Diocese of Rochester
Parish Finance Council Policies & Guidelines

Canon 537 of the Code of Canon Law states: “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 accordance with c.532, “the pastor represents the parish in all juridic affairs in accord with the norms of canons 1281-1288.  The Finance Council is a mandated consultative body which advises pastors regarding stewardship of parish financial resources.  The council possesses a consultative voice in administering parish finances. 

Some areas in which the Finance Council provides counsel and assistance:

• Develop a long-range financial plan for funding operational and capital needs in the parish.
• Develop and oversee the process for determining and approving an annual parish budget.
• Provide analysis of current financial reports.
• Provide fiscal analysis for proposed goals, strategies and programs.