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Documents
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Purpose of a Pastoral Council
Diocesan guidelines for pastoral councils state that all share in the life of the Spirit. The Pastoral Council provides pastoral planning for the faith community it serves. Through extensive prayer, listening and learning, the council assists the pastor in identifying and assessing the gifts and needs of the faith community; to clarify the parish’s mission; and to develop and initiate pastoral plans to serve this mission for the Kingdom of God.Vision Statement for Ss. John and Paul Parish
Beginning in September 2010, the Pastoral Council has worked to develop a guiding vision for the life of Ss. John and Paul Parish.
The Council has consulted diocesan and church directives about parish life (including the Church’s six essential dimensions of lifelong faith formation), has considered various suggestions and alternatives, and then has discussed the life of the parish with committees, organizations and parish groups. The Council has prayed for guidance and wisdom, to provide a compelling vision of the parish’s future.
Assisted by Janet Drey, the Pastoral Council first identified priorities for the life of the parish. For each of the eight priorities, the Council then noted more specific goals, by which to achieve the priority.
Work on this vision statement is an ongoing process with the current Council, which is identifying the 3-to-5 year priorities for the parish. In addition, the Council continues to meet with the committees, organizations and groups of the parish, to gauge how the priorities and goals are being implemented. Click on the link under the Documents heading to see the complete document, A Long Range Vision for the Parish.
Membership
The membership of the Pastoral Council is by appointment of the Pastor, following an invitation to a discernment process. Members generally serve for a three-year term. The Chairperson is selected by the current council for a term of one year.