{"product_id":"9781612782140","title":"Best Practices of Catholic Pastoral and Finance Councils","description":"\u003cb\u003eEvery Catholic parish has a pastoral council and a finance council, but how many fulfill the mission they were set up to serve?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese councils are among the most important but least understood structures in the Catholic Church.  Mandated to exist, their roles have become increasingly critical as parishes--both large and small--are stretching personnel and financial resources further and further each year.  Add in the need for internal financial controls and human resource management coupled with fewer and fewer parish priests, and the importance of these councils goes way beyond simply filling seats with warm-bodied volunteers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe function of these councils is to provide consultation to the pastor and to promote greater participation of the entire parish in the life and mission of the Church.  But in reality, these terms are vague and leave too much room for individual interpretation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn an unprecedented research effort, author Charles Zech explores the very function of these councils in an effort to lay the groundwork for best practices at every parish.  It systematically fills the void as both Church leaders and laity strive to better understand the structure and processes needed to improve their effectiveness.  Zech's common-sense, straightforward writing style unpacks the extensive data to cover critical issues such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParish Leadership\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEducation\/Formation Programs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommunication with Parish and Parish Staff\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCouncil Guideline Manuals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal Controls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong-Term Planning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer and Faith-Sharing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eA must-read for every pastor, staff member, or committee volunteer, \u003cb\u003eBest Practices of Catholic Pastoral and Finance Councils\u003c\/b\u003e gives the guidance, support, and how-to that every parish needs--making it helpful for diocesan staff as well.  Use it to stay on track, get back on track, or simply realize a track exists for these highly critical leadership councils.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Our Sunday Visitor, Publishing Division","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47139144237296,"sku":"9781612782140","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781612782140_p0.jpg?v=1763847156","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781612782140","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}