Every parish is to have a parish finance council to assist with the responsible stewardship of resources, and to be of assistance to the pastor (canon 537).
The Parish Finance Council is to adhere to the laws governing the administration of ecclesiastical goods under canon law and the Pastoral Handbook. The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body that provides consent to the pastor for certain transactions and guidance and advice to the pastor for other matters.
The Parish Finance Council draws up and monitors the annual budget, assists in determining the best means of investment, helps develop salary scales for employees and is involved in any financial area of parish administration.
The Finance Council is composed of at least six members who serve for a three-year period. The Parish Finance Council elects its chair and vice-chair and appoints its secretary.
(Archdiocese of Denver Pastoral Handbook)
The Parish Pastoral Council is required in the Archdiocese and serves the pastor in a consultative capacity and exists to help and support the pastor and the members of his staff in the accomplishment of the pastoral objectives.
The Parish Pastoral Council advises the pastor on developments of pastoral priorities. The Council helps the pastor to identify pastoral needs and to implement and evaluate pastoral programs. The Council assists with encouraging volunteerism and participation by the parishioners in the life and ministry of the Church.
(Archdiocese of Denver Pastoral Handbook)