Parish Pastoral Council

PURPOSE:

• To provide vision and direction to the parish community as this community lives out its Catholic faith through weekly liturgy as well as serving each other and those in need spiritually, emotionally and economically.
• To establish pastoral priorities, goals, and objectives to fulfill these needs and to see to their implementation through responsible and caring leadership.
• To provide leadership through a shared ministry of service as well as a visible example of cooperation, healing presence and trust.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The parish pastoral council is responsible for calling and enabling all members of the parish to discover, develop, and offer their gifts in service to the parish and wider community.  It is responsible for encouraging cooperation and collaborative parish activity that includes spiritual formation and leadership skills for council members and other parish groups.

The parish pastoral council is accountable to the parish for the way it discharges its responsibilities and should follow the direction set by the Diocese of Richmond and the Universal Church.  It shall act in accordance with the teachings and laws of the Church, the policies of the Diocese of Richmond and within civil law.

The parish pastoral council needs to be open to the Holy Spirit, to be visionary, to reflect on the past and to plan for the future as it pertains to Church of the Good Shepherd’s Mission Statement:

We, as diverse members of the Body of Christ, come together to serve God, the Catholic Church, and our community.  We celebrate God in the Eucharist and the word, as we help each other in the growth of our faith, share our gifts and welcome everyone.

Vision Statement:  To know and love God and grow in the Kingdom of God together.

MEETINGS:  The parish pastoral council shall meet monthly at the parish church, usually on the first Thursday of the month at 6 PM.

All parishioners are invited and encouraged to attend the council meetings.  Parishioners who desire to address the council shall notify the chairperson in advance of the meeting.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER?:  Individuals who are at least 18 years of age and have been active, registered members of the parish for at least one year are eligible for discernment to the parish pastoral council. The council should consist of “the Christian faithful who are in full communion with the Catholic Church” (Called to Serve, Page 22, Canon Law 512).  The membership should reflect a cross-section of the parish. Only one member of a household may serve on the council at a time.