A Note on the SLA Starting January 2014, the archdiocese will implement the SLA (Standard Living Allowance) for priests of the archdiocese. It will be part of the financial reform initiated by the archdiocese to overhaul the revenue system and to provide a stable financial support to its priests. With the increase of the number of parishes, the mushrooming of mission stations, and the effect of intensive evangelization and catechesis, it is hoped that this seemingly impossible venture could be smoothly carried to the benefit of the whole archdiocese. The strong 120 member body of clergy seems to pose a formidable problem on how to standardize their allowance in a way that will not strain the resources of the archdiocese. Since the study of the financial health of the archdiocese is still incomplete it can be very well said that our church is taking a leap. But the vision is clear, and considering the recent pronouncement of Pope Francis regarding a Church that reaches out rather than closing in upon itself this step is timely as a way of witnessing to a world mined in deprivation and poverty. Like Abraham we stake our future on a promise. Like the Virgin Mary, we do not know the details, but somehow there is an assurance that all will be well. Even in business risk is part of the dynamics. Adjustments might be demanded the way priests live their lives. On the part of the parishioners, the burden of maintaining the budget for the operational expenses of the church and the maintenance needs of the Parish Church will have to be assumed by them through a sustained fund raising like: pledges, love offering, tithes, second collections, or if possible income generating projects, utilizing land resources, or capital for entrepreneurship. Considering that 50% of taxable income will be remitted to the chancery and the rising cost of operational expenses, the Finance Councils will have to be pro-active, creative and resourceful. It seems the idea of SLA is to force parish priests or priests in general to focus in ministry and not be burdened with financial management. The broader and deeper objective is that parish communities be fully conscious and responsible for the needs and sustenance of the parish, and to cross over from a transactional mind-set, to a stewardship mind-set.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 02:40:21 +0000
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