A consultative body that assists the pastor in bringing together the different ministries and promoting the parish mission of worship, education and service. The council now works closely with their current administrator. The lay members are discerned for two-year terms and meet ten months of the year.
The purpose of this Parish Council shall be to develop and promote worship, formation, outreach, stewardship, community life and administration. This includes making recommendations on various aspects of parish life, initiating programs, forming policies and providing vision for the continued growth and development of the parish community. As the principle standing committees of the Parish Council, i.e., Worship, formation, outreach, stewardship, community life and administration, they study problems, recommend policy, oversee and evaluate programs and ministries within their areas of responsibility. Members are appointed by the pastor with the advice of the Parish Council.
Parish Council shall consist of two (2) persons appointed from each ethnic group in the community who will be involved in the parish mission of Worship, Outreach, Formation and Stewardship and Community Life. Representation from the Administration Pillar shall consist of the Finance Committee Chair, Property Board/Building and Grounds Chair and a member from the Religious Info-Online Newsletter. To ensure greater integration between the parish and school, the appointed school representative shall serve as an additional member of the Parish Council.
Historically, clergy and laity have worked together in dealing with matters of the Church’s life. The Parish Council is an example of the synergy of clergy and laity. It is a vehicle for implementing the ongoing mission of the Church and planning the necessary strategies, policies, procedures, and activities that will enable the Parish to move forward in accomplishing God’s work.
As a member of the Parish Council, it is important to remember that one has been appointed to serve a special ministry which requires total love, loyalty, and dedication to Christ and His Church. He/She is expected to exert every effort to exemplify its sacred character and spirit. Upon appointment, he/she is assumed to understand, live by, and uphold the tenets, teachings, and traditions of the Catholic Church.
Parish Council members serve as role models for parishioners. They should lead by example by attending Church and parish events, and regularly participating in the sacramental life of the Church. By doing so, they will have a powerful effect on the overall life of the community. If Parish Council members treat everyone with love and respect, as Christ loves us, then parishioners will do likewise.
The Council members must practice servant leadership by identifying and examining the ministry needs of the parishioners and taking the necessary steps to meet those needs, whether through the improvement and expansion of existing ministries or through the creation of new ones.
Note: One attests to this publicly before the congregation with the following affirmation of office as administered to him/her by the pastor/administrator (and to which he/she affixes his/her signature):
“I,__________________, do solemnly affirm that I will uphold the dogma, teaching, traditions, holy canons, worship and moral principles of the Catholic Church and that I will faithfully and sincerely fulfill the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council. So help me, God.”