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Protecting your donation

Diocese of Orlando is starting to require parishes to implement improved security measures for money placed in the collection basket.

DEBRA TOMASELLI | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 02.29.08

ORLANDO | The Diocese of Orlando has started to require parishes to use tamper-resistant bags and adopt other security measures to ensure all of the money placed into collection baskets makes it into parishes’ bank accounts.

Diocesan officials didn’t want to disclose exact procedures, but said auditors are in the process of training parish leaders about how to log collections and record bag numbers, segregate monetary responsibilities and implement dual controls when counting monies. As each parish receives its presentation, the security program becomes mandatory there.

“It’s a good thing,” said Roger Barnes, comptroller for the diocese, who learned about the bags at a fiscal managers’ conference. “This will strengthen internal controls.”

The plastic bags, which come in different sizes, are prenumbered, allowing effective tracking policies, but the key feature is their construction.

“These bags are tamper-resistant. You can’t open or unseal them,” Barnes said. “You have to cut them with a pair of scissors or rip them open.” In addition, unlike the clear bags some banks provide, the bags are opaque, and you can’t see inside. “That’s a safety feature,” Barnes said.

Some parishes used similar procedures, but not to the full extent, said Barnes. Some used bags that were not prenumbered. Others tracked funds for only part of the process. This program is designed to work from the time monies are collected to the time they are deposited.

“I’m happy to see the plan rolled out,” Barnes said. “This gives our parishioners confidence that their contributions are safeguarded between their pocketbook and the bank.”

“I really feel comfortable about it,” said Maureen Houlihan, bookkeeper at Holy Family Parish in Orlando. “It adds a layer of protection from possibility of fraud for volunteers and staff. As a bookkeeper of a very large church, I don’t want anyone to have reason to accuse me, so it protects me as well as the church.”

Nancy O’Reilly, office manager at Annunciation Parish in Altamonte Springs, said the bags, with their safeguards against tampering, are effective. Although the parish used similar bags before, she said the diocesan program offers better control.

“I’m glad,” she said, echoing Houlihan’s sentiment. “It’s for your protection as well as the ushers, volunteers and employees.”

“The system is practical and effective,” added Father Charles Mitchell, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Altamonte Springs. “The bags protect the stewardship and generosity of the parish as well as those charged with handling the money. We’re pleased with it.”

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