Pastoral Council Corner

We would like to share some updates from the Pastoral Council. We will be sharing updates on a regular basis. The current members of the Pastoral Council are:

Mission Focus: “We Are His Witnesses”

The council engaged in extensive discussion regarding the Archdiocesan initiative: We
Are His Witnesses emphasizing its three mission focus areas:

1. Evangelization
2. Pastoral Care of the Faithful
3. Long-Term Sustainability

It was repeatedly affirmed that regardless of diocesan outcomes, these three areas
must remain the parish’s primary focus.

Diocesan Process: Timeline Uncertainty

Key points discussed:

• No definitive timeline currently exists; anticipated milestones may be delayed
• Implementation, if it occurs, is likely to happen in phases, not all at once
• Clergy assignments and parish configurations make immediate large-scale changes impractical
• The process may evolve significantly from earlier expectations

Council consensus was that the parish should continue normal operations and not
speculate prematurely.

Council members expressed reassurance knowing that:

• Parishioner feedback is being actively reviewed and compiled
• Voices of clergy and laity are being considered

It was agreed that communicating this clearly to parishioners:

• Builds trust
• Reduces fear and misinformation
• Reinforces unity

Council members should avoid simply saying “we don’t know” and instead explain that:

• The process is ongoing
• No decisions have been finalized
• Parish feedback truly matters

Facilities, Sustainability, Financial Constraints

Current Operations

• Heating is maintained at approximately 67 degrees, which is working adequately
• Church and daily Mass attendance remain steady

Structural and Financial Considerations

• Major capital projects are currently on hold, even if funds are available
• Expenditures over $25,000 require diocesan approval
• Capital campaigns are unlikely to be approved during this period

School and Facility Concerns Noted

• Future compressor replacement (estimated $125,000)
• Ongoing steam leak in the school (scope undetermined)

School Income

• Rental income from the school is not yet accessible to the parish
• Now that the parish debt is cleared, a one-year grace period allows reserves to be built
• Afterward, diocesan assessments apply