The parish PASTORAL COUNCIL is “a consultative body by which the Christian faithful of a parish, together with those who have pastoral authority, give their help in fostering pastoral activity . . . The ways by which it fulfills its shared responsibility are the spiritual enrichment and growth of its members; the study of the Christian life of the People of God with special attention to their Christian vision, needs, and hopes; the discernment of the relationship of the pastoral activity of the parish to the legitimate needs and hopes of the parish community; establishment of priorities among the various aspects of the pastoral activity of the parish; and the formation of policy and the development of programs of pastoral activity” (Bishop John J. Paul, Pastoral Letter On Consultation in the Parish and Deanery, p. 21).
In other words, the “basic task of such a Council is to serve, at the institutional level, the orderly collaboration of the faithful in the development of pastoral activity which is proper to priests. The Pastoral Council is thus a consultative organ in which the faithful, expressing their baptismal responsibility, can assist the parish priest, who presides at the Council, by offering their advice on pastoral matters” (Congregation for the Clergy, Instruction on the Priest: Pastor and Leader of the Parish Community, 26).
More concretely, the purpose of the Pastoral Council is to investigate pastoral matters, to consider them thoroughly, and to propose practical conclusions about them. The Pastoral Council’s task is, first of all, to study those matters brought to its attention and shed light on them. Its second task is to reflect on them thoroughly, to discern their true nature, to evaluate and to ponder them. Its final task is to draw sound conclusions. The Pastoral Council presents these conclusions to the Pastor in the form of recommendations.
In sum, the Pastoral Council has the responsibility to give counsel to the Pastor regarding the pastoral activity in the parish. The Pastoral Council meets approximately six times a year. In order to assist the Pastoral Council in fulfilling its responsibilities, there are ordinarily five working groups or permanent committees: Matrimony and Family Life(formerly Family Life), Sacred Worship (formerly Liturgy), Catechesis and Evangelization (formerly Catholic Education), Social Concerns (formerly Justice and Peace), and Stewardship. These committees direct themselves to five fundamental areas of pastoral life in the parish. This list of committees is not exhaustive as other committees may be formed according to the specific needs of the parish.
According to the norms for parish Pastoral Councils in the Diocese of La Crosse (On Consultation in the Parish and Deanery, 19-20), two-thirds of the members are elected by parishioners and one-third are appointed by the Pastor. Members serve a two-year term that can be renewed twice. A parishioner is eligible to serve on the Pastoral Council who: (1) is at least sixteen years of age; (2) is baptized, confirmed, and registered member of the parish in full communion with the Catholic Church; (3) is willing and able to serve for the elected or appointed term; (4) is a contributing member of the parish in prayer, time, talent and treasure; and (5) maintains a public posture not inconsistent with the teachings of the Church. In order to serve fruitfully on the Pastoral Council, the councilor should be wise and prudent – a committed Catholic with the capacity for study, for reflection, and for reaching sound conclusions.
Deacon Dan Gannon - Deacon
Lori McNamara - Bookkeeper
Traci Campion - Administrative Assistant & DRE
Corrie Loe - Youth Ministry Coordinator
April Merta - Altar Rosary President
Janice Keller - Environment Sub-Committee Chairperson
Joe Merta - Board of Trustee Representative
Phil Jacobs - Social Concerns Committee/Pro-Life, Knights of Columbus Representative