Parish & Finance Councils
Parish Council
The Parish Pastoral Council works together with the Pastor to form a leadership group from the parish community which is broadly representative of parish membership, clergy and laity. It is meant to be an energizing, coordinating, and unifying representation of parish life which enables the individual members of the parish to have access to the processes which guide, direct, and support the various aspects of parish life. The Pastor serves the parish community entrusted to him by the Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body which unites laity and clergy in a community of prayer, leadership, service and pastoral planning. The Parish Pastoral Council prayerfully reflects on the needs of the parish and the larger community in which it exists. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Council recommends policies for the mission and faith growth of the parish community and monitors and evaluates the processes and programs which implement these policies. Membership on Parish Pastoral Council is open to registered parishioners of St. Raphael.
Parish Council Bylaws
Parish Pastoral Council Officers:
Chair: Maureen Smith
Vice Chair: Paula Thompson
Secretary: Andrea Dunn
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Finance Council
The Finance Council provides expertise and consultation through financial analysis, planning and policy development to aid the Pastor in the financial administration of the parish. The Finance Council advises the Pastor on significant financial matters and expenditures, prepares and monitors the parish budget, and encourages stewardship. Members of the Finance Council are appointed by the Pastor.
Finance Council Chair: Kris McGivney
Finance Council Subcommittees:
Accounting & Financial Reporting - This subcommittee is responsible for the review of the accounting system and accounting procedures as well as the preparation of monthly and annual reports.
Cash Management & Investments - This subcommittee is charged with developing and maintaining a formal investment policy for the parish. It is also responsible for reviewing and monitoring the performance of the investments.
Budget - This subcommittee, working closely with the parish staff, prepares the annual budget. It is also responsible for reviewing the teachers wage schedule and determining tuition rates.
Legal & Human Resources - The subcommittee lends its expertise and advice in these areas. It also serves as our liaison to the Diocese and its policies.
Planning & Operations - The P & O subcommittee works closely with the parish maintenance staff to keep our facilities up to date and to anticipate repair needs.
Strategic Financial Planning - This committee has been asked to look forward, to suggest new ways to fund our parish needs. This committee also provides assistance and support to our Development Director.
Reserve funds have been established, not only to provide for unexpected expenses, but also to provide for a Catholic education for those families who may need assistance, and to provide for future funding of the parish. The current funds are:
The Technology Fund was established in 2002 after an extensive review was performed of the technology needs of the school ensuring that the school can continue to keep current with the ever changing world of technology. Each day school student pays an annual fee to fund this account. Amounts not spent by the school in the current year remain in this reserve to provide for future expenditures.
The Scholarship and Education Fund was established many years ago and has a dual purpose. It provides financial assistance to parish families who do not have the means to contribute to the full cost of a Catholic education. Assistance is also offered to students in the PSR program. It also provides funds to support and enhance the school in general. Contributions are made to this fund with special gifts, fundraising activities, and donations through the quarterly envelopes included in each parishioner's envelope packet.
The Capital Replacement Reserve Fund was established in response to a concern over the aging buildings on campus. Each year the budget includes an amount to not only cover the current year's anticipated costs, but to also provide for future known and unknown expenses.
The Endowment Fund was established in 1989, and has grown significantly in the past few years. It has been funded primarily through bequests, but Father Tim and the Finance Council feel that it is important to actively add to this fund each year with savings from operations. We hope as this fund continues to grow, earnings will help to offset the cost of the parish.
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