Legion of Mary |  Mary's Notebook |  Issue 10 of Mary's Notebook

Handbook Study - ANNUAL AUDITS



Vexillum


"The Treasurer's books shall be audited annually. It is suggested that two members of the Praesidium or the Council (as the case may be), other than the Treasurer, be appointed to that duty:' (Legion Handbook, 24.8).

It is suggested that reference to the audit should be made in the annual reports of Praesidia to their Councils and also during visitation of Praesidia by Councils. It seems desirable that the audit should be carried out at the same time each year. In the case of a Praesidium it might be considered suitable to have it done when the annual report is being prepared.

It is also suggested that reference to the audit be made in the Minutes of Praesidia and Councils and in reports of Councils to Higher Councils. Correspondents are requested to draw the attention of Councils to this requirement and to monitor Minutes and reports with this in mind.

It is important that the audit should cover all income and expenditure and any monies on deposit and that the auditors verify, through current bank statements and/or actual cash in hand, the balance shown. The audit should also cover all financial transactions related to the works of Praesidia, for example, sales of newspapers, books and magazines, clubs, Patricians, etc, and also financial transactions related to property, sales of Maria Legionis, Handbooks and other Legion literature, etc.

It is desirable that the auditors' report be presented at a meeting of the Praesidium or Council. It would be of assistance to all Councils in carrying out their responsibilities towards the Praesidia and Councils affiliated to them if copies of the auditors' reports could be presented or forwarded to them.

"It would be impossible to associate the idea of wastefulness with Our Lady's housekeeping. Therefore it goes without saying that every Legionary body must handle its property and its funds, watchfully and economically." (Legion Handbook. 24 9).