By Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma – 6 November 2024
On 2 November 2024, representatives from across the Archdiocese of Pretoria gathered at St Paulus School in Brummeria for the annual Finance Meeting. Attendees included Parish Priests and/or their assistants, Parish and Pastoral Council Chairpersons, Finance Chairpersons, and additional Finance Committee members. In total, 200 delegates from all parishes and pastoral districts participated, reflecting the Archdiocese’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability.
Fr. Masemola Calls for Accountability and Transparency
Fr. Amos Mabuti Masemola, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, emphasized the importance of responsible stewardship over the Church’s resources. He urged everyone to be accountable for the finances, assets, and properties in their care, stressing that transparency is essential to building a self-reliant Church. Fr. Masemola highlighted that having secret bank accounts is strictly forbidden within the Archdiocese.
He further emphasized that financial reports must first be presented to parish communities before being submitted to the Archdiocese, promoting accountability at the local level. While the Archdiocese covers insurance costs for each parish, parishes are expected to reimburse these expenses, reinforcing a shared responsibility model.
Archbishop Mpako on Synodality, Transparency, and Church Policies
In a candid Q&A session, the Archdiocese provided a detailed account of how its funds were utilized. Archbishop Dabula Mpako clarified that medical aid insurance for priests is governed by Archdiocesan policies, rather than being managed individually by parishes. This policy ensures that all priests receive equal treatment and dignity in times of illness.
Archbishop Mpako also elaborated on the Archdiocese’s assessment policy, stating that assessments are determined according to each parish’s income, whether large or small, affluent or modest. He stressed the importance of a synodal approach, urging the Archdiocese to avoid working in silos. “We must be a synodal Church,” he emphasized, encouraging unity and collective responsibility.
He further expressed hope that Pope Francis would soon release the final document from the Synod on Synodality. Archbishop Mpako underscored the importance of recognizing that the Holy Spirit speaks to every person, and that everyone’s unique gifts should be harnessed to build and strengthen the Church.
Financial Performance and Achievements
The financial report for the year ending 31 December 2023 showcased both successes and challenges faced by the Archdiocese:
- Income: The Archdiocese reported an income of R11,047,668, slightly below the budgeted R11,131,535 and down from R12,898,698 in 2022. The decrease is attributed to lower recovery of insurance and medical aid payments and a reduction in Special Collections, which dropped from R10.9 million in 2022 to R9.6 million in 2023.
- Operating Expenses: Total expenses were R9,777,065, which is R1.2 million below budget and R1 million less than the previous year. Excluding Special Collections, expenses amounted to R8.3 million, compared to R10.9 million in 2022.
- Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): CAPEX for 2023 totaled R557,680, significantly lower than both the budgeted R865,000 and the R1,579,892 spent in 2022. This year’s capital expenditure primarily focused on motor vehicles.
- Net Surplus: After CAPEX, the Archdiocese recorded a net surplus of R712,923, which was R1.5 million above budget expectations and R200,000 higher than in 2022. This surplus highlights the Archdiocese’s prudent financial management and commitment to self-sustainability.
Growth in Special Collections and Archdiocesan Contributions
Fr. Chris Townsend, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, reported notable growth in special collections, which fund various Church initiatives. Special collections in 2023, including the Lenten Appeal, totaled R1.81 million, up from R1.74 million in 2022.
The Archdiocese of Pretoria has now become the largest supporter of the Pontifical Mission Society Office in Southern Africa, covering Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa. Additionally, it is the top contributor to the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, which supports local clergy and religious formation. Pretoria also ranks second in Mission Month contributions, just after the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, and is the third-largest contributor to the Pontifical Mission Societies overall. The Archdiocese stands as the fourth-biggest donor to the Bishops’ Lenten Appeal, following Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
Fr. Townsend commended the Southern Deanery for its strong contributions, while expressing hope for increased support from the North West Deanery, the largest in the Archdiocese.
Gratitude and Vision for Self-Sustainability
The Archdiocese expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from parishes, which is essential to fulfilling the vision of a self-sustaining Church. Archbishop Mpako encouraged parishioners to feel actively involved in the mission of the Archdiocese, acknowledging that their contributions are invaluable to the Church’s growth and success.
Archdiocesan Finance Committee Members
The Archdiocesan Finance Committee, tasked with overseeing financial matters, includes:
- Archbishop Dabula Mpako
- Auxiliary Bishop Masilo Selemela
- Vicar General Fr. Amos Masemola
- Operations Officer Ms. Marie McCrea
- Dr. Patrick Makawa
- Ms. Fikelephi Mayisela
- Mr. Solly Masemola
- Mr. Graeme Rissik
This meeting underscores the Archdiocese of Pretoria’s dedication to transparency, responsible stewardship, and fostering a financially self-reliant Church.