reports shall be posted publicly and submitted to the Diocesan Finance Office.

ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS

This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the PFC, with the final approval of the Parish Priest and concurrence of diocesan authorities.

ARTICLE X – DISSOLUTION

The Parish Priest, in consultation with the Bishop or Diocesan Finance Office, may dissolve or restructure the Council when necessary for pastoral or canonical reasons.

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