PREAMBLE:  STATEMENT OF MISSION AND VISION

As members of the Finance Council we plan for and monitor the financial health of our parish.  We recognize that our sources of income translate into financing the ministry of our parish.   We offer counsel and guidance on those issues which affect the financial well-being of our parish.


ARTICLE I – NAME

Section 1 - name
The name of this advisory body shall be:  St. Edward Finance Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council.


ARTICLE II  - PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

Section 1 - purpose
The Council shall assist the Pastor with all areas dealing with the financial health and well-being of the parish and school.

Section 2 - function
The Council shall organize and direct special help for funds to be raised for the parish.
 
Section 3 - function
The Council shall assist the Pastor with financial matters and parish investments. 

Section 4 - function
The Council shall assist the Pastor in proposing school tuition each year.

Section 5 - function
The Council will publish an end of the year report to parishioners in conjunction with the parish’s stewardship efforts.  It will also make an oral presentation at that time.

Section 6 - function
The Council will audit the parish accounts each year before the Diocesan report is signed.

Section 7 - function
The Council will review the newly created budgets for both the parish and the school.


ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 - number
The Council shall have no less than six selected members.

Section 2 - age
Each Council member must be twenty-five (25) years old and a registered, practicing Catholic parishioner of St. Edward Church.

Section 3 – vision and concern
Each Council member should have a vision and concern for the entire parish.

Section 4 – time commitment
Each Council member will show a willingness to make a time commitment to the work of the Council.

Section 4 – skills
Each Council member should have a knowledge or experience in business affairs.  They should have a sense of professionalism indicating that certain information is not for public knowledge.

Section 5 – length of term
The term of service on the Council will be three years.  The term begins in July and ends in June three years later.  Each year two members will be replaced.  They may be reappointed by the pastor at will.

Section 6 - resignations
All resignations from the Council should be submitted in writing at least one week in advance of the next meeting of the Council.

Section 7 - vacancy
A vacancy arising from death or resignation may be filled at will by the Pastor.

Section 8 – ex officio members
In addition to the six elected members, ex officio members of the Council will be:  the Bishop, the Pastor and the parish Business Manager.


ARTICLE IV – NOMINATIONS & SELECTION

Section 1 – nominations
Nominations will be taken from the Council members.  These should be placed in writing and given to the Pastor in April/May. 

Section 2 – selection
It will be the responsibility of the Pastor to select new Council members.
 

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS

Section 1 - frequency
Meetings of the Council will be held at least quarterly, but may meet more often depending on the circumstances of the parish & school.

Section 2 – attendance
The Council meetings are not ordinarily open to parishioners.  Council members may invite others to attend the meeting and make a report or provide additional information.

Section 3 – special meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Pastor when a matter affecting the general welfare of the parish and or school is in question.  A special meeting is permitted when the need exists, or the changing laws of the diocese make it necessary.

Section 4 - All Councils Meeting
On occasion the Council will meet in conjunction with the Board of Total Catholic Education and the Parish Council.  This All Councils meeting will facilitate communication between the Board and Councils and the sharing of information and planning for future events.  It should occur at least once a year.  The Pastor will preside over the All Councils meeting.


ARTICLE VI – DECISION MAKING & CONSENSUS

Section 1 - consensus building
Participating in the Council’s decision making process through consensus,
calls for a definite procedure for Council members.
a)  A thorough investigation of all facets of the issue should be undertaken individually or by a committee.
b)  With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, every effort should be made to achieve a deep understanding of the issue, using whatever talents and expertise are available  within the Council.
c)  Full participation by Council members – open forum discussions of the issue should then take place; each member should be invited to express reasons why he or she takes a given position.
d)  The collective opinion, or consensus, should then be called for and provided.
e)  When Council members work with the consensus model, they must provide concrete reasons why they agree or disagree with a proposed action.

