A Moral Document, Responsible Stewardship

“A budget is a moral document.”

Workshop participants at Salesianum School

This intriguing statement was explored and discussed at one of the many sessions at the Oblates International Financial Workshop earlier this month. Bringing Oblate financial leaders from five continents, the workshop offered an opportunity to share best practices and learn from experts and peers.  

Tim Woods & Dominic D’Eramo, who presented on Budgeting & Strategic Financial Planning, led the discussion on the implications of a budget being a moral document. This offered a new lens through which provincial treasurers viewed how they fulfill their ministry and reminded them of the importance of prayer and reflection in their financial work

“The workshop was an important step in empowering our treasurers to monitor, protect and, where able, wisely invest the funds that have been entrusted to us,” said Most Rev. Barry Strong, OSFS, General Superior of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.

“On an international congregational level, we want to make sure that anyone who functions as a provincial or regional treasurer feels fully prepared and supported in that ministry as the congregation continues to work to be as transparent and accountable in all matters financial, “ said Fr. Strong.  

Workshop organizers, Irene Grugan and Fr. Joe Morrissey, OSFS

“Show me your budget, and I’ll show you your mission,” was another theme that resonated during the many topics addressed at the four-day workshop.  Fr. Paulo Rodigues, OSFS, came from Brazil and commented, “It was a time of learning about economics, consecrated life, and mission…It was important to present the topic of economics from the perspective of planning for the future of the Oblates' mission in the world. This concern to initiate a process of education in economics associated with our charism and mission.”

Organized by Congregational Treasurer Fr. Joe Morrissey, OSFS, and his assistant Irene Grugan, the workshop brought together Oblates from South Africa, Austria, Benin, Brazil, Germany, India, Italy, and the US.  The workshop was held at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE.  The visitors stayed at the Salesianum Oblate Community, the Provincial Residence, and St. Anthony of Padua rectory.  They prayed together, shared meals, and enjoyed fellowship. Their time together reinforced their shared spirit of communion and responsibility to the mission and sustainability of the Oblate Congregation.

Reflecting on the workshop, Fr. Morrissey, OSFS, said, “The Oblates need to keep current with the new financial challenges that present new opportunities to better utilize the temporal goods entrusted to us to spread our charism of Salesian gentleness.” 

See photos here.