1. Parish Incorporation Explained
Nuts and Bolts
Parish Incorporation Explained

2. Why you are here
Transparency
Accountability
Education
Communication

3. Timeline…
1911…Vatican urges American Parishes
to be Incorporated.

4. Timeline…
2002…Bishops and legal experts within the church explore ways of reflecting in Civil Law the realities as expressed in Canon Law

5. Timeline…
2004…Archdiocese of
Portland declares
bankruptcy.

6. Timeline… forms of corporate structures.
2005…US Dioceses begin to adopt various
forms of corporate
structures.

7. Timeline…
October 27, First meeting of Dodge City Diocese Corporation Officers and Diocesan Counsel to discuss organizational issues.

8. Timeline…
August, Mark Chopko encourages diocese to consider structuring opportunities in light of each state’s law.

9. Timeline…
October, Kansas Bishops consider structuring opportunities in light of Kansas Law.

10. Timeline…
October 16, Bishop Gilmore authorizes Diocesan Attorneys and Finance Office to develop a plan.

11. Timeline… November 21, 2006… Presbyteral Council December 12, 2006…
College of Consultors
Diocesan Finance Council

12. Timeline… January 3, 2007… Presbyteral Assembly: present plan and
begin implementation.

13. Why the wait?
The Diocese of Dodge City was formed May 19, The diocese did not foresee a need to incorporate at that time.
Some Diocese incorporated parishes at the beginning in 1911.

14. Why now? Respond to increase in law suits in the U.S.
We live in a litigious society
Mirror in civil law, as closely as possible, Cannon Law
Protect assets from foreseeable loss.
Provide liability protection to individual parishes and diocese.

15. Consequences Lack of understanding Minimal costs
“the diocese is taking more control”
Minimal costs
Increased responsibility
Corporate resolutions
Checking accounts
Internal Controls
Priests with differing backgrounds
Increased management

16. Where are other Diocese at?
Some incorporated from the beginning.
In Kansas
Dodge City has been the leader
Salina is in process of incorporating
Kansas City in selectively incorporating all parishes
Wichita has taken no action

17. Future
It is intended to steward Diocesan and Parish assets with the best tools in the environment we live.
Parish incorporation is the answer at this time.

18. connect canonical and civil…
Diocese
Trust Agreement
Service Agreement
Parish