Section 2 - role of the individual Council member
a)  Analyze his/her own position as thoroughly as possible before the meeting, realizing that the task is incomplete until the missing pieces are supplies by other members of the Council.  Each person has a part of the truth.  To accomplish this well, one should have the agenda and proposal under study several days prior to the meeting.
b)  Recognize an obligation to express his/her own opinion and explain it fully so that other members will have the benefit of all members’ thinking.
c)  Recognize an obligation to listen to the opinions and feelings of other members and to be ready to modify his/her position on the basis of logic, understanding and sensitivity.
d)  Avoid conflict-reducing techniques such as voting, compromising or giving in to keep the peace, realizing that differences of opinion are both acceptable and helpful.  By exploring differences, the best course of action will gradually become apparent.  Consensus begins only when members are listening and open to all possibilities.

Section 3 - results of consensus
Consensus incorporates the realization that:
a)  The decision is being made in the most acceptable under the circumstances.
b)  The decision represents areas of agreement rather than disagreement.
c)  No one side of faction has been “defeated.”
d)  The welfare of the entire parish has been considered; and
e)  Each member of the group can consequently live with the final recommendation.

Section 4 - benefits of consensus
Resolving issues by consensus means that:
a)  Emphasis has been placed on people and consideration has been given to their growth of faith.
b)  Everyone has had an opportunity for input.
c)  The resulting conclusions should be beneficial in some degree to all members.
d)  Everyone affected should be comfortable with the conclusion.

Section 5 - obstacles to consensus
a)  Rigidity in one’s opinions.  Strong opinions and closed mindedness make consensus nearly impossible.
b)  Aggressiveness.  A hostile suspicious attitude toward contrary opinions and a determination to “win” the discussion eradicates the possibility of consensus.
c)  Smothering, interrupting or over-talking others and expressing impatience with the dialogue can serve to cut short the process of consensus.  Such behavior may indicate a lack of openness to change or masks a fear of conflict.

Section 6 - how consensus is different than compromise
a)  Compromise is achieved by “mutual concessions” each person settles for something less than what is desired.  Consensus is “general agreement” and since each person’s position is respected and fully heard, the emotional climate is far better.
b)  There is also a relational difference between consensus and compromise.  The process of consensus tends to create closer relationships in a group, building group solidarity.  Persons usually favor consensus over compromise because individuals and their gifts are recognized, creativity is encouraged and there are no losers.

The Council’s use of consensus model is most authentic when used in the context of prayerful discernment and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.


ARTICLE VII - OTHER ADVISORY BOARDS/COUNCILS OF THE PARISH
   
Section 1 – the Board of Total Catholic Education
The Board of Total Catholic Education recognizes the responsibility to encourage and assist the parishioners at St. Edward to continue their faith formation from the “cradle to the grave.”   They assist the Pastor is carrying out the ministry of education.  The Board has special concern for the school and ccd programs.

Section 2 – the Parish Council
The Parish Council attempts to find new ways to encourage parishioners to become involved in and with the Catholic Faith.  This is accomplished by initiating new organizations and ministries within the parish to involve as many parishioners as possible.


ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS OR CHANGES
   
Section 1 - amendments
Amendments to the Council constitution may be made:
a)     after a study by a special committee of Council members;
b)     thereafter informing all absent Council members when the  amendment is to be made;
c)     by consensus of the Council members.

Section 2 - changes
Changes in the constitution of this Council will be considered adopted or voided in whole should the law of the diocese, synod, bishops’ conference, or the Canon Law make contrary rulings to any of the proceedings or practices of this Council as set forth above.


This Constitution was ratified at a Finance Council meeting in May, 2007.  It was amended in August, 2009.


Three constitutions:  the Board of Total Catholic Education, the Finance Council, and the Parish Council were modified so that each possessed: 
1) a similar arrangement of content;
2) a similar Article content so that each board/council operates in a similar fashion;
3) an understanding of the interdependence of these three advisory bodies.