The Finance Committee of St. Joseph Parish carefully and regularly reviews all financial aspects of parish operations including the church, the weekly collections, and all fund raising activities, including the annual Ox Roast Fair.  The committee works closely with the Pastor and the Pastoral Council in allocating funds for short and long term obligations and plans to help the parish carry out its overall mission.  Members discuss current and future budgets, diocesan assessments, capital improvements, parish investments, and strategic planning. 

The St. Joseph School Educational Trust Fund was established February 20, 1984, with the purpose to establish financial stability for our school now and in the future. The Trust Fund is controlled jointly by Pastoral Council, the Trust Fund Committee, and the Pastor of St. Joseph's (under Fr. Garvey's pastorate, the Finance Committee members serve as the Trust Fund Committee).
Upon the decision to close St. Joseph School in 2010 due to declining enrollment, the pastor, Fr. Michael Garvey, requested permission from the Parish Council and the Finance Committee to use the principal as well as any interest to help pay school bills.
In April of 2010 he then asked for official approval to close out the School Trust Fund (referring to Declaration and Agreement of Trust document's termination section).
Trust Fund Intentions will be a part of weekend Masses once every two months.
Click here to visit the Trust Fund page.

The Finance Committee meets the first Thursday of the month (or as needed) at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. If your talents and interests would help the Finance Committee, please contact Parish Office.

Click here to learn about the Diocese of Youngstown's
Capital Campaign and How It Benefits St. Joseph's

Finance Committee By-Laws
Adopted: 9/13/2004

Article 1: Name
This organization shall be called Saint Joseph Church Finance Committee

Article 2: Purpose
The purpose of this Committee is to serve the parish and the Pastor in matters regarding the Parish financial resources in a responsible and honorable manner that is directly connected to the Gospel message and values of the Catholic Church.

Article 3: Objectives
The purpose of the Committee is enacted through the following objectives:

Article 4: Committee Make-Up
The committee shall consist of no less than 6 members and no more than 8 members at any given time.

Article 5: Eligibility
Membership to the Committee shall be open to all registered active members of Saint Joseph Parish. Members must be confirmed and 16 years of age and must be regular, active, participating members of the Parish.

Article 6: Membership and Terms
Terms shall be for 2 years and commence in September. Members may serve for 2 consecutive 2-year terms. Upon completion of the second 2-year term, the member must be absent from the committee for one year before reapplying for membership.
Appointment to the Committee will be through self-nomination or through nomination by an existing Committee member. Vacancies will be filled on a first-come basis. In the event nominations outnumber vacancies, a discernment prayer/process will be invoked and membership will be chosen by lot.

Article 7: Responsibilities of Members
Members shall be responsible for attending all Committee meetings. Three consecutive unexcused absences can be cause for removal from the Committee.

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The Diocese of Youngstown's Capital Campaign was launched in the fall of 2004 during the tenure of Bishop Tobin. The goals of the campaign are long-term and would continue in any case to benefit the future of the Church in the Diocese of Youngstown.

Funding from the Capital Campaign will be used for several purposes:

Catholic Schools - $5,000,000 will be endowed to provide for two significant areas of need within our schools. $2.5 million will be earmarked for tuition assistance for our Elementary and High School students. By providing students with needs-based financial aid, this fund will enable us to help ensure that our Catholic Schools remain accessible to all of our families. An additional $2.5 million will benefit our Elementary Schools and High schools through direct grants. These endowment funds will enable the diocese and our parishes to help ensure the financial stability of our schools.

Catholic Charities - $5,000,000 in various endowments and grants will be earmarked for Catholic Charities. An endowment fund of $3,000,000 will be created to ensure that the social service agencies of Catholic Charities can continue serving those who come to the door with pressing needs. To provide a steady flow of support for our Eastwood Village Housing complex in Youngstown, $200,000 will be endowed. Finally, $1,800,000 will be invested in social service special grants to support the continued development of social action ministries, a long-term affordable housing project in Ravenna and other housing needs.

Diocesan Ministries Endowment - To provide financial support for diocesan ministry programs which include Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Lay Ministry Formation, Marriage & Family Ministry, Pro-Life and the Catholic Media Library. This campaign will establish a $3,500,000 endowment fund for Diocesan Ministries.

Restoration of St. Columba Cathedral - The restoration of the Cathedral is beyond the financial resources available to the Cathedral parish community. Immediate funding is necessary to keep St. Columba functioning as the spiritual center of our diocese. $2,000,000 will be used for restoration and renovation along with maintenance of the building.

Support for our Seminarians - Our diocese, like most nationwide, funds the entire cost of education for college seminarians (undergraduate studies) and Theology seminarians (graduate studies). There are currently 17 men in various stages of the formation process. The annual cost to the diocese is approximately $25,000 per seminarian. This campaign will add $1,500,000 to the existing endowments for the education of our seminarians.

Our Lady of the Woods Pastoral Center - In 2003, the diocese purchased the former Sacred Heart Retreat and Renewal Center from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. We hope to enhance and dramatically expand the mission of this facility. At the direction of Bishop Tobin, a committee was established to explore the best uses of the property. This committee will also establish a phased approach to developing this property with both short and long term goals. This campaign will provide $1,000,000 in funding to continue the development process as well as initial renovation needs.

2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal - $4,000,000 - Each year, the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Youngstown provides the funding for a variety of ministries, programs and services to thousands throughout our diocese through the Annual Bishop's Appeal. These funds, raised throughout our Diocese in each and every parish, show the strength of our support for our communities with generous parishioners funding the broader mission of the Church. Since this capital campaign will take place in 2004 and 2005, the decision has been made to incorporate the 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal into this campaign. It will return in 2006.

Support of Our Local Parishes - $12,000,000 - Each parish in the diocese is asked to participate in this project. Once the parish reaches its 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal Goal, the parish receives 40% of the funds raised up to their designated target. Once a parish exceeds their target, they receive 60% of all funds raised above that target. Parishes can use these funds for a multitude of needs including maintenance, debt reduction or other parish projects.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ST. JOSEPH'S?

The target campaign goal for St. Joseph is $256,831.00 (4-year pledge commitment). Included in that goal is our 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal goal of $27,766.00. St. Joseph Parish will receive 40% of all funds raised above the Annual Bishop's Appeal goal, up to our target campaign goal of $256,831.00. After surpassing our target campaign goal, we will receive 60% of all funds raised above and beyond our target. Here at St. Joseph Parish, we have the potential to receive at least $91,626.00, if we reach our goal. We will address the following needs with the proceeds: Establish a Building Fund for the building of a permanent church structure. Reserve a portion to be used for necessary Capital Improvements.

Last Updated September 3, 2010