A pastoral council is provided for in Church Law—we might even say that it is “enshrined” in its legal code (Canon Law) in statute no. 536. This is further supported by its inclusion in the Decrees of the Fourth Synod of the Diocese of Trenton (Statutes 156 and 157). Basically, the law states that if the bishop judges it opportune, a pastoral council is to be established. The law states that the pastor is to preside over it and that through it, the faithful help in fostering pastoral activity. The law specifies that the council has a consultative role. The diocesan synod goes on to say that a pastoral council ceases at the death or transfer of the pastor.
A number of church documents on the life and ministry of bishops and priests address the role of a pastoral council. One of the documents states: “In the present circumstances the lay faithful have the ability to do very much and, therefore, ought to do very much towards the growth of an authentic ecclesial communion in their parishes in order to reawaken missionary zeal towards non-believers and believers themselves who have abandoned the faith or grown lax in the Christian life.
Ex. Officio: | Msgr. Gervasio | Luders Desiré, Deacon Representative (1 year) |
Regular members: | ||
Len Commini | Jeff Carter | Joan DeGregory |
Ketia LaFleur | David Larkin | Lea Novak |
Vincent Peroni |
Liturgy Committee Ministries of Reader, EMHC, Usher, & Server
Children’s Liturgy of Word Music Ministry (English & Haitian)
Altar Care & Environment
Cohort Mission Parish Mission/Days of Recollection
Pilgrimages Marriage Enrichment Team
Small Group Faith Sharing Charismatic Prayer Group (Haitian)
Rosary Altar Society Holy Name Society
Bereavement Ministry Legion of Mary (English & Haitian)
Divine Mercy Prayer Group Our Lady of All Nations Prayer Group
School Board & PTA Religious Education Program
RCIA Youth Ministry
Adult Formation Programs Bible Study
Catholic Book Club Maturing Adults Programs
Social Concerns Committee Loaves and Fishes Project
Caring Hearts Respect Life Group
Sports Program Hospitality (Welcome/St. Martha Sunday)
Scouts Senior Club
Parish Picnic
Finance Council Golf Classic
Buildings & Grounds