The Parish Finance Committee (PFC) at St Patrick’s Cathedral plays a crucial role in ensuring the responsible stewardship of the parish’s financial resources. In accordance with Canon Law (Canon 537), every parish is required to establish a finance committee to assist the parish priest in the administration of parish goods, always in accordance with the norms laid down by the diocesan bishop.
The PFC supports the Dean of the Cathedral by overseeing parish finances, planning budgets, monitoring expenditure, and advising on major financial decisions. It collaborates closely with the Cathedral Parish Manager and the Financial Services Team of the Diocese of Parramatta to ensure transparent and effective management of parish operations.
The current members of the Parish Finance Committee are:
Fr Robert Riedling (Dean), Debbie Grigson (Chair), Sabu Thomas (Member), Fides Lawton (member), Damien Brenchley (member), Steven Pospischil (member).
Ex-officio members include a Diocesan Accountant, Cathedral Parish Coordinator and Cathedral Clergy.
The Committee meets bi-monthly, and extraordinary meetings are held when necessary to address urgent financial matters. Recent initiatives include:
- Supporting parish ministries through improved financial tracking via the Parish App;
- Enhancing revenue streams through the development of the Gift Shop;
- Launching the monthly BBQ and Bazaar events to raise funds for targeted parish projects;
- Strengthening regular planned giving to better sustain parish ministries
The Finance Committee remains deeply grateful to all parishioners for their generous support of initiatives such as Project Compassion, Catholic Mission, and the Parramatta Catholic Foundation. This generosity ensures the Cathedral Parish can continue to flourish in its mission of worship, outreach, and community life.
For more information or to contact the Finance Committee, please email: [email protected]