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1.
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The
purpose of the Pastoral Council (the
"Council" hereafter) is to assist the
Pastor in discovering the pastoral needs
of the parish, to study and reflect on
these needs in order to recommend
practical solutions. These solutions
should always lead the parish to conform
ever more closely to the Gospel message.
Such councils are mentioned in scripture
as far back as Moses (EX 19:22-23) and
were used in the early church (Acts
6:23).
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2.
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The
Pastor is an ex officio voting member of
the Council and presides over it.
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3.
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There
shall be 9 other members on the Council
who will be appointed by the Pastor after
consultation with a nomination committee
selected by the Council. Nominations for
the Council may be made by any member in
good standing of the parish. Each member
of the Council has one vote.
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4.
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The
term of office shall be 3 years. In the
first year of the Council's existence, 3
members shall serve for 1 year, 3 more for
2 years, and 3 more for 3 years. In
succeeding years, all new members shall be
appointed for terms of 3 years.
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5.
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In the
event of a vacancy on the Council, a
Nominating Committee shall be chosen by
the pastor to seek candidates to be
appointed for the unexpired term.
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6.
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The
officers of the Council shall be a
chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a
secretary. The officers shall be selected
by members of the Council to serve in
these capacities for one year. The
officers and the Pastor shall make up the
Executive Committee.
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7.
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Meetings
shall be held on the third Monday of every
month unless the Executive Committee
decides otherwise. Special meetings may be
called by the Pastor or the Executive
Committee. No meeting shall last more than
2 hours without the consent of the
attending Council members.
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8.
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The
Council will attempt to reach decisions by
consensus. If this cannot be done, the
Council may attempt to reach a decision by
majority vote of those members present.
Quorum shall be 50% of Council
members.
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9.
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The
Pastor is the final authority for the
Council. The Council will always operate
in conformity to the directives of the
local diocesan Bishop.
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10.
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The
Parish Council will have a number of
standing committees to organize its
efforts. Some committees may also have
subcommittees. Standing Committees will
be:
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A.
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Buildings
and Grounds Use and improvement of our
physical assets.
Facilities improvement and maintenance
Additions and possible revenue
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B.
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Christian
Formation Catholic education in our
parish.
Sacramental preparation
Youth ministry: Christian leadership
Adult formation: RCIA and other adult
courses
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C.
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Parish
Life The social and spiritual life of the
parish
Hospitality: Social gatherings other than
liturgy
Welcoming Catholics back to the church
(e.g. Landings)
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D.
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Public
Affairs Parish contacts with the media and
the non-Catholic population of Foster
City.
Publicity: Telling them we're here (hotels
and businesses) and press releases.
Parish website
Announcements of Council projects to the
parish at large
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E.
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Social
Justice Catholic values outreach to the
larger community and the world
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11.
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Each
committee will be chaired by a council
member and will report to the Council
regularly. Committees will vary in size
and will consist mainly of members of the
parish. In other words, the committees
will broadly represent the parish. Also,
the Liturgy and Finance committees will
have a member report to the Council.
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12.
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Additional
Committees and ad hoc Committees may be
created or dissolved as from time to time
may be deemed necessary by the members of
the Council. Ad hoc committees will
dissolve automatically when their tasks
are complete.
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13.
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The
Council and its committees will operate on
a twelve-month year, beginning every
September.
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14.
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These
guidelines may be amended by action of the
Council by a majority vote of the total
Council.
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Edition
date: April, 2004
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