Prior to the 2024 clergy transition, Fr. Alan had begun the process of forming new parish councils. With the change to the clergy team occurring this past summer, he felt that it was best to suspend the process until the newly-assigned priests had time to adjust to and get to know the parish community. I wish to thank Fr. Alan for his leadership and his wisdom in placing the formation of new councils on hold. I would also like to announce that we are beginning the steps of forming our new councils. Those steps include: announcing the beginning of process; collecting names of those interested; hosting an informational session on duties and responsibilities of council members; holding interviews with those interested; and finally selecting, announcing, and blessing the new council members. 

I ask all in the parish to pray for the success of the formation of our councils, and I pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten and guide those who are called to this ministry of service.

WHAT ARE THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL AND FINANCE COUNCILS?
The Parish Pastoral Council is a visioning and advisory body working with the Pastor in all areas of parish life. The spirit of the Council is one of consultation and collaboration. Council members advise the Pastor on strategic planning and the creation and review of the parish pastoral plan to grow the parish in ministry, participation, mission, and discipleship. Likewise, members review and assess the progress of the pastoral plan and initiate the new pastoral planning cycles as needed.

The Parish Finance Council is an advisory body to the Pastor to assist in the administration of the temporal affairs of the parish. The skills and expertise of its members are utilized to strengthen and monitor the financial activity and stability of the parish.

WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A COUNCIL MEMBER?
In consultation with the Pastor, the Parish Councils actively listens to, identifies, and responds to the hopes, needs, and concerns of parishioners. Through discernment, dialogue, and consensus, the councils assists the Pastor in decision making. Members utilize their own giftedness in strengthening relationships and assessing the needs of the parish. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Councils must be committed to prayer and the values of the Gospel as well as knowledgeable about the life and teachings of Jesus, the mission of the Church, and the distinctive characteristics of the parish, its ministries, and its people. Council members are expected to be fully engaged in the life of the parish, inclusive of the ministry of presence at parish liturgies and events.

WHAT PARISH RELATIONSHIPS ARE INTEGRAL TO THE WORK OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL?
The Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils are to collaborate on an annual planning cycle to ensure that the pastoral priorities of the parish are met within a realistic budget. It is important for the councils to have a working relationship with the clergy and parish staff, who are an extremely important resource with unique understanding of the parish community. 

IDENTIFICATION FOR PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Candidates for the Councils should be fully initiated Catholics who are registered parishioners and actively participating in the ongoing life of the parish, especially the Sunday Eucharist.

If you wish to take an active role in advising the Pastor on all areas of parish life and strategic planning, please submit your name via the online form or contact the Parish Office at 412-787-2140. In addition, if you think someone you know is called to this ministry, please submit their name via the online form or by calling the Parish Office. 

NAMES MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN APRIL 16.