Jenny Snarski
Catholic Herald staff
The Diocese of Superior’s Finance Department presented a three-part webinar series on bank fraud prevention in September. The webinars were designed for parish accountants and financial services staff as well as finance council members and parish trustees.
“We are taking our responsibility of handling people’s generosity very seriously. Banks are warning us that fraud is increasing rapidly, and we wanted to present this information to our parish staff,” diocesan Finance Director Larry French explained.
A post-series summary noted the presentations were designed to help staff take practical steps for reducing the risk of bank fraud. Common fraud methods were explained; areas where parish funds may be exposed were highlighted. Various controls and safeguards were discussed as well.
Reducing vulnerabilities was a primary focus, alongside raising fraud awareness and encouraging all financial staff and volunteers in parishes to unite in effort.
Acknowledging the technical nature of the issues involved, finance department personnel noted that time and effort would be needed.
“Engagement of staff, trustees and finance council is again recommended,” they advised.
Diocesan staff also recognize that various sizes and needs of each parish and the challenges of working with limited numbers of parish employees.
While the content was intended for internal use, French sees the importance of sharing news of this kind of initiative with members of Diocese of Superior parishes. It is an opportunity to show the initiative and proactive efforts to be good stewards of the resources parishioners share with their local churches, he observed.
French noted the tools are being promoted to all parishes to use, but added, “I would also encourage people to talk to their banks, as it’s the relationship with your bank that is a great first step in prevention.”
Questions can be directed to a local parish accountant, trustee or finance council members. Department of Finance information is at catholicdos.org/finance-accounting.
