Characteristics of the Pastoral Council
A Pastoral Council is prayerful. It’s members are to be persons of prayer. People that see the value in private prayer as well as community prayer for the spiritual enlightening and growth of Christ’s community of faith and love. The council spends time together in prayer to be drawn together in love and trust for the discernment of God’s will in our community.
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A Pastoral Council is pastoral. The council strives to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit among God’s people to investigate, formulate and activate pastoral activities in the parish. The council decides which specific programs to adopt to carry out the spiritual mission of Jesus in making the Gospel known to aid all people on their spiritual journey. They also determine resources - such as people, facilities and monetary funding needed - to drive its action plans.
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The Pastoral Council is visionary. As a result of hearing and experiencing the fullness of God’s Word, the council brings a broader, more challenging vision to parish life. The council strives to see the big picture.
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A Pastoral Council is representative. It represents the whole as opposed to one group. It reflects diversity in the parish.
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The Pastoral council makes decisions through consensus. Through prayerful discernment, the gifts, the experience, the insights and the expertise of the Council members are called upon to provide vision and direction.
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The Pastoral Council is collaborative and consultative. The Council collaborates with the pastor, the Commissions, and the parishioners. In addition, the Council is to collaborate with other parishes and diocesan offices to carry out the church's mission. It is also a consultative group working with the pastor. The pastor seeks the wisdom and guidance of those gathered.
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The Pastoral Council is enabling. The council works to promote diversity and unity by enabling people to think, pray, work and play together. The council strives to invite, develop and nurture stewardship of individual talents and gifts, given from the Holy Spirit, to build up our community of faith and celebration in the name of Jesus.
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