Parish Pastoral Council Nominees

Considerations for nominating yourself or someone else for the Parish Pastoral Council

What are the requirements for council nominees?

To be on the council a person must be a baptized practicing Catholic participating in Sunday Mass and the other sacraments. They must be over the age of 18 and be a registered member of The Church of Saint Luke. Finally, they must be willing to participate in an orientation session and a discernment process that involves an election of the nominees that will serve on the council.

What are the commitments of a council member?

Council members commit to a three year term. There will be an initial formation process where council members will participate in an 11 week program called Alpha which requires 2 hours a week on Saturday. Specific dates and times will be communicated to those elected but this program is anticipated to run in the October - December timeframe. 

What is this Alpha program about?

Alpha is an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about Jesus. Each session starts with a meal to build community, then there is a lesson on various elements of Christainity, and finally small group discussions in an honest, open, and friendly environment. More information can be found at https://www.alpha.org/catholic-context/

What work does the Parish Pastoral Council do? 

The Parish Pastoral Council:

  • Develops and focuses on a mission that embraces the total scope of parish life

  • Engages in continuous pastoral planning that takes into consideration the needs of the parish, cluster, community, diocese and the world.

  • Formulates policy after prayerful study and dialogue with the pastor concerning parish pastoral matters.

  • Embodies the following characteristics as it exercises Servant Leadership: prayerfulness, faithfulness, broad representation, good pastoral practice, discernment, prophetic courage and imagination, empowerment and collaboration.

Here are the qualities for a councilor:

  • Nominee has an interest in helping the whole parish and not just a special group.

  • Nominee isn’t an advocate of any specific group but advocates for the whole parish.

  • Nominee can work with a group, listening and speaking as appropriate.

  • Nominee understands consensus and can accept the wisdom of the Council’s deliberations.

  • Nominee understands he or she is a disciple of Jesus Christ and is called to share his/her faith.

  • Nominee is willing to work with the group to develop a Mission Statement and a Pastoral Plan.