Windfall for parishes
by Ana Watts
Parish treasurers are watching their mailboxes for a Diocese of Fredericton window envelope. It contains a cheque equivalent to two months’ clergy benefits premiums. In most cases, that is about $600. 
“The Finance Committee is pleased to be able to rebate these funds,” says chairman Gerald McConaghy. “We hope it is a bit of encouragement to parishes and we are sure they have lots of good ideas on how to spend it.”
In reviewing diocesan finances for the fiscal year 2009, the Finance Committee noted the clergy benefits plan enjoyed a surplus position, thanks to minor premium increases and a lower than expected number of participants. The surplus was significant enough that the committee authorized the rebate to parishes that paid into the fund in 2009. Parishes with two clergy on staff will receive a double rebate. Rebates for parishes that paid in at a lower rate, or for less than the full year, will be prorated accordingly.
“In every case the rebate is $300 or more,” says Mr. McConaghy.
Most parishes in this diocese participate in the benefits plan. Clergy participants each pay 36 per cent of the premium. Parish participants, as employers, share the costs of the employers’ premiums. At the beginning of each year the employer share is estimated according to projected costs and participant numbers.
Gerald McConaghy chairs the diocesan Finance Committee and worships at St. Paul's, Rothesay.
Diocesan Communications
13 April 2010
