2009 IN REFLECTION - Catholic Diocese of Ballarat

2009 IN REFLECTIONThe Diocesan Finance Office has had a busy year in 2009. As you may or may not be aware theDiocesan Finance Office is responsible for a variety of activities in the finance and administrationarea. It includes ‐• Diocesan Financial and Asset Management• Operation of the Catholic Development Fund• Management of the Diocesan Foundation• Trusts Corporation property management• Operation of the Diocesan Building Commission• Advice and Support to parishes on a wide ranging variety of topics• Support to the Ballarat Clergy Assistance and Clergy Support Funds.In 2009 some points to be highlighted include:The Ongoing Success of the Catholic Development FundThe CDF continues to grow from strength to strength. Founded over 30 years ago, it acts as the“bank” for catholic organizations and individuals.The CDF has over $80million on deposit and lends exclusively to the church sector for its capitalworks programs. Many new buildings (schools, churches etc) and major refurbishments havebeen funded with the assistance of low cost finance from the CDF. Over $11 million has beenadvanced in 2009 alone.Hectic Year for the Building CommissionThe Diocesan Building Commission is an advisory board to the Bishop with responsibility toensure that any capital projects in the Diocese are managed appropriately and that funding andcontractual issues are correctly organized. This has been a hectic year for the BuildingCommission with the “Building the Education Revolution” money from the Government andmost schools being a part of this.Diocesan Risk Management ‐ Parish advice and supportCompliance to State and Federal legislation continues to take up more and more of our time. Toassist and advise parishes, Bishop Peter has formed a Risk Management Committee and 2010already looks challenging!Parish SupportThe St Brigids (Ballan) Church Fire was a not so welcome feature of 2009. The ongoing supportfor the Gordon Parish in this instance has been a big part of the work of the office. Many newemployees and volunteers have entered the service of church in 2009. Earlier this year welaunched the “Parish Administration Manual” and hopefully this will make the administration ofour activities a little easier.

Support of the ClergyAdministrative support is provided to the clergy for a range of activities including the priest carfleet and the welfare of retired clergy. It is an absolute pleasure and privilege to assist the clergyin any way possible.THANKSTo the many people involved at parish level, I say thank you. Thank you for the time, effortand commitment that you put into our church community. It would not be possiblewithout you.To the people in rural areas that finally have reason to celebrate. The global financial crisishas hit hard but not as hard as the seasons of drought that you have endured.To the wonderful staff in the finance office. The warmth and “can do” attitude that youbring to work each day is greatly appreciated.It is now the end of another eventful year and I would like to take this opportunity to wishyou all a safe and happy Christmas, and we look forward to 2010 whatever it may bring.Mark BromleyDiocesan Business Manager