"In order to serve the needs of the people of God in the Diocese of Austin and to be responsible stewards of the gifts given to the Diocese, the Diocese of Austin issues the following policy:

"A FINANCE COUNCIL is to be established and is to be operative in every parish and mission in the Austin Diocese.

The council meets once a quarter to discuss the financial state of the parish.

"The purpose of the parish FINANCE COUNCIL is to provide that pastor with a group of Christian faithful who will aid him in the administration of parish goods according to these norms. While distinct from the PASTORAL COUNCIL of the parish, this FINANCE COUNCIL is to serve the goals and objectives set forth by the PASTORAL COUNCIL, both being guided by the mission statement of the parish."

At St. Mary's, the Parish Finance Committee consists of parishioners appointed by the pastor who are qualified in financial matters.