Pastoral Council Membership

As we look toward the future of the parish we are in need of new members to serve the parish Pastoral Council. Being a member of the Parish Pastoral Council requires a commitment for leaders to invest their time and energy, as well as their commitment to help plan the vision and mission of the parish under the leadership of the pastor. Parishioners who would like to be considered candidates should be optimistic and enthusiastic about the future of the parish and desirous of working in a collaborative leadership model, as well as commitment to the yearly cycle of pastoral planning. We hope that you will consider being part of this.

If you feel called to be part of this important leadership ministry through service on our Parish Pastoral Council we ask you to please call the parish office and provide your contact information. Over the next few weeks we will be holding an information session which all interested candidates will be invited to attend. The purpose of the session will be to present the Diocesan official guidelines for parish pastoral councils, One Body, One Mission as promulgated by Bishop Zubik in 2010.

St. Benedict the Abbot Pastoral Council

Among those who lead parishes today are the members of the Parish Pastoral Council. This body that represents the entire parish serves as advisors to the pastor and helps the parish stay true to its mission. Here at our parish, we are seeking new members for the council. As three members complete their terms of office, we will begin the process of discernment for replacements. What does serving on council mean? How often does the council meet? What is expected of a member? You are invited to pray about whether your gifts and talents could help our parish become better. Read on to find out more…

• Serving on a Pastoral Council means a person is able and ready to put aside his or her own agenda and work with others for the good of the whole parish; coming to a shared understanding of what it means to be Church in this time and place.
• Our council usually meets five times a year for regular gatherings as well as once for a day of retreat; February, April, June, September and November are meeting months. Special meetings or smaller committee meetings may be called as necessary.
• Council members are expected to investigate, consider, and propose practical conclusions about those things which pertain to the pastoral works of the parish.