The Call to Serve                                                   

The administration at St. Patrick’s Parish follows the policies of the Diocese of Monterey.

Core Mission and Accountability

   We are all challenged to be good stewards. Stewardship is an expression of discipleship with the power to change how we understand and live out our lives. Disciples who practice stewardship recognize God as the origin of life, the giver of freedom, the source of all we have, all we are, and all we will be. They are deeply aware of the truth that “The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1). They know themselves to be recipients and caretakers of God’s many gifts. They are grateful for what they have received and eager to cultivate their gifts out of love for God and one another.

   As a diocese, parishes and ministries are “recipients and caretakers of God’s many gifts.” Our respective constituencies entrust us with their treasure and we should be prepared to respond to their trust with accountability. Timely and accurate presentation of our financial position and activities to our constituencies is one important way we should respond.

   Another responsibility we have is to report timely and accurate financial information to the appropriate operating entity. The diocese prepares a periodic report to the Pope, and the parishes report to the bishop. Although each parish has the right, with proper authority, to conduct its own unique financial activities, it is the duty of the bishop to supervise the administration of the goods which belong to the parish. Each parish is therefore accountable to the bishop for how it collects, spends and manages finances.

(DOM Business Manual, March 2008)