As some of you may know, my predecessor became aware, last year, of numerous discrepancies in our parish’s financial records. It immediately became apparent that these inconsistencies were of a level that it was necessary to seek the assistance of our Diocesan Finance Office, which immediately began a review of both financial transactions and procedures here at St. Francis de Sales.
This review found many transactions and practices which were contrary to Diocesan procedures and inconsistent with general accounting practices and controls; many transactions indicated possible utilization of parish funds for inappropriate uses. For this reason, my predecessor turned this over to the Newark Police Department for further investigation.
Since that time, with the assistance of the Finance Office and our external accounting consultants, our parish has re-established the controls and processes that provide clear and well-documented procedures for financial transactions. Additionally, all parish staff and volunteers involved in these processes are fully aware of and compliant with these practices.
As your new pastor, I have been made fully aware of this situation. I wish to let you know that this matter remains under investigation by local authorities. I will keep the parish apprised as new developments occur
Fr. Dave