Advisory Boards

The Pastoral Council advises and assists the pastor in achieving the goals of the parish. This includes:

• developing and recommending parish policies
• striving to represent the needs and views of parishioners as a whole
• coordinating activities among the parish organizations
• performing other tasks to promote the mission and overall good of the parish

The Pastoral Council does not implement programs which are the responsibility of the parish staff or parish organizations, but instead addresses issues that fall outside their purview. Matters in which the Pastoral Council is involved include:

• assisting in social justice initiatives
• enhancing communication of parish activities and needs through a variety of outlets
• planning for parish celebrations (such as the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner)
• supporting supplemental youth ministry programs

The Pastoral Council consists of 15 members, five of whom are elected each year for three-year terms. It also includes the School Principal, the Director of Faith Formation, and the heads or representatives of the Sodality, Finance Council, Home and School Association, School Board, and CYO.

• Reviewing reports from the Archdiocesan accounting system on a regular basis.
• Ensuring the submission of the Annual Financial Report to the Archdiocese.
• Publishing the Annual Financial Statements for distribution to all parishioners.
• Reviewing and recommending periodically investment choices to the Pastor for interest- bearing checking, savings, mutual funds, CD’s and treasuries with regards to the needs of the parish both short and long term.
• Reviewing and recommending if necessary a plan to increase the church support through the Offertory and any other appropriate collections. Work with the Stewardship Council to implement any increased giving plan.
• Developing a plan for the financing of necessary repairs, renovations and purchase of equipment as needed. Implement a plan to accrue funds for asset replacements/repair in connection with life expectancy of equipment and assets.
• Developing a plan for systematic payment of any parish debt.
• Implementing all diocesan policies relative to financial matters including review that all federal, state and local tax laws are adhered to and appropriate forms submitted with payments if necessary.
• Maintaining awareness that the appropriate insurance coverage is in place for safeguarding the assets of the parish from loss or damage.
• Periodically providing the Pastoral Council with reports on the financial status of the parish.

The Finance Council meets four times per year.