An advisory council of parish members called forth from the community by a selection process rather than an election. Basic criteria are 1.) Be a baptized, practicing Catholic; 2.) Be a registered member of the parish for at least 5 years; 3.) Be a participant in the ongoing life of the parish, especially Sunday Eucharist; 4.) Be at least 21 years of age. These are individuals who are capable of reflection, discernment, visioning, consensus-reaching, and pastoral planning.
Email Pastoral Council
Steve Brestensky
Bridget Fogarty – facilitator
Dave Kradel
Jeff Polana
Mark Lepkowski
John Zurisko
In last week’s bulletin, we mentioned we would provide a recap of the April 23rd Pastoral Council Meeting. Dave Posney completed his term on the Council and as Facilitator. Bridget Fogarty has begun her term as Facilitator and Judy Bergstrom took over the position of Recording Secretary that Bridget previously held.
The Religious Education Program had another successful year and ended with the traditional 11:00 A.M. Mass and Awards Ceremony. Vacation Bible School (VBS) is scheduled for July 15th-19th; however, we are still in need of a VBS Coordinator. Please call the Parish Office at 724-295-2281 if you can volunteer to serve in this role.
The parish is currently working on a new Strategic Plan. The Leadership Group has been working diligently on this plan over the past year and continues to meet on a regular basis. Tentatively, there is a meeting scheduled for Saturday, October 12th, with the leaders from all parish ministries and organizations in order that we may move this strategic plan forward. Details of that meeting will be provided in upcoming bulletins.
The Diocesan Lenten Appeal was successful. A full DLA report will be provided in the very near future.
The facilities report addressed the general maintenance of the parish properties. Planning is underway to replace the windows in the Parish Office. This project will be costly due to the condition of the current windows. Bids are being solicited and the hope is to have the work completed prior to winter.
The Cemetery report included a discussion on the condition of the roads. Bids will be obtained for the necessary repair work and a decision will be made how to correct the current poor conditions.
Prior to the meeting being adjourned, members discussed how successful St. Mary, Mother of God Church has been due to the time, talent and support of the members of our Parish. Volunteers come with tools in hand and work when there is work to be done. Recent projects where parishioners have come together to help improve the church include removing pews, hauling replacement pews, installing the new pews, removing padding on pews, and working to create the children’s liturgy room—just to name a few. Council members noted the many things volunteers do and how impossible it is to name them all. Pastoral Council unanimously voted to have an “Evening of Appreciation” to thank everyone who has volunteered their Time, Talent and Treasures in support of our parish. This event will be held on Saturday, June 29th, from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M. in our Fellowship Hall. Additional information will follow. Sign-up sheets will be at the church entrances. No formal invitations will be sent out, but all parishioners who have volunteered for the numerous activities in support of our parish are welcome to attend this important event. YOU are the reason for St. Mary’s success in building our Parish Family.
The next Pastoral Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 24th, at 7:00 P.M.
~~Bridget Fogarty, Pastoral Council Facilitator