Pastoral Council
Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
The Pastoral Council works with the Pastor in responding to the needs of the church and the wider community in setting pastoral direction. This body shall be able to recommend and set direction for the Parish to see that Parish policies are implemented, to encourage members of the Parish to use their gifts and talents in the service of the people and the Church, and to help the Pastor fulfill the mission and goals of the Parish and of the Diocese of Richmond. It exists to advise the Pastor regarding the vision, planning, and ministries necessary for the parish to fulfill its mission. The council is concerned with the overall spiritual, educational, and financial health of the parish, while the Pastor, staff, ministry committees and organizations deal with the specificis of parish life. Council members strive to listen to parishioners in order to be aware of the quality of the varied aspects of parish life, to be supportive of parish ministries and to provide good advice to the Pastor. The Council, which meets on the third Thursday of each month except December and July, is a representative group which includes at-large members and the chairpersons of seven parish ministry committees.
Membership Leader The pastor of the parish and/or any parochial assistant the pastor designates shall direct the work of the Council.
Voting Members
Requirements
Council members must be willing to attend regular monthly meetings, develop a vision for the Parish, advise Pastor on a variety of parish situations, programs, problems and accept various committee assignments. Time commitment: 2-3 hours per month. Pastoral Council meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Staff Members
The Pastoral Council works with the Pastor in responding to the needs of the church and the wider community in setting pastoral direction. This body shall be able to recommend and set direction for the Parish to see that Parish policies are implemented, to encourage members of the Parish to use their gifts and talents in the service of the people and the Church, and to help the Pastor fulfill the mission and goals of the Parish and of the Diocese of Richmond. It exists to advise the Pastor regarding the vision, planning, and ministries necessary for the parish to fulfill its mission. The council is concerned with the overall spiritual, educational, and financial health of the parish, while the Pastor, staff, ministry committees and organizations deal with the specificis of parish life. Council members strive to listen to parishioners in order to be aware of the quality of the varied aspects of parish life, to be supportive of parish ministries and to provide good advice to the Pastor. The Council, which meets on the third Thursday of each month except December and July, is a representative group which includes at-large members and the chairpersons of seven parish ministry committees.
Membership Leader The pastor of the parish and/or any parochial assistant the pastor designates shall direct the work of the Council.
Voting Members
- Members-at-large elected by the parish - elected for three-year terms; one-third elected each year
- One representative elected or appointed annually from each of the Standing Committees: Building & Grounds, Christian Formation, Human Concerns, Parish Life, Stewardship and Worship
- One representative elected from Our Lady of Lourdes School
- One representative from the Finance Council
Requirements
Council members must be willing to attend regular monthly meetings, develop a vision for the Parish, advise Pastor on a variety of parish situations, programs, problems and accept various committee assignments. Time commitment: 2-3 hours per month. Pastoral Council meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Staff Members
- Father Jim Begley, Pastor
- Terry Barsalou
