Frequently Asked Questions

---

ShareNetwork participation is locally governed and does not, by itself, require diocesan approval.

However, parishes are expected to operate in harmony with diocesan policies, and pastors retain full discretion to consult the diocese as they deem appropriate.

ShareNetwork does not claim ecclesial authority and does not override diocesan governance.

No.

ShareNetwork does not:

• manage parish programs 
• direct parish volunteers 
• control parish facilities 
• dictate schedules or ministry decisions
   

All operational authority remains with the parish and pastor at all times.

No.

ShareNetwork:

• does not receive parish funds 
• does not distribute money or food 
• does not take a percentage of donations 
• does not act as a pass-through organization
   

Any local fundraising or resource management remains entirely local and under parish control.

No.

ShareNetwork is:

• non-partisan 
• not aligned with any political party 
• not a government program
   

ShareNetwork intentionally avoids federal funding tied to migration, relocation, or political initiatives in order to protect parish independence and public trust.

Most large charitable systems operate through centralized administration.

ShareNetwork operates as infrastructure, not a service provider.

It exists to:

• support local action 
• provide standards and tools 
• protect transparency 
• enable independence
   

Parishes and local communities remain the actors.

ShareNetwork was designed to minimize parish risk.

Key safeguards include:

• no financial entanglement 
• no centralized control 
• clear operating standards 
• transparency requirements 
• pastor-controlled participation 
• ability to stop participation at any time
   

This structure protects parish credibility and autonomy.

Yes.

Participation is:

• voluntary 
• revocable 
• subject to pastoral discretion
   

The parish may modify, pause, or discontinue participation at any time without penalty.

No.

Many parishes begin with:

• a pilot period
• limited involvement 
• partnership rather than hosting
   

There is no permanent obligation created by initial participation.

No.

ShareNetwork:

• does not replace existing ministries 
• does not compete with parish outreach 
• does not redirect parish focus
   

It provides a framework that can strengthen what already exists or support new local efforts if the parish chooses.

ShareNetwork is grounded in:

• Subsidiarity — keeping responsibility local 
• Human dignity — participation over dependency 
• Solidarity — community responsibility for care
   

This reflects how the Church historically organized local care through mission-based systems.

ShareNetwork is Faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Typically:

• pastoral approval 
• a small local leadership group 
• volunteers 
• modest space (as available) 
• agreement to ShareNetwork standards
   

ShareNetwork provides templates, guidance, and support.

Local leadership does.

ShareNetwork provides standards and tools, but:

• local decisions are local 
• local operations are local 
• local accountability is local
   

This preserves clarity and responsibility.