The role of the Finance Council is to advise the pastor in managing parish finances and operations, in areas such as accounting, budgeting, investing, capital improvements, insurance, legal and regulatory compliance, and financial reporting. The Finance Council is accountable to the pastor, who has ultimate responsibility for all decisions.

The American Martyrs Finance Council currently has 10 members. All members are parishioners with experience in finance and management, including specialization in accounting and law. The members are appointed by the pastor, serve for staggered three-year terms, and can be reappointed.

The council meets monthly. Attending every meeting along with Monsignor Barry are our parish Business Manager, Finance Director, and Stewardship Coordinator. Also attending are our School Principal and a member of the Parish Council Executive Committee.

One of the most important functions of the Finance Council is ensuring that accounting controls are in place and followed, such as segregation of duties, and these are periodically evaluated by self-audits. From time to time, the Council may engage independent auditors to review parish and/or school internal controls.

Every Catholic parish has a Finance Council. In fact, a Finance Council is the only parish organization mandated by Canon Law. In addition, Canon Law requires that Finance Council members do not have access to records about contributions of individual parishioners or other confidential information, and all matters discussed at meetings are held in confidence.

If you have questions about American Martyrs' finances or the work of the Finance Council, please contact Lynne Hook, the Finance Council chair.