Il Consiglio Parrocchiale per gli Affari economici nella vita della parrocchia

One of the main messages of the Second Vatican Council was to highlight that members of the laity not only constitue and shape the Church but, even more importantly, have joint responsibility for it. The Church wants them to willingly respond to Christ’s calling which encourages them to take responsibility for the Church (see: Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation “Christifideles laici”, 2-3). The Canon Law from 1983 mentions two advisory bodies which may help 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 537 of the Code of the Canon Law. This rule applies to every parish, both territorial and personal. The parish finance council does not have a legal identity, does not replace or cover for the parish priest in representing the parish, nor does it act on his behalf (Canon 532). It is an advisory body whose aim is to advise the parish priest on how to manage the assets of the parish. The duties and rules of membership of the council should be defined both in the common law and in the particular law issued by the bishop of the diocese.