Divine Mercy Finance Council

Functions as a consultative body to the Pastor, and consists of selected professionals to advise the Pastor in four key areas: (1) preparation of the annual operating budget; (2) long term financial planning; (3) annual parish financial report, which is submitted to the Diocesan Bishop; and (4) annual and periodic financial reports to the faithful.

Council ensures that an adequate system of internal controls is in place to guide the parish in caring for and managing financial resources and temporal goods. The Parish Finance Council observes all policies and procedures outlined in the Parish Financial Management Handbook.

PRESIDENT	PASTOR Legal representative of Parish Appoints Finance Council Members from time to time as required Advises Council on upcoming activities with a financial impact to Parish or other extraordinary activities Reviews, and may participate, in the budget development process for the Parish Monitors budget & provides updates to Council to assist in their deliberations Brings budget expenditures to Council’s attention
CHAIR	APPOINTED BY PASTOR Member in good standing of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, and in union with the Catholic faith Typically serves a one-year term that many be extended if Chair and Pastor agree Assists Pastor by scheduling meetings of the Council Consults with Pastor to develop meeting agendas Prepares documents for Council review at meetings Assures that Council activities are properly recorded as Minutes and maintained by the Parish office
COUNCIL MEMBERS	APPOINTED BY PASTOR Member in good standing of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, and in union with the Catholic faith Typically serves a 3 – 5 year term Note: Terms are staggered to assure continuity & guidance for newer Members. Provides consultative guidance to Pastor on financial and budget issues May assist Chair in recording Minutes May take the lead on special projects from time to time
MEMBER SKILLS & TALENTS	Knowledge of: Financial documents & reports Budget development & monitoring Ability & Willingness to: Effectively communicate ideas Discuss complicated financial matters in a respectful manner with Pastor, other Council Members, and Parish Other responsibilities as delegated and accepted
SPECIAL SKILLS THAT MEMBERS MAY BRING TO COUNCIL	Business operations Facility maintenance Project management Risk management, loss control and insurance matters Legal implications of Parish activities