At one of the Masses of my first Sunday here I was asked whether my focus was going to be on building a church for St. Katharine – and as much as I would like to have a place of worship that is not one of transition – I simply said no. When new Pastors enter into a new parish everyone wants to know what your plan is, what is your focus. I really think the focus has got to be first and foremost the seeking to follow the will of God in all that we do. We should always be about the business of sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to him speak, like Mary in the Gospel this Sunday. I think too this is where a Parish Council is going to be beneficial in helping me discern the most effective way to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of this parish. And so from time to time I will be inserting information about parish pastoral councils into the bulletin so as to let everyone know what its purpose and functions are until we are ready to create such an organization.
How does a parish pastoral council operate?
A council meets once a month with the pastor to consider pastoral issues. It listens carefully to the concerns of the pastor, the parish staff and others involved in the life of the parish. Through prayer and discernment it searches for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and reaches decisions through consensus. The Parish Pastoral Council meets at a set date and time each month. The council may also convene annually for an extended time of prayer and reflection. Regular attendance at meetings is critical.
Who should be a member of a parish pastoral council?
A council member should be at least 21 years of age, prayerful, care about the spiritual well-being of the entire community, be willing to learn about the church, have a sense of mission: to bring Christ to people and people to Christ, and be involved in the life and activities of the parish. A council member must be able to attend meetings on a regular basis.
Peace and all Good, Fr David
