Community Life - Armando Martinez & Josie Deckard
Co-Responsibility - Dennis Ayde
Service - Jim Napoli
Prayer & Worship - Kathy Rentmeester, David Mecozzi, Anna-Marie Barlet
Evangelization - Luis Valenzuela & Blanca Hernandez

The Parish Pastoral Council: 

Its Role and Relationship with the Pastor and the Faithful
 
In every parish, the mission of the Church—to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and serve in charity—is carried out not by one person alone, but by the whole community of believers. One important expression of this shared responsibility is the Pastoral Council.
 
The Parish Pastoral Council finds its foundation in the Code of Canon Law, particularly in Canon 536, which states that, when the diocesan bishop judges it opportune, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish. This council, under the authority of the Pastor, serves as a consultative body that studies, reflects on, and recommends practical conclusions about pastoral matters for the good of the parish.
 
The Council is composed of members of the faithful who, through their baptism and confirmation, share in the mission of Christ as priest, prophet, and king. Their role is not to govern the parish independently, but to collaborate with the Pastor by offering prayerful discernment, thoughtful counsel, and active support in advancing the pastoral life of the community.
 
The Pastor, as the shepherd of the parish, entrusted with its care by the bishop (cf. Canon 519), presides over the Pastoral Council. He listens attentively to its insights and recommendations, fostering a spirit of communion and co-responsibility. While the Pastor retains the authority to make final decisions, he does so enrich by the wisdom and experience of the faithful whom he serves.
 
The relationship between the Pastoral Council and the people of the parish is one of representation, communication, and service. Council members are called to be attentive to the needs, hopes, and concerns of the community, bringing these to prayer and discussion. In turn, they help communicate the vision, priorities, and pastoral initiatives of the parish, encouraging greater participation and unity among all.
 
Above all, the Parish Pastoral Council is a sign of the Church as a communion—where clergy and laity work together in harmony, guided by the Holy Spirit, for the building up of the Body of Christ. Through prayer, dialogue, and shared mission, the Council helps ensure that the life of the parish remains vibrant, responsive, and faithful to the Gospel.
 
Let us continue to pray for our Pastor and the members of our Pastoral Council, that they may be guided by wisdom, humility, and a deep love for God’s people.