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The PC was set up in April 2009 by Canon Stuart Wilson to advise the clergy on pastoral matters. Fr Dermot Morrin from the Diocese assisted in giving guidance during our inaugural meeting.
What does the word “pastoral” mean?
It covers every aspect of parish life, except finance and administration. However, as pastoral initiatives may have financial implications, the pastoral council needs to work closely with the finance committee. Its purpose is to focus on life, love and growth in the parish.
Points made by Fr Dermot at the time were:-
- The PC needs to have Pastoral focus and be representative of the whole parish
- Members on the PC are not to be fixtures and there would be some rotation of members
- There is a need to communicate with parishioners – to secure a buy-in
- Aim is to find focus initially on one or two projects that would have priority, involve many and have potential for success
 He compared a parish with a tree. A parish needs to grow and develop as a tree does.
So a PC needs to foster growth within the parish:
The pastoral life or “action” in a parish grows downward when we “root” ourselves in Christ
- in personal prayer
- in our understanding and listening to the Word of God
- in our celebration of the liturgy
- In our knowledge of the Faith
- In our handing on of the Faith to new people and to the young
Our roots are deepened and our branches spread upward when we find ways
- to build up a stronger sense of community
- to blend together the diversities which exist within the parish
- to ensure that new people are welcomed
- to encourage more parishioners to become actively involved in the life of the parish
- to celebrate and give thanks for God’s blessings
We grow outward by
- a commitment to justice and peace
- caring for the sick and the poor
- reaching out to others outside our community
- enabling parishioners to witness to the Faith in their daily lives
Initial projects undertaken include:
- The 'Greeter's project as part of making the Parish even more welcoming
- Further developing the Parish Website to improve communications
- Planning for the development of youth activities
- Making the Parish database more effective
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Invitation
Should you wish to make contact with the Pastoral Council with ideas and suggestions,
please e-mail Carmen Galdiolo (Chair) at sgaldiolo@btinternet.com
through the Parish Administrator chelsea1@rcdow.org.uk or any of the Council members.
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