Sunday December 17, 2023
Your input is needed as we move toward selecting and convening our Parish Pastoral Council. Over the last few months we’ve prepared for the Council through consultation with Sister Katherine Grey CSJ, staff retreats and articles in the bulletin. Now, I am asking for your recommendation on who you think should be a member. Please see the bulletin for the recommendation form. You may make two recommendations between now and February 1st. I am really looking for parishioners to serve a three-year term who can act as bridgebuilders in the community. I envision our Pastoral Council’s central role as fostering unity while recognizing other people’s right to be themselves and to be different. Please join me by invoking Saint Catherine of Siena’s intercession as we strive for unity.
The underlying reason for a pastoral council is that the wisdom of the larger community contributes to discernment and planning. A pastor’s need for consultation is an expression of a pastor’s honesty and humility. I need a diversity of viewpoints from people who can also work toward consensus. A pastor consults by asking the parish pastoral council to do three things: 1) study a particular matter, 2) reflect about it, 3) recommend conclusions. The pastor wants the benefit of the member’s wisdom. El Greco’s Pentecost shows the descent of the Holy Spirit and the dynamism of this event for the future of the Church. Please join me by invoking Mary, the Mother of God, for an outpouring of the Spirit of Wisdom upon those who will convene for our first council meeting in May and contribute greatly to the shape of our shared future.
In Christ,
Rev. Robert P. Capone