Trustees keep eyes on budgets

As Catholics contribute to their parishes during the weekly Offertory, they might ask themselves, "Where does all the money go?"

Parish trustees have the inside story on parish finances; they're charged with upholding the financial welfare of the parish and representing its interests at meetings of the Pastoral Council.

They usually sit ex officio on the parish financial and building committees, and serve as a sounding board and reference point for the pastor and parish staff. In addition, they are entrusted with weighing in -- and sometimes, making -- tough decisions regarding the parish budget.

Expertise

Generally, trustees are highly knowledgeable about parish activities and have been very involved in their churches previous to their appointment. Many have expertise in such fields as accounting.

Wendy Gilman, a trustee at Our Lady of Victory parish in Troy, is an analyst with the State University of New York.

"It makes [the trustee's job] easier if you have a financial background to be able to understand the budget," she said. "But if you don't, you can still do it. Most people have budgets at home, so they understand the ins and outs of 'we have so much income, we have so much outgo, how are we going to make it balance?'"

Figuring it out

Frances White, a parish trustee at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Rotterdam, is serving her sixth and last year as a trustee at Our Lady of the Assumption.

"As a parish trustee, I go over the figures of the budget, looking at what money is spent, and what money we have coming in," she said.

For example, she explained, the past few years have seen renovations to Assumption's parish center, updated computer equipment for the parish offices and a campaign to build a bathroom in the rear of the church building.

Expenses

Our Lady of Victory's new church building has graced a city side street for just over a year -- but, of course, at a price, said Ms. Gilman.

"Energy has been very expensive this year," she said, noting that parish officials didn't really know how high the utility bills were going to be until they received them after a very hot summer and extremely cold winter. "We're also paying down the debt we have from the building fund."

Parishes face other expenses that aren't always familiar to parishioners: rectory maintenance, faith formation programs, social services, staff salaries and school subsidies. They are, Ms. Gilman noted, "the things you may think of intuitively, but not consciously."

Interest

Both trustees believe it's important for parishioners to take an active interest in the financial life of the parish.

"If you want good things for your parish, you have to contribute financially," said Mrs. White. "That's what it is, in a nutshell. We don't ask for more than you can give, but give, no matter how little. If everybody gave just a little or just a little more, things would come through."

For Ms. Gilman, trusteeship is a family affair; her father, Bill Cone, is a trustee at a parish in Colchester, Connecticut.

"I have to say that it was a tremendous honor to be appointed. I was stunned and honored," she said. "At 38, I'm a lot younger than I thought a trustee would be. I'm really glad to have this opportunity. This is a good way that I can offer my talents and keep in touch with the parish."

(9/25/03) [[In-content Ad]]