First Collection for the Support of the Clergy

Historically, these have been funds for the parish priest to use as an allowance for his financial livelihood, a stipend (small salary) for the assistant priest(s), and his weekly sustenance. After the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s dioceses were encouraged to establish a central fund to which the proceeds of each parish’s first collection (less their deductions for sustenance needs) was directed and from which stipends were then paid according to an equitable arrangement.

In 1984, a central fund known as the Clergy Remuneration Fund was established.
Today, this fund provides for a priest’s:

• Monthly stipend
• Private health insurance
• Superannuation contribution

This fund also provides a co-contribution towards the financial support of a priest who is on light duties due to ill health or who has retired.

Second Collection for Our Parish Community

Planned Giving (which comprises envelopes and direct debits) and any loose cash donated at this collection are banked into a parish account which is overseen by your Parish Finance Council. The many costs of running a parish are deducted from this account. Some of the expenses covered include:

• Parish operating costs such as insurance, utilities, telecommunications, general maintenance and upkeep of the church, presbytery, buildings and parish property
• Any loan debt servicing for parish buildings
• Parish pastoral programs
• Parish staff salaries including superannuation
• Car expenses for the priest(s) in the parish
• A Cathedraticum (contribution) to the Bishop towards the costs of running the Diocese (10%) of the collection revenue.