PASTORAL COUNCIL


Thank you for your interest in our Pastoral Vision Council. Members meet with the Pastor five times each year, usually every two months during the academic year. The topics discussed are in a broad range, including how the Parish addresses charitable requests we receive; the scarcity of persons in our pews who are 21-45 years of age; proposals of Parish adult enrichment courses; and so on. For more information, we invite you to continue reading below. Thank you!

 

Ministry Position: PASTORAL VISION COUNCIL MEMBER

Purpose of Position: to advise and assist the Pastor and Pastoral Staff in shaping the Parish’s vision & direction, and helping the parish to grow

What this position is:

  • a volunteer position with a term of service
  • an opportunity to work with Catholic Christians of all age groups
  • an advisory council that aids the Pastor and the Pastoral Staff in practical steps to accomplish the vision of St. Joseph Parish
  • an essential part of our Parish’s forward growth and revitalization

What this position is not:

  • not a finance or business council; not a management or administrative council
  • not an employment/personnel council, dealing with hiring/firing issues
  • not a position in a representative form of government
  • not an “IN” group, a “PRIVATE” group, or a decision-making group

Major responsibilities:

  • faithful attendance at 5 annual meetings (Sept to June, 2 hours long on a weeknight)
  • several hours of dialogue and service in between scheduled meeting times
  • sharing your own ideas and listening to others
  • building consensus: what 80% of the group can recommend or live with

Qualifications - all candidates must:

  • be registered Catholic parishioners who have received all three sacraments of initiation
  • be creative, enthusiastic and positive, and communicate well
  • be willing to interact with existing parish groups & work for the common good
  • be able to work well with other people in group dynamics situations

Amount of time required: a few hours a month during the school year

When/where this ministry is performed: on site, and in the local community

Length of commitment: staggered terms of 1,2 & 3 YEARS

Responsible to: the Pastor

Training provided: annual retreat & diocesan seminars, at St. Joseph when possible

Support provided by: the Pastor & the Pastoral Vision Council members