Concept in Definition ABC

There are terms whose meaning is limited to a specific area. This is the case of the word bursar, which is normally used in the sphere of the Catholic religion. A bursar is the person in charge of the administration and the management of the activities of the Catholic Church. The person who holds this position is generally a cleric, whose specific functions are to ensure the proper economic functioning of a institution religious, such as a parish or diocese.

It should be borne in mind that already in the first centuries of the Catholic Church the term "administrare" was used to refer to the management and administration of assets. If we extrapolate the figure of the treasurer to the civil sphere, we would speak of other concepts, for example, manager, accountant or manager.

Organizational structure of the Catholic Church

The religious organization of the Catholic Church, also known as the diocesan curia, establishes a series of organisms and charges for the proper functioning of the church. Thus, the bishop is the highest representative of a diocese. There is also the figure of the vicar general as a figure of lower rank and who acts as the bishop's delegate. Continuing in the chill, the figure of the chancellor appears, who is in charge of writing and filing the minutes of the curia. This structure is defined as established in the

right canonical and aims to order and regulate all pastoral activity related to the church. It must be taken into account that the organs and functions of the church are very diverse: pastoral council, chapter, penitentiary canon or parishes. As is logical, this entire organization chart and its corresponding attributions require financial management, which is carried out by the treasurer.

The specific functions of the bursar

The bursar has a fundamental role, since all the economic activity it depends on the management of it. As a general guideline, the bursar holds his position for a certain period, usually five years, although the tendency is for this position to be renewed after the end of his mandate. At the end of each year, the treasurer has to show what the economic reality of the organization he manages is, that is, he must render accounts to the bishop.

The office of treasurer implies that some assets are administered, which means that the person responsible for doing so does not deals with the government of a religious body but exclusively with administrative tasks of a nature economic.

The treasurer must fulfill his functions in accordance with that established in canon law and in such a way that his actions correspond to the purpose established by the church. In any circumstance, the responsibility The treasurer must be supervised by the bishop of the diocese, the highest Catholic authority in a territory. Consequently, his functions are always dependent and do not have an autonomous character.

Finally, according to legislation canonical, the treasurer exercises his administrative functions, having previously sworn that he will carry out his position in accordance with the provisions of the law. It must be borne in mind that any diocese manages funds and the person responsible for them must be someone of absolute confidence, so his oath of office is a symbol of his commitment.

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