What is it?
A parish pastoral council is the chief consultative body to the pastor. Consultation is a sharing of wisdom that enables the parish to carry out its mission. The pastoral council discerns issues that impact the lives of parishioners, prays, studies, and discusses those issues; and recommends practical ways of addressing them.

Why should a parish have a Pastoral Council?
By baptism and confirmation the laity share in the priestly mission of Christ and are empowered to participate in decisions, regarding the work of the church. As the “wisdom community” of the parish, the council listens to the spiritual needs of parishioners and exercises stewardship of the gifts of the parish. The parish pastoral council shares responsibility with the pastor for building up the faith community.

How does a parish pastoral council operate?
A council meets once a month with the pastor to consider pastoral issues. It listens carefully to the concerns of the pastor, the parish staff and others involved in the life of the parish. Through prayer and discernment it searches for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and reaches decision through consensus.

Who should be a member of a parish pastoral council?
A council member should be prayerful, care about the spiritual well-being of the entire community, be willing to learn about the church, have a sense of mission: to being Christ to people and people to Christ, and be involved in the life and activities to the parish

What’s Involved?

• A three year term
• A monthly meeting
• Prayer
• A desire to serve

 How to become a council member.

1. Prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to this Ministry.
2. Please call Dot Hamlin to submit your name.
3. Do an interview with Pastor.
4. Meet the council.

Some Past Accomplishments

• Wrote the St. Mark’s Prayer in honor of
• the annual feast
• Provides receptions for all the newly baptized and professional Catholics at the Easter Vigil Mass; formally acts in the name of the parish welcoming the neophytes into the community.
• Provided the 25th Anniversary Celebration for the community
• Keeps the parish informed on pastoral issues ie. Poverty in San Antonio
• Research and provided the opportunity for a Church directory
• Participated in the planning of the new sanctuary and provided several celebrations for the community
• Developed and implemented a policy for stewardship in the parish
• Established small faith community model of prayer for all organizations and ministry as a model for their meetings; ie. The Gospel for the coming Sunday is read and discussed first.