Diocese of Mati Hosts Seminar for Fiscal and Bookkeepers, Emphasizing Financial Management and Transparency

The Diocese of Mati recently held a seminar for its parish fiscals and bookkeepers, focusing on enhancing financial management skills and ensuring a strong financial system across all parishes. Held on August 29-31 at the Ursuline Retreat Centre in Capitol Hills, Mati City, the seminar brought together parish workers from across the diocese for a week of intensive training and workshop.

The seminar was led by Rev. Fr. Darwey P. Clark (Oeconomus) and Rev. Fr. Richard P. Labo (Chancellor), who emphasized the importance of continuous learning and improvement in financial management for parish workers. They stressed the need for transparency and accountability in handling parish finances, aligning with the Church’s mission in serving the community.

The seminar featured a diverse range of topics, including canonical books, statistics, processing of documents, land titling, deeds of donation, and the Church’s legal framework for managing its assets. Experienced speakers, including Atty. Alejandro Aquino, the diocese’s legal counsel, and Fr. Pedrito P. Mapayo, JCL, the Judicial Vicar, provided valuable insights and practical guidance. They shared their expertise on navigating legal and administrative procedures, ensuring compliance with Church regulations, and effectively managing parish resources.

The first day of the seminar included orientations, a welcome Mass, and sessions on Chancery procedures and temporalities. Participants learned about the proper handling of canonical documents, data collection and analysis, and the legal aspects of managing parish property. The second day focused on the Church’s canonical and pastoral provisions for managing its goods, followed by a thorough discussion of the diocese’s accounting manual. The day concluded with practical exercises and a Holy Mass, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a simulated environment.

The third and final day of the seminar culminated celebrating the completion of the intensive training program. Certificates were awarded to the participants, acknowledging their commitment to enhancing their financial management skills. The seminar concluded with a call to action, urging participants to implement their newly acquired knowledge and contribute to the financial well-being of their respective parishes.

The seminar served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and professional development, equipping parish fiscals and bookkeepers with the tools and resources necessary to effectively manage parish finances. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and financial responsibility, the Diocese of Mati aims to ensure the continued growth and mission of the Church in the region. (Angel Clouie Shane Galvez, SocCom – Mati | Photos: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Mati)