Meetings are held on the
fourth Tuesday of each month.
Parishioners are welcome to attend a meeting.
Current Council Members
Kathy Paper, Chair
Mark Busche, Sub-Chair (3 years)
Clay Turner (3 years)
Mary Jane Miller (3 years)
Christine Kessler, 2 year
Matt Carter – Administration
– Worship
Jim Legleiter – Formation
Tony Taylor- Outreach
Emily Kern – SAC – Appointed
Student – Appointed
Vacant – Appointed
Rev. David G. Sánchez, Pastor
Nancy Sparrow, Secretary
Purpose and Function
The parish pastoral council is a consultative body that supports and offers recommendations for pastor/pastoral administrator approval. The council structure facilitates cooperation between the pastor/pastoral administrator, the staff, and parishioners to define and carry out the parish’s mission which is connected to the mission of the universal Church and to that of Jesus.
In its leadership role, the council has the responsibility to assist the pastor in:
• Defining and perpetuating the parish’s mission – why do we exist as a Catholic parish?
• Listening and responding to the Holy Spirit – how is the parish called to fulfill its mission?
• Developing a pastoral plan – identify priorities and the corresponding strategies needed to set direction for the parish.
• Providing organizational structures – build a sense of belonging and engagement in the parish and offer clear, consistent, and easily accessible communication.
• Operating with organizational and procedural guidelines – provide clear parameters to promote and support stewardship as the way of life in the parish.
A pastoral council pursues the parish’s mission in connection with the larger Church and with awareness of its interdependence with other parishes, the Archdiocese, and the universal Church. The council leads the parish through planning and direction-setting processes and strives for effective communication and interaction between committees, organizations, and the parish as a whole.
The council supports good relations with other churches and organizations within the community and participates in those endeavors related to the common good.
Membership
The council is made up of the pastor/pastoral administrator and a selection of parishioners. The size of the council will depend upon the size of the parish, with an average range being 6-12 members. This size is small enough to allow the group to know one another well, to dialogue, and to work collaboratively, and large enough for stimulating discussions and for accomplishing its work. (See the link to the “Parish Pastoral Council Guide” and look for the Resources section of this guide for additional information on “Membership Selection.”)
Criteria to Serve
• Registered and practicing member of the parish.
• Ability to work with diverse personalities and viewpoints.
• Willing to participate in ongoing formation.
Term
Members serve three-year terms with the possibility of renewal for additional three-year terms. It is recommended that terms be staggered to provide for reasonable continuity of the council.
Selection
Potential council members are surfaced through invitation and/or nomination, which creates a pool of people with the gifts and willingness to serve in this leadership capacity.
arishioners considering parish council service should attend an orientation to learn more about the work of pastoral council. Conversations with the pastor/pastoral administrator and current members are also recommended when discerning whether to leave one’s name in the pool of candidates.
Selection of new members may be by election of the parish community, by random lot from the pool of candidates, or through direct appointment to fill a prioritized skill or need. Timing for the annual cycle of selecting and seating new members is at the discretion of the parish.
Roles
Pastor/pastoral administrator – Establishes the member selection process, convenes the council and directs the meeting agenda, creates an environment for open communication among council members, approves decisions/actions of the council, and serves as the spiritual leader.
Council members – Serve as a consultative resource to the pastor/pastoral administrator. Participate in the council’s formation, prayer, and deliberations, gather information and data regarding pastoral needs of the community, assist in developing the parish pastoral plan, communicate effectively with the entire parish, and serve as the council’s link to staff and committees.
Consensus & Decision Making
Pastors/pastoral administrators are called upon to use a process of dialogue and consultation with the pastoral council. Seeking the spirit of consensus is desirable in all council matters.
Consensus is a process of seeking substantial agreement through open discussion, prayer, and resolution of major issues. The conclusion reached is one that all members can support, regardless of one’s own personally preferred option.
Making decisions by consensus is based on the concept of shared wisdom and the belief that Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to all the baptized. It necessitates each person sharing views on issues and listening to the wisdom of differing views in the light of the common good. The consensus spirit of decision-making has the potential to generate a greater sense of unity among the group.
Consensus decision-making is recommended whenever possible, particularly for major decisions. Because the council is a consultative body, however, the final authority for decisions rests with the pastor/pastoral administrator. Parish pastoral council decisions are considered official when ratified by the pastor/pastoral administrator, ordinarily at the meeting during which the decision is made.
Pastoral Planning
Pastoral planning is a way for the parish to accomplish its mission while giving parishioners a stronger sense of belonging. It is an experience of shared responsibility and stewardship of parish resources. It addresses the matter of what we are called to be as a parish at this time and what we need to be doing in order to get there.
Planning is often initiated through the pastoral council in consultation with other skilled leaders in the parish community, parish staff, committees, and parishioners.
Characteristics of pastoral planning include:
- Considering fundamental questions such as: How are we carrying out our mission? Whom are we serving? Whom should we be serving?
- Evaluating stakeholder input gathered through surveys and listening sessions, data trends of the current environment, and leaders’ own knowledge and expertise about the parish.
- Identifying parish priorities in light of current circumstances and realities.
- Creating a pastoral plan that focuses the parish’s vision for the next 3-5 years.
Archdiocesan agency assistance and resources are available to help guide parish pastoral planning teams through the process.
Policy Consultation
Policies are intended to help the parish tie together its mission, vision, values, and culture into clearly written and executable understandings. Policies are approved by the pastor/pastoral administrator in consultation with parish staff, pastoral council, committees, or others with knowledge pertinent to the particular matter.
The process of policy consultation with the pastoral council includes:
- Researching and data gathering.
- Consulting with those responsible for carrying out the policy.
- Identifying multiple policy alternatives for consideration.
- Offering a recommendation to the pastor/pastoral administrator for his approval.
- Communicating the approved policy to the parish community.