Pastor's Pen - April 17, 2016

This weekend, April 16/17, the parish community will be seeking nominations for the Pastoral Council. Here are some questions and information nominees need to consider!

Do you have a deep love for the parish? Are you being called to serve the parish in this way?

As a baptized Catholic, we are all “called” to serve Christ and the Church. Each of us is responsible to listen and respond to that call. So how do you recognize if you are being called to be part of the Pastoral Council?

Sometimes you hear the call very plainly in prayer. At other times, you may hear the call voiced by others. (“I think you would do well on our Pastoral Council.”) Or maybe you can see yourself more active in the parish, and this would be a natural extension of your service to the parish. Perhaps you see the need, and see yourself as capable of being of service at this time. (“If not me, who? If not now, when?”)

The Pastoral Council needs to reflect “diversity”. Single & married adults, the elderly, young adults, school & faith formation parents, minorities, charter & new parish members, etc., all need representation on the council. Whose concerns and needs could you represent?

Prayerfully consider how you would like to respond to God’s call. Do you have any of these characteristics---ability to collaborate, deep love for the parish & its mission, a willingness to grow in holiness, the desire to serve, a broad vision, willingness to learn, and a sense of stewardship?

The confidence needed to respond to this call is given as a gift from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit provides the courage we need, if we only call upon that Spirit.

Trust the Spirit!

Fr. Ralph