Parish Pastoral Council

Our Purpose, Scope and Ministry

THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Parish Pastoral Council is a distinct group because of its representative nature, consultative role, and consensus-seeking process. It is a representative body of the faithful of Our Lady of the Hills parish whose focus is on the whole community, and has a consultative responsibility to the Pastor and parish pastoral staff.  The Council is called upon to read and reflect both the “signs of the times” and “the wisdom of the past” to those planning or implementing pastoral activities in the parish. Further, the Council is called to unite the parish community by expressing its collective wisdom concerning pastoral plans and activities. The Council will strive to ensure that the parish operates in an open and ethically accountable manner in its business practices. 

THE MINISTRY OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Council’s ministry is to encourage and support the Pastor and pastoral staff, to respond to their call and questions, and offer the best consultation possible on pastoral issues, plans, and activities. The Council shall advise the Pastor and parish pastoral staff regarding the general policies that guide the programs and services of the parish. The Council role is advisory and consultative. The Council, along with the parish pastoral staff, is responsible for preparing and periodically reviewing the parish mission statement; for developing and maintaining long-range plans to implement the mission; and for communicating such plans to the parish as a whole and to the Parish Finance Council, as appropriate for financial implementation. The Council is committed to the spiritual growth of the entire Council, its individual members, and the wider parish community.

We encourage everyone in our parish community to attend and observe Parish Pastoral Council meetings.  The agenda will be published the week before the next planned meeting.  See our Charter and Bylaws below to better understand how you can participate in the public comment portion of the monthly meeting.  All parish members in good standing are welcome to address the Council per those guidelines. Council members serve for 3 year appointed terms.  Interested in joining the Council?  See the Charter and Bylaws below for guidance.