Catholic Parish Administration: A Handbook Book

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Parish Administration in Context|op5

A The "Local Church" 5

B Parish Administration-What it is, and What it is not 8

C The Pastor as Leader 10

D Parish Policy and Decision Making 13

E Pastoral and Finance/Administrative Councils 14

Chapter 2 General Business 19

A The Big Picture 19

B The Practical Working Structure 21

C Advisability of Consultation 23

Chapter 3 Personnel 26

A The Many Hats of the Pastor 26

B Some Mistakes to Avoid in Personnel Decisions 28

C Matters That Need Attention 33

Chapter 4 Finances 37

A Possible Problem Areas 38

B Finance Council 41

C The Budget 42

D The Priest's Own Finances 46

Chapter 5 Property 49

A Sales, Acquisition, Alienation 49

B Maintenance and Building Needs 53

Chapter 6 Insurance and Risk Management 56

A Insurance 56

B Risk Management 59

Chapter 7 Administration of Sacraments 62

Chapter 8 A Final Word on Relationships 61

Notes 71