Pastor's Pen - April 19, 2015

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM BEING CALLED TO SERVE ON
PASTORAL COUNCIL?
It is that time of year when we need to call on members of St. Paul’s Parish to raise up nominees for leadership on our Pastoral Council. This can be done by self nomination or nominating someone you feel has leadership qualities to serve on the Council. On May 2/3 I will be preaching about this important ministry and call. 
The starting point for every parishioner is: “Do I have a deep love for the parish?” “ Am I 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
council? 
Sometimes you may 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 relect “diversity.” Single & married, the elderly, young adults, school & faith formation parents, minorities, charter & new members of the parish, 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, & 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