www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization parish finance reports

Do BC and EO churches regularly inform the laity of the financial status of their parish? My wife, a Presbyterian, gets monthly and yearly updates to the health of her church. Since finances are never mentioned from the pulpit or bulletin I can only guess that things are good. BC churches (I am saying this on admittedly scant info) seem to be very secretive about the bottom line. Any comments?

I know this is usually a big thing in most RC parishes, the parish releases their annual financial reports individually, then once in a while, you'll have financial recaps throughout the whole Diocese as well. However, I never paid attention to how this is handled in Eastern Catholic or Orthodox parishes or Eparchies, but I'm pretty sure it's handled fairly similarly.

Our BC parish has had a yearly financial report for as long as I can remember.

It probably depends on the pastor and/or the layperson in charge of finance. In my opinion it shouldn't be optional.

Our BCC gives weekly, quarterly, and yearly statements. Completely open and understood.

At my previous BC parish, there was an annual presentation by the lay accountant (after Sunday liturgy to make it convenient). Plus, a financial report with lists, pie charts, etc. was inserted into all the bulletins that Sunday, so that those who couldn't stay still got the info.

Well, now that you mention it, there is a BCC Parish here that lists not only weekly offerings, but what the attendance was for that week as well, which is something you don't normally find in most Church bulletins. Seems like the ushers must have some time on their hands to get a count on how many people actually show up every week.

We list attendance, but with only around 50 people it doesn't take long to count. We do get quarterly financial reports and until very recently, the weekly collection was published in the bulletin. I'm not sure why that was stopped, but we all know the situation is pretty dire, anyway.

Oh, yes - at both my current and past parish, the offering from the previous Sunday is listed in the bulletin.

To clarify what I was driving at; we too get a weekly note of what was collected. I am more curious about what our parish has on hand and does what comes in cover what goes out. Basically curious of where money goes and how it is spent. Through 3 pastors that has never been presented to the congregation. I am sure the "insiders" know.

Yes, it is standard to list the previous Sunday offering, as well as feast day offerings in the bulletins, or for special collections, those are always standard for listing in bulletins in any parish. However, to list attendance numbers is what I meant was rare in most parish bulletins. Like I said, I think I know of only a couple of Byzantine parishes that list attendance numbers.

Here's one week's bulletin for an example (Page 1, I think lists this). http://www.holyspiritbyzantine.org/news/anmviewer.asp?a=455&z=4

P.S. - I'm gonna have to see where Holy Spirit hires their webmaster, because if they only have the bulletin from between Nativity and Theophany, then they must not have someone that's on the ball with the latest stuff there.

Our parish, like so many, is struggling with finances and probably could benefit from an Advisory Council. What is the process for setting one up? Is this coordinated with the Eparchy or do the lay representatives just go the priest with the suggestion?

Got the parish reports of both Holy Spirit Parish and St. John the Baptist Cathedral here. I think Holy Spirit has more expenditures than they have revenue, which is sad to see... Haven't really looked at the Cathedral's parish report yet, but I'm sure that it might not be that much better.

Well after many years of no information we had an fyi in the bulletin today that subtracting the rent Mercyhurst University pays to use our classrooms that we are $33,000 in the hole this year. Nice to be able to see the car that hits you before it actually smacks you. If Mercyhurst doesn't re-up with us it'll be nutroll and perogi sales to keep us afloat.

It does depend upon the Pastor - weather or not Parish receives financial reports - regularly, and accurately. In our Byzantine Parish (appropriately named) we haven't received a report for almost TWO YEARS -- even though we ask, beg, threaten, etc., the Pastor simply doesn't provide them. I've notified the Dean --- done everything but go to the Eparchy -- no luck -- they just don't care.
The only way to get their attention - that I've found - is to hold back on donations. All of a sudden, they realize income is down!! But, even this hasn't been enough to force a financial report/meeting -- as yet.
If anyone has a better idea - please advise. Many of us are getting sick & tired of paying and paying, with no accountability.

Can't speak for the rest of Orthodoxy, but financial reporting and accountability is a big deal in ACROD parishes where vestiges of congregationalism remain strong as lay control of property was one of the underlying disputes of the 1930's schisms. Most do not report weekly attendance though.