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Finance Council Members Devote Time and Talents for the Good of Our Parish
We all have gifts. And while skills in accounting and finance might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of how to share our gifts with St. John’s, being good stewards of our parish finances is certainly important.
The Code of Canon Law states that each parish must have a Finance Council. And thanks to parishioners like Bill Penquite, St. John’s has an active Finance Council, made up of him and six other voting members, including Fr. John O’Neill. All of the members have a business, finance, or accounting background. Bill joined the Finance Council about 10 years ago.
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The other voting members include Brian Kennedy, Laura Hunt, Tim Vandeven, Chris Wilson, and Mike Daigle. Deacon Dan Pickett and Deacon Jerry Rutherford, parish business manager, are non-voting members.
The Finance Council members are (front row, from left) Deacon Dan Pickett, Laura Hunt and Mike Daigle; (back row, from left) Chris Wilson, Bill Penquite, Tim Vandeven, Brian Kennedy and Deacon Jerry Rutherford. (Not pictured, Fr. John O’Neill)
“Dan and Jerry are critical to the accounting for and the financial reporting of our parish finances,” Bill says. “Their insight, understanding, and knowledge is very much appreciated by the Finance Council.”
The council meets every two months, and Deacon Jerry Rutherford puts together the financial statements each month.
Ultimately, Fr. John is the president of the council. Members are there to listen to ideas for various parish expenditures like repairs and maintenance projects. In addition, they are there to make sure the day-to-day operations are being handled correctly.
“We are here to support Fr. John in any way we can,” Bill says. “We are here to give opinions and advice.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic made an impact on the way we gather and worship, the Finance Council members wondered how the offertory would be affected. Thankfully, parishioners have still been generous in their gifts, and online giving has helped keep the collection totals fairly stable.
“No matter what, there are expenses,” Bill says. “The parish is like a large business in terms of expenses. People at this parish are so generous and that makes this job a lot easier.”
Bill is thankful to be a member of the Finance Council and to use his gifts to serve the parish.
“I just really enjoy the people in this group,” Bill says. “It’s a really professional group.”
