Parish Finance Council

The Parish Finance Council (PFC) is a mandated consultative body established under Canon Law (Can. 537) to assist the Parish Administrator in the administration of the parish’s temporal goods—its finances, buildings, and assets.

In the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, our parish operates as part of a registered Scottish Charity (SC008540). The Finance Council ensures that we manage our resources with transparency, accountability, and in full compliance with both Church and civil law.

Our Role and Responsibilities

The Council provides the Parish Priest/Administrator with professional advice and technical expertise in several key areas:

• Financial Oversight: We assist in the preparation of the annual parish budget and review quarterly financial statements to ensure the parish remains on a sound financial footing.
• Annual Reporting: We oversee the completion of the Parish Annual Return and financial accounts, which are submitted to the Archdiocesan Finance Office and help fulfill our obligations as a charity.
• Stewardship of Resources: We advise on strategies to grow parish income, including the management of Gift Aid and parish fundraising initiatives.
• Building & Maintenance: We help monitor the condition of our church buildings and grounds, advising on necessary repairs and ensuring that major expenditures (typically those over £5,000) are reviewed and approved by the Archdiocese.
• Diocesan Contributions: We manage the parish’s obligations to central Archdiocesan funds, such as the Aged and Infirm Clergy Fund (AICF) levy, which supports our retired priests.

Membership

Our Council consists of the Parish Priest/Administrator and at least three lay parishioners appointed for a renewable three-year term. Members are chosen for their expertise in areas such as finance, accounting, law, or property management.

While the Council is advisory and the Parish Priest/Administrator remains the primary administrator, he relies on the Council's unanimous recommendations for all significant financial decisions.

Current Members

• Parish Priest: Father Benedict Iwatt
• Chairperson: Patrick Fagan
• Members: Allan Doyle, Peter Birney, Janet Macintyre, Laurence Brady
• In Attendance: Alan McGill (Property Co-ordinator)

The Finance Council meets quarterly. If you have questions regarding the parish's financial reports or wish to learn more about how our resources are managed, please contact the Parish Office.