In a “religious parish corporation,” five members comprise the board of directors. By virtue of their office, the archbishop, vicar general and pastor are automatic members of the corporation. The archbishop is the president of the corporation, and the pastor is the vice president. In addition, two lay members of the parish — called trustees — are appointed by the ex officio members to serve as treasurer and secretary.

The parish trustee’s responsibilities are to watch over the finances of the parish, make sure the corporation is doing right for the overall parish, and report to the archdiocese that everything is well.