The Archdiocese of Atlanta released today a $1,042,095.33 balanced budget for the fiscal year July 1, 1967 to June 30, 1968. It is the first time in the archdiocese’s history that the financial report was made public.

Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan and Bishop Joseph L. Bernardin said in releasing the budget, “In the new, open Church, charted by Vatican II, there must be open facts and debates. The advantages are evident. You will have more confidence in those who handle your finances. You will have more incentive to support the Church.

“The Synod of 1966 called for the publication of income and expenditure in both the archdiocese and the parishes. Today, the new budget is published. The entire financial report of the past year, including the expansion fund, will appear soon. The Synod requires the parishes to inform the people in the same manner.”

The budget was prepared by the vicar general and chancellor in consultation with the members of the Archdiocesan Financial Council. After the council, formally recommended that it be adopted, the budget was approved by the archbishop.

The Financial Council (eight elected, three appointed) includes Rawson Haverty, chairman, G. Albert Lawton, Paul E. Sauerburger, Hughes Spalding Jr., George V. Werner, Adolphus D. Wilburn, Mrs. Edward P. Faust, Father John D. Stapleton, Sister M. Melanie, R.S.M., Father Noel Burtenshaw, chancellor, is priest-secretary of the council.

The archbishop and bishop said, “It is a significant to note the increased expenditure for those in need—dependent children, exceptional children, infirm priests, the aged, families in need to help, the poor and deprived people especially in the downtown area.

“Second, our educational budget, devoted in the past almost entirely to parochial and high schools, has been broadened to support schools of religion and the Newman program for Catholics in schools not Catholic, and graduate studies for priests. Thirdly, at least three new missions centers are planned.

“We are sure that you will study and discuss the new budget. That is the reason why the archdiocese has published it,” the two bishops commented.

The largest sources of revenue listed in the budget include income from outside the archdiocese, $105,000; education, $377,615; parish assessments, $337,549. Largest expenditures listed are $607,155 for education; $172,650 for welfare which includes the Village of St. Joseph and Catholic Social Services.