Pastoral Council
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In September 2011 a pastoral council was established to serve as a consultative body to our pastor. The pastoral council meets once a month.
The Role of the Pastoral Council
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.
Council Members
Council members usually serve for a two year term, which can be extended at the discretion of the pastor, and with the agreement of the council member. Half of the members of the council change each year, providing for both continuity and a fresh outlook on matters of interest to the council. Current council members are:
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 Developing a Vibrant Pastoral Life:
Our pastoral council has been “restructured” so that it might better serve our parish. As an advisory body to the pastor, it is our hope that the changes described below will help:
A Council Update
- the pastor in providing leadership and vision for the parish;
- strengthen our life of prayer and service; and
- serve as a resource to ministries, groups, and organizations
Parish organizations and ministries have been grouped into six categories. Each category has been assigned a council member to serve as its representative on the council. We hope that organization leaders and members will welcome and work throughout the year with their council representatives by sharing their concerns, questions, and ideas that will be presented at council meetings. We hope this new structure will help foster a more vibrant parish life.
Fr. Pierre Joseph has oversight of the parish’s Haitian Ministry.Divine Worship — Representatives Lea Novak & Ketia LeFleur
Liturgy Committee Ministries of Reader, EMHC, Usher, & Server
Children’s Liturgy of Word Music Ministry (English & Haitian)
Altar Care & EnvironmentSpiritual Formation — Reps. Joan DeGregory & Deacon Luders Desiré
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 GroupFaith Formation & Education — Representatives Len Commini & Jeff Carter
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 GroupCommunity Life — Representative David Larkin
Sports Program Hospitality (Welcome/St. Martha Sunday)
Scouts Senior Club
Parish PicnicStewardship — Representative Vince Peroni
Finance Council Golf Classic
Buildings & Grounds