Parish Finances

Parish Finances

The sacramental, ministerial, and operational strength of our parishes in southeast Michigan is a reflection of the pastoral leadership, the commitment and generosity of the lay faithful, and community evangelization unique to each parish. Our parishes make it possible for us to fulfill our archdiocesan mission of unleashing the Gospel, becoming joyful missionary disciples who carry out Christ’s work. This is our mission as one people of faith in the Archdiocese of Detroit – to bring ourselves, our loved ones, our friends, and our neighbors to know the love of Jesus Christ.

Parish strength and vitality can be measured through the involvement of the faithful in the sacramental life including Mass attendance, participation in reconciliation, engagement in parish ministries such as Christian service, and in contributions that provide the financial wherewithal for parish and archdiocesan ministries and operations.

The handbook that outlines policies and procedures for every parish and school in the Archdiocese is updated on an ongoing basis. This is done to ensure all government regulations, laws and applicable taxes are reported and remitted in a timely fashion to federal, state and local agencies.

Church (canon) law requires every parish to have a Parish Pastoral Council and a Parish Finance Council. It is the intent that these and other improvements will foster better collaboration and oversight involving pastors and lay leaders, and more firmly establish a culture of Christian stewardship in each parish. As Archbishop Vigneron says, we must change our culture in the Archdiocese of Detroit – embracing our common mission of unleashing the Gospel in southeast Michigan and beyond. Importantly, the refounding of the Archdiocese of Detroit rests on the refounding of every parish,

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between parishes, their diocese, and their bishop?

What are the sources of financial support for a parish?

What happens with funds contributed in the parish weekly offertory collection?

What services are provided to parishes by the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Archdiocesan Operations?

Is the assessment unique to the Archdiocese of Detroit? How often does it change?

How is the archdiocesan assessment different from the Catholic Services Appeal?

How much has been contributed to the Catholic Services Appeal in recent years?

Can CSA fundraising be used for parish capital expenditure projects?

How is the CSA goal determined for each parish?

How do special collections work in the Archdiocese of Detroit?

What are the primary sources of financial support for Archdiocesan Operations?

Does the Archdiocese own the buildings and grounds of parishes? What role does the Archdiocese have in parish finances and facilities?

Who develops and administers parish budgets? Are these budgets compared to actual financial activity and results?

What permissions must be obtained by pastors and parishes on capital expenditures?

Are parishes required to report their finances to parishioners?

Are parishes audited? Who does the audits and on what basis?

What safeguards are in place to prevent embezzlement situations from arising in parishes?

Where do parishes keep their excess funds?

Does the Archdiocese of Detroit offer financial assistance to parishes?

 
Updated February 2019