Finance Council

Diocese of Camden Finance Council

In New Jersey statutes, Roman Catholic dioceses are governed by a five-member board of trustees including the bishop, the vicar general, the chancellor, and two other priests of the diocese.  The priest trustees are ex officio members of the diocesan Finance Council.

The members of the Finance Council come from across the diocese and represent a variety of professions. The Finance Council is integral to the working of the diocese, and it bears a great deal of responsibility for the proper management of the finances and administration of the diocese and its associated entities.

The Code of Canon Law, as revised in 1983, obligates dioceses to establish and maintain a Finance Council as a consultative body with its members being appointed by the bishop. The bishop serves as the Chair, and a member of the council is selected to serve as the Vice-Chair. Members of the Finance Council are selected from among the “members of Christian faithful” and represent per-sons “who excel in necessary knowledge, prudence, and integrity.” The Finance Council has various committees that address specific issues, such as benefits and compensation, real estate, investments, legal, etc. These committees are chaired by a member of the Finance Council and can also include people who are not on the Finance Council. The bishop is required to seek the advice of the Finance Council in matters of importance, and the Finance Council itself is responsible for the annual preparation of a budget and an annual review of the diocesan financial report.

The Finance Council enjoys a great working relationship with Bishop Sullivan and the diocesan staff. Together, they are focused on accountability, transparency, and a holistic view of the diocese, as they seek to carry out the mission of the Church.

Members: