The authority of a Benedictine community is expressed and exercised principally through the prioress whose most important service to her community is to unite it through Christ in his Spirit. Through the appointment of an administrative staff, the prioress delegates authority to be used in the service of the community. The monastic council serves as an advisory body to the prioress (RB3:12). The sub-prioress is the assistant to the prioress and has all those responsibilities which are delegated to her by the prioress. The secretary records and signs the minutes of the meets and is responsible for all official monastery correspondence and documents which require the signature of the secretary. Under the direction of the prioress, the treasurer is responsible for the financial affairs of the monastery. (Call to Life, Federation of St. Scholastica)