CALLED TO COUNSEL: WHAT IT MEANS TO SERVE ON THE PASTORAL COUNCIL
Last year, members of the council determined that a mutual, discernment-based selection process would replace elections when we select new members. This month, we’re embarking on that selection process for the first time. As we search for new members, I hope to explain more about what it means to be on the pastoral council.
Being on the council means being entrusted, at least partially, with something sacred: the future of our parish. Our role is to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit acting in our community, leading us all to greater holiness.
The best way to characterize the parish pastoral council is that it is the principal planning group, the key group of parishioners who, with the pastor, articulate the mission of the parish, set the vision for the parish, and plan for its pastoral needs… It is a body of deeply committed, prayerful, and collaborative members of the parish who assist the pastor by planning for the future of the parish. (Coriden and Fischer)
The council provides our pastor with a parishioner perspective when it comes to large-scale parish planning. The role is consultative: We are not a decision-making body. We function more like an advisory board. When the pastor brings an issue to our attention, our job is to investigate each issue, pray, and present our arguments to Fr. Michael and our fellow council members.
This process of research, reflection, and debate lets him learn from our work and see these issues from a parishioner perspective. This in turn helps him to make better informed decisions for the parish.
That journey of research and discussion is the fun part. We learn, pray, and do our best to find a solution that balances the needs of all those in our parish. This process helps us grow in wisdom and holiness as long as we’re open to the Spirit’s work in our hearts.
For me, that journey is the appeal of being on the Pastoral Council. I have the honor of working alongside the Holy Spirit, my fellow parishioners, and our pastor — most of whom I have the joy of calling my friends — to plan a better future for our community. Furthermore, I am convinced that the best way for us to reach souls is through prayer and renewal at the parish level. Participating on the council is one way I can act on that conviction.
In May, we will assemble a new slate of council members to tackle long-range planning for our parish. Please, pray for our successful discernment. And if serving on the council intrigues you, please attend one of the April information sessions. You may be just the person we need.
Learn more about the Pastoral Council at one of our upcoming information sessions on April 14 or 24! Learn more at stmichaelcary.org/pastoral-council