IL CONSIGLIO PARROCCHIALE PER GLI AFFARI ECONOMICI NELLA VITA DELLA PARROCCHIA
THE ROLE OF THE PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL IN THE LIFE OF THE PARISH

Summary/Abstract: One of the main messages of the Second Vatican Council was to highlightthat members of the laity not only constitue and shape the Church but, even more importantly, have joint responsibility for it. The Church wants them towillingly respond to Christ’s calling which encourages them to take responsibility for the Church (see: Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation “Christifideleslaici”, 2-3). The Canon Law from 1983 mentions two advisory bodies which mayhelp the parish priest manage the parish. These are: the parish pastoral council(Canon 536 § 1) and the parish finance council (Canon 537).The aim of this article is to discuss the competencies of the parish finance council which is obligatory in each parish, according to the Canon 537of the Code of the Canon Law. This rule applies to every parish, both territorialand personal. The parish finance council does not have a legal identity, doesnot replace or cover for the parish priest in representing the parish, nor does itact on his behalf (Canon 532). It is an advisory body whose aim is to advise theparish priest on how to manage the assets of the parish. The duties and rulesof membership of the council should be defined both in the common law andin the particular law issued by the bishop of the diocese.

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