SEEKING LEADERS

Is the Lord calling you to serve in a leadership position?

What is the Pastoral Council?

The mission of the Pastoral Council (PC) is to assess and discern the short- and long-term needs of the parish. Council members are looked upon for their vision, wisdom, and counsel to consider the total mission of the Church and make recommendations that will enhance the spiritual lives of her members.

How often Does the Pastoral Council Meet?

The PC meets five times a year, every other month, beginning in September and ending in May.

How it works:

Council members must:

1. Be registered in the Parish.

2. Have demonstrated a commitment to the Parish Community.

3. Be Practicing Catholics.

4. Commit themselves not only to spiritual growth but also to skills development as part of the Christian leadership process.

5. Be willing to commit the necessary time and energy to offer effective consultation.

The Pastor must preside at all Council meetings and seek counsel on matters affecting the life of the Parish. He is to ensure that the council is representative of the whole parish and assist in the formation of its members. He is to assist in the preparation of agendas. When the Pastor leaves a Parish or dies, all formal activity of the PC ceases until a new Pastor or Administrator reconvenes the Council. The Pastoral Council is a consultative body whose nature is to assist the Pastor in shepherding the people of God in the parish. Its proper role is not so much the implementation of programs or ministries but envisioning goals and assessing needs. The principle of representation flows from the truth that all parishioners have the gifts of the Holy Spirit “according to the measure of their faith.” To achieve this, it will need a sufficient number of women, men, all age and ethnic groups, white- and blue-collar workers, etc. However, the council also needs persons who have creativity, the time to serve, and the willingness to grow.

Membership and Nomination

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Pastoral Council can submit the Nomination Form below. Parishioners also are encouraged to submit the names of other parishioners for nomination. Nominees will be contacted to confirm that they accept the nomination. If so, they will be discerned in a prayer session by the Pastoral Council in the month of March.

Newly discerned members are invited as guests to the May Pastoral Council meeting as the outgoing members attend their last session. Newly discerned members begin their term in the month of September. The pastor reserves the right to confirm nominations at his discretion.

The average term for a Pastoral Council member is three years, renewable at the discretion of the Pastor. Also, not all members are discerned. The Pastor may appoint at least three parishioners to the twelve-member Council.

Deacons and Parish Staff are welcome to attend the Pastoral Council meetings. Parishioners are encouraged to give their input to the Pastoral Council members for the improvement of the Parish. PC members humbly and diligently bring the needs, concerns and ideas of the parishioners to the PC in an effort to reflect that we are truly a Christian community inspired by Gospel values. We want to be effective disciples of Christ who put our faith into action.

A poster with the pictures of the current Pastoral Council members can be found in the narthex of Church of the Good Shepherd or in the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall in Marion.

Pastoral Council Nomination Form

Please pray about whom you are interested in nominating to serve on the Pastoral Council. You may nominate yourself or someone else who meets the guidelines. (See above.) If you nominate someone else, please ask them if they are eligible and willing to serve. Nominees must agree to serve faithfully (to the best of their ability) for three years.