Parish spending

[norman99]

Our parish priest just spent tens of thousands of dollars to upgrade the churches interior. The inside now looks like a basilica or cathedral. A small church less than 200 families. Now he asking for $500,000 for upkeep. Is this right? Does he have the authority to spend that much without asking the parish? There was nothing wrong with the old interior and it complemented the exterior of the church. Seems to me that the priest is fulfilling his ego at the expense of the parishioners

 

[Hereiam]

As pastor he may, but sometimes I think it might take Bishop approval…but i cannot claim that with certainty…

I can emphthize with you, because i have faced this before…now all my giving to the parish is online, and it gives me the option of earmarking where i want the money to go…perhaps you can do the same, or bring it up to the parish book keeper or finance committee?

Pax et bonum!

 

[DeniseNY]

Have you tried asking him instead of just coming to an internet forum and maligning his character?

 

[TheLittleLady]

Are you in the US or another country?

In the US, Dioceses have rules about capital expenditures, large projects, etc. Your parish Finance Council would have information as well.

 

[angel12]

Are you in the US or another country?

In the US, Dioceses have rules about capital expenditures, large projects, etc. Your parish Finance Council would have information as well.

^^^^^^ This. Our parish has to get permission from the Archdiocese for anything major, even after it’s gone through the parish council.

 

[DeniseNY]

Exactly. To jumo to the conclusion that this spending is just some sort of act of ego on the part of the pastor is ludicrous.

 

[Tulitas]

Often, VERY OFTEN these things are done at the directive of the Bishop.
If your parish is a historical place, they may have felt it was high time to fix it up.
Making the House of God a fitting place for worship is a good thing.

I’m astounded that anyone would see this as a negative.