Each Advent our liturgical life is renewed as the scriptures invite us to ponder anew the story of our salvation in Christ. This Advent, our Parish Pastoral Council will be renewed as new members join, having been invited to ponder the possibility of becoming council members. This is a discernment process.  It begins with personal reflection, and it bears fruit at a facilitated discernment workshop after the Sunday morning masses on Nov. 1.

At the workshop parishioners who are discerning membership will gather with present council members, the pastor, and a facilitator.  The pastor will present his vision for the parish. The facilitator then begins the process, inviting participants to consider the pastor’s vision, reflecting on where the parish is and where it needs to go in service of its mission.  While all the discerning parishioners bring gifts, in the process they discover together which of them has the gifts to serve the parish best at this time.

Importantly, this is about discernment, with all who are in the discernment process recognizing the array of gifts in the room.  There is no campaigning.  There is no vote.  There is no appointment by the pastor.  The decision about who will serve as new council members will be made by those who are discerning. 

This model is distinctly different from what some may know from experience in business and industry or in a variety of secular organizations.  We are Church, and as Church we take our lead from the movement of the Spirit, leading us where we need to be, at times to our surprise.      

This discernment process for renewal of the Parish Pastoral Council is a response to input from parishioners offered during the Synod of many months ago.  Please keep this process in your prayers, as the Parish Pastoral Council is the pastor’s primary advisory group, meeting regularly to reflect on how the parish is carrying out its mission.

At this time, parishioners are asked to think about members of our faith community who have gifts to bring for service as council members.  You may be thinking about yourself.  If so, then know that the discernment workshop is about your continued discernment, open to the movement of the Spirit and the wisdom of the group.

You may download, print & fill out THIS FORM to nominate yourself or someone else. Wally Kennedy, a current pastoral council member, will be sharing a brief message at the Masses on Oct. 17-18 and will be available to address any questions you may have.