Despite 2015 deficit, progress made in implementing reforms, Vatican says

Vatican City State, on the other hand, which has a separate budget, reported a surplus of 59.9 million euros ($63.4 million).

Bishops reject assessment hike; mail vote needed on change in formula

Needing 130 votes to approve the assessment increase, only 100 bishops, or 60 percent, approved the hike, while 65 voted it down.

How to make the parish a well-run operation

A church management program at Villanova University is training laypeople, seminarians and priests from six continents to combine practical business skills with theological insights to benefit parishes and dioceses.

Catholic schools pact extended, as signs of growth sprout

Archbishop Chaput signed a six-year extension this week of the agreement with Faith in the Future Foundation to manage Catholic schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Finances and enrollment have improved since the agreement began in 2012.

Evangelization congregation denies mismanaging property

The congregation released a statement Nov. 11 after several news reports claimed that Vatican-owned apartments were rented far below market value and that several of those owned by the congregation were rented at nominal rates to Italian politicians, entertainers and relatives of Vatican employees.

Suburban Detroit pastor pleads guilty to mail fraud

"Why am I pleading guilty?" Father Belczak told U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Tarnow. "Because I am."

From flush to floundering, parish finances run the gamut

The American Parish series looks at how parishes across the U.S., including one in New Jersey, handle collections, deficits and new initiatives to keep the parish going.

Key planner of families’ meeting faces criminal probe in Italy

Italian prosecutors are investigating charges of embezzlement for the Vatican archbishop heading the Pontifical Council for the Family. In Philadelphia, planning for the World Meeting of Families continues unaffected.

Still prefer Latin Mass? It’s no reason to stay home on Sunday

Father Ken Doyle is sad to hear that a letter-writer doesn't go to church because she prefers the traditional Latin Mass. He strongly suggests an alternative. He also counts the reasons why churches should publish a financial report.

New Vatican financial rules increase transparency, centralization

The Vatican's new rules for budgeting and financial reporting, which will go into effect Jan. 1, call for heightened transparency and consistency in the church's central administration and underscore the oversight powers of two economic bodies Pope Francis established in February.