Introduction and General Norms For Finance Council

The pastor serves as the representative of the parish for all juridic affairs (canons 532, 1279, §1). This includes responsibility that temporal goods are acquired, administered, and sold according to the norm of law (canons 1282, 1284). In fulfilling his responsibilities, the pastor is accountable to the bishop (canon 1276).

Canon law requires that all parishes have a finance council to advise and assist the pastor in fulfilling his responsibilities (canons 537, 1280).

The purpose of the parish finance council is to advise and assist the pastor in the administration of the temporal goods of the parish. When votes are taken, members are not to vote unless fully informed about the matter in question.

The Finance Council meets quarterly.

Introduction and General Norms For Pastoral Council

The purpose of the Pastoral Council at Our Lady of Hope Church is to advise the pastor and parish staff regarding pastoral issues in the parish community. Pastoral issues in the community can be brought to the Pastoral Council by the pastor or by the Pastoral Council itself. It is understood that the role of the Pastoral Council is advisory, and the pastor has the “final say” on all issues. However, the pastor should work to understand the Pastoral Council’s reasoning for issues brought forth that demand action and the Pastoral Council should be enlightened by the pastor as to why he may or may not accept their advisement on a certain issue.

The Pastoral Council sees as its primary purpose the proclamation of the Gospel at Our Lady of Hope and works to ensure that the Gospel is shared in varied ways. The Pastoral Council must be prepared to assess adequately, under the leadership of the pastor, the needs of the parish community and its individual members. While the Pastoral Council will identify the needs of the parish, it will work diligently to ensure that the needs are met.

The Pastoral Council meets quarterly.