PROVIDENCE- ¬ The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, has appointed Margaret Ruggieri of Barrington and Patricia Smolley of Foster to the Diocesan Finance Council. He did so following a thorough review of their credentials and at the recommendation of the Diocesan chief financial officer and the secretary for planning and financial services.
"I am pleased to appoint Margaret and Patricia to the consultative body that provides critical advice relative to financial issues before the Diocese of Providence," said Bishop Tobin. "Both of these individuals demonstrate a thorough understanding of sound financial management as well as a strong commitment to serving Christ and His Church. As the Diocese prepares for the needs of tomorrow, I am confident that their expertise and contributions will serve a tremendous value to the entire Diocese."
Ruggieri and her husband John reside in Barrington and are parishioners of St. Luke's Parish, where she is also a member of the parish council and a former religious education instructor. She has been a faculty member of the Providence College Accountancy Department for ten years. "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Diocese of Providence as a member of the finance council and to work with other dedicated business professionals. I look forward to utilizing my skills and experience to assist in advising the Bishop with respect to the financial matters of the Diocese," said Ruggieri.
Smolley and her husband Gregory reside in Foster and are parishioners of St. Augustine's Parish in Providence. She has been with Fidelity Investments for 11 years and currently serves as an investment representative at the Investor Center in Providence.
"It is an honor to serve the Diocese and my fellow parishioners in this capacity," said Smolley.
Ruggieri and Smolley replace Marie Langlois and Gordon Pingicer, CPA. Langlois resigned from the board due to other Diocesan and personal commitments and Pingicer accepted a new position outside of Rhode Island.
The Finance Council consists of a diverse group of faithful Christians, appointed by the Bishop of Providence to serve a five- year term. The role of the Diocesan Finance Council is to assist in the annual budgetary review process. This includes the income and expenditures of the upcoming year as well quarterly examination and account of revenue and expenses of the major corporations of the Diocese.
As the chief financial advisors of the Bishop, the council works closely with the Diocesan Chief Finance Officer Michael Sabatino in reviewing the annual audited financial report, allocates funds for the upcoming year, makes recommendations regarding fundraising in conjunction with the Development/Stewardship Committee, as well as many other functions. The Finance Council is also responsible for informing the Bishop of any matters that appear to require his immediate attention and also in raising concerns for the long-term financial welfare of the diocese.
There are 14 members of the Diocesan Finance Council whose term will end in February of 2011. The council members include: Bishop Thomas J. Tobin; Msgr. Paul Theroux, vicar general/ moderator of the Curia; Rev. Raymond Bastia, secretary for Planning & Financial Services; Glenn Creamer; Hon. Laureen D'Ambra; Almon Hall; Rev. William Marquis, OP; Very Rev. Robert Perron; Virginia Roberts; Sr. Dorothy Schwarz, SSD; Rev. Richard Sheahan; and William Wray.
(This story originally published in The Providence Visitor)
