What is the Pastoral Council? The St. James Pastoral Council is a group of parishioners. It has been established to inform and invite other parishioners into parish ministries - to increase their participation and involvement in parish life. Part of the reason it was established is to help organize parish ministries and parishioners in anticipation of a shortage of priests in the coming years - so that parishes can operate successfully in the future. Another reason is to help set a vision for St. James parish and invite parish members to share in the building of that vision. Click here to read the Purpose and Mission Statements.
Why was it formed? Vatican II recommended the establishment of pastoral councils to: "examine, consider, and recommend." Bishop Walsh established a Diocesan Pastoral Council and recommended that parishes do likewise. In our parish, Father Michael requested that St. James form a pastoral council to increase communication and coordination among the various parish ministries and to facilitate increased participation of parish members in parish life.
When does it meet? The executive board of the council normally meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Parish Center. The council and ministry representatives meet quarterly. Meetings are open to all members of St. James Parish. Go to the Events page to read about the next scheduled meeting.
Who is on the council?
Members-at-large: Julie Parnow (President), Ron Forsell (Vice President), Maureen Rudder (Secretary)
Diocesan Pastoral Council representatives: Julie Parnow, Tom Cullen
Parish Ministry representatives
Membership is open to any parishioners who are responding to God's call to service, and who desire to participate in the leadership of our parish. Elections for the members-at-large and Diocesan Pastoral Council representative positions are held in May of each year. For a discussion of the Council organization, click here.
How can I contact a member of the council? Your ideas are most welcome. The name, phone number and e-mail address of the council chair:
