Pastoral Council Transition
The Parish Council of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, under the guidance of our Pastor, began considering the transition to a Pastoral Council in November 2008. The details of the process that was utilized, the timeline, and the concerns that were addressed are detailed below. Questions specifically about the transition process can be directed to Christine Goss via email or phone 518-399-9203. Questions about the current Pastoral Council, future membership on the Council, or parish concerns should be directed to any Councilmember.
71 Nominees Attended the Informational Session
71 of the 129 nominees attended the Pastoral Council Informational meeting on July 14th. Several other nominees indicated there interest in obtaining additional information but were unable to attend the meeting. The PowerPoint presentation of the information discussed on July 14th is available to read and/or print here. A very special thank you to Mary Harrision, who has been our facilitator throughout the transition process and who generous gave us permission to reproduce and post her PowerPoint presentation.
The next phase in the transition to a Pastoral Council will be for those who are interested to participate in the discernment process on Saturday, August 22nd. Please continue to pray for those who have been nominated.
Any parishioners who have questions or concerns are asked to complete the online comment form or contact Christine Goss at 399-9203.
Why transition to a Pastoral Council?
Why? and What is the difference?
WHY??
In response to Vatican II and the 1983 Revised Canon Law: A pastoral council is to be established in each parish; the pastor presides over it, and through it the Christian faithful along with those who share in the pastoral care of the parish in virtue of their office give their help in fostering pastoral activity. (Canon 536)
All lay men and women, by virtue of their baptism, are called to full participation in the mission of the Church. Transitioning to a Pastoral Council will encourage members to focus on the mission and vision of our Parish and be the visionary planners for our future.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
From To Parish Council → Parish Pastoral Council A Body of Leaders → A Leadership Body Coordinating Ministries → Articulating the Crisis Management → Pastoral Planning Doing Activities → Empowerment and Oversight Business and Politics → Prayer and Discernment Competition → Collaboration Voting → Consensus |
“Revisioning the Parish Pastoral Council”, Paulist Press, © 2001, pg. 10.
Reprinted with permission.
A Pastoral Council is rooted in prayer and consensus. Each council meeting will be held in the context of prayer and spiritual growth and development of council members. What is consensus? Consensus is a group process for decision making in which all members come to a common understanding and agree to support the decision of the whole. Consensus is built on prayer, seeks the will of God and not any individual, is based on mutual trust and honors the teachings of the scriptures and the Church.
For more information please see the weekly bulletin, check back here for updates or ask any members of the Pastoral Council Transition Team.
Comments and questions are welcome at any time.Bulletin Inserts
For downloadable/printable versions of the bulletin inserts please click the links below.
Transition Process - insert from the May 10th bulletin
Discernment Process & Seven Principles - insert from the May 17th bulletin
Transition Timeline
For nearly two years the Parish Council has been discussing a transition to a Pastoral Council Model. Beginning in January 2009, when Mary Harrison, a Diocesan Facilitator spoke to our parish the process has been steadily moving forward. A brief overview of the timeline for Transition from May - September 2009 is below.
May 5th - Final transition plan presented to current Parish Council
May 16th/17th - Kim Klementowski, Transition Team Members speaks at all Masses. For the text of Ms. Klementowski's talk - please click here.
May 23rd - June 7th - Nominations for Pastoral Council Members are accepted. Nomination forms were available in the pews of the Church for several weekends, in all Parish Offices and online.
July 14th - Informational Meeting for nominated parishioners.
August 22nd - Full day discernment to seat members of Pastoral Council. (Please see bulletin insert from May 17th for details regarding the discernment process)
September 12th - Pastoral Council Members commissioned.
A detailed version of this timeline can be viewed/downloaded.
