According to The Code of Canon Law: “In each parish, there is to be a Finance Council to help the parish priest in the administration of the goods of the parish. It is ruled by Universal Law and by the norms laid down by the diocesan Bishop, and it is composed of members of the faithful selected according to these norms” (Canon 537). “The Finance Council provides the pastor with advice concerning the stewardship of parish fiscal resources. It assists the pastor by: conducting long-range financial planning concerning funding operational and capital needs in the parish and developing a three-year fiscal plan; developing and overseeing a parish budget process which results in an annual parish budget. This process should involve the participation of those responsible for parish programs. It should be designed in such a way as to address the parish priorities and goals determined by the pastor. Providing financial analysis of current fiscal status reports. Providing the parish with periodic (no less than annually) reports on the financial position of the Parish.” (cf. Canon 1287, 2). In addition to other duties, the Finance Council will review all parish expenditures. “While the Finance Council has significant responsibility for the stewardship of the parish financial resources, it is not the role of the Finance Committee to recommend directions, priorities, or programs other than those related to its delegation: fiscal stewardship.