The Finance Committee has so far held two meetings (Nov. 19 and Dec. 16). We have been developing goals on a couple of levels.

First, on the organizational level:

• We have been in contact with VotF National regarding their incorporation and tax-exempt status, and have discussed how our local affiliate should be organized. We have been advised to wait for further developments from national before determining whether we should organize under their umbrella, or if each affiliate will organize individually. At this point, we will remain an unincorporated association.

• We have established an informal budget for our first six months of $1500. This includes $150 per month for general operating expenses, and an additional $600 for two bulk mailings to recruit membership. We will use the mailing list provided by the Institute for Adult Spirituality.

• We will continue to maintain a cash fund and record all revenues and expenses with a full report at each VotF meeting.

Second, on the larger issues:

• We are discussing how the Finance Committee can contribute to the overall mission and goals of VotF. The VotF mission of greater lay participation in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church includes participation in decision-making about the finances of the Church. VotF goals to shape structural change within the Church include fiscal accountability and transparency. To these ends, we are considering the following actions:

1. Accumulate regional financial information at the parish level. Obtain parish-wide financial statements, Finance Committee contact persons, etc. Begin dialogue with these contacts to determine if we can be of help to them in any way.
2. Publish the information, or publish the parish contacts from whom interested people can obtain the information, on our website.
3. Seek understanding of Archdiocesan finances. Find out whom we can talk to at the Archdiocese about financial matters. Determine if parish assessments are at risk of being attached for diocesan litigation and settlement needs. Discuss the issue with parish Finance Committee members to determine if this concern is being felt throughout the region.
4. Monitor the effect of the crisis on contributions to the Church in the region. Consider whether there is a need to offer faithful Catholics who in good conscience are withholding their contributions from the Church an alternate way to support important ministries. This is being done in Boston through a charitable trust set up with the National Catholic Community Foundation.