We are asking for those of you who are interested or know someone who would be a great addition to the Unified Pastoral Council to send in nominations. These individuals will have the opportunity to learn more about the role of a member and to sit in on a meeting to help the discernment process.

Please send nominations to mfent@stisidorefamily.org.

NOMINATION

There shall be a minimum of five members discerned each year to replace the five members finishing their third year, therefore keeping the Family Council membership at 15 members. The Council shall maintain a gender balance, and at no time falling below a four to two balance.  Nominations for new members shall even the balance, if necessary.

DISCERNMENT—the announcement will occur in April, nominations will occur in May. In July through a discernment process, the candidate will be offered the opportunity to learn more about the pastoral council so that they can make an informed decision on being a member of the council. Final Decisions made in August, new members begin in September. Discernment meeting details are as follows:

1.Opening prayer and introductions

2. Welcome and congratulations

3. This meeting is to begin a discernment process for being an active member of the pastoral council. The evening dialogue is a prayerful way for the group to call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance. Our hope is that this selection by discernment allows for all involved to find a place to be actively involved in service to the Family whether that be on pastoral council, the finance council, the worship commission or in some other important parish ministry.

4. We will look at the expectations of council members, meeting schedules, typical meeting agendas and a look at the next steps. You will have an opportunity to discuss your thoughts and feelings as well as ask questions.

5. Overview of the purpose and functions of a pastoral council;

A) Archdiocesan guidelines (the five challenges)

B)The experience of council members

C) Meeting schedules

6. Typical agenda items for the pastoral council meeting

7. Overview of parish programs/current parish priorities. All of the Family’s programs and ministries are listed and described in the annual parish directory.

8. Explanation of next steps: brief explanation of discernment evening and communicate with the pastor interest in moving to the next steps

9. Introduction of participants in the discernment process

A) Current involvement

B) Hopes for being a member of the pastoral council

C) What gifts and interests do you bring

10. Dialogue among participants—you are invited to comment on what you heard and make observations about what others bring to the pastoral council. The comments can affirm what others have said.

11. Final discernment (yes/no/other ministries/need time to consider)

12. Next steps

13. Final prayer

14. September meeting all new members receive a binder with Vision Statement, Pastoral Council Constitution, Pastoral Council contact list, previous six months of meeting minutes.