Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 465

Seminaries

Business Manager The business manager or treasurer assists the rector in the stewardship of the financial and physical resources of the seminary. 516 The business manager or treasurer assists the rector in budget preparation and implementation as well as supervision of service personnel. 517 This individual must be an expert in financial affairs and absolutely distinguished for honesty. The business manager or treasurer administers the goods of the seminary under the authority of the rector, in accord with the budget determined by the appropriate authorities; from the income of the seminary, this specialist meets expenses that the rector or others designated by him have legitimately authorized. At the end of the year, the business manager or treasurer must render an account of receipts and expenditures to the seminary board or other legitimate authority of the seminary. 518 This individual is to perform his or her duties with diligence. Specifically, this individual must do the following: a. Be vigilant that no goods placed in his or her care in any way perish or suffer damage; to this end the business manager or treasurer is, to the extent necessary, to arrange insurance contracts. b. Ensure that the ownership of ecclesiastical goods is safeguarded in ways that are valid in civil law. c. Observe the provisions of Canon Law and civil law and the stipulations of the donor or lawful authority; the Church might also unjustly suffer damage if Canon and civil law are disregarded. d. Seek accurately and at the proper time the income and produce of the goods, guard them securely, and expend them in accordance with the wishes of the rector, seminary board, or lawful norms. e. Pay, at the proper time, the interest due by reason of a loan or pledge, and take care that in due time the capital is repaid. 516 See CIC, c. 239 §1; CCEO, c. 338 §1. 517 Given that the seminary is a juridic person in canon law (see CIC, c. 238 §1; CCEO, c. 335 §1), it is necessary for the seminary to have its own finance council or at least two counselors who assist the business manager in fulfilling his or her function. See CIC, c. 1280. 518 See CIC, c. 1284 §2, 8°.

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