Every parish has a Finance Committee that the pastor appoints for consultation on financial matters concerning the parish.  It is a specialized type of ministry.  About four times a year, the committee sits with Father Sharrett to consider the parish finances and to take a long view of the parish's financial viability.  It is agreed that members of a Finance Committee have either business experience or an expertise in finance.  

A parish has many aspects.  Many people think of their parish as a church where they attend Mass and receive the sacraments.  Others think of the educational programs of a parish -- the parish school and the religious education programs for children and adults.  Of course, there are the social and community aspects of parish life that keep us aware we are part of the Family of God.  

All parishes, however, are also brick and mortar buildings that require maintenance and repair; they are offices with payroll and other expenses to meet.  Everything in this flesh and blood world has a financial base.

In the Gospel, we heard that Jesus and the Apostles kept a "common purse" from which expenses were paid (Judas Iscariot was in charge of that purse).  The Finance Committee provides consultative advice to the pastor to assist in keeping the parish fiscally solvent.  

In a special way, at this time, our parish needs to be considering its financial position because we are expanding our horizons.  The property acquisitions of the last year and those of the future are helping to lay the foundations for the parish's needs in the new century.

The parish has a full-time financial secretary, Mrs. Marie Elliott, who can be reached at the parish office should you have any questions relating to parish finances.  You can contact Marie at (610) 444-4364, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.