From the desk of Fr. Kevin Waymel
Brothers and Sisters,
You have heard in the announcements that we are looking for new members for the parish Pastoral Council. As I presume that many of you will be unfamiliar with the role of the Pastoral Council, I intend to elucidate the matter here. The council is a “representative body of parishioners which in collaboration with the pastor work toward consensus in discerning the mission, goals, and direction of the parish.” While the pastor is tasked with making decisions regarding parish life, decisions are best taken when well informed. The Pastoral Council is able to bring ideas to the table, inform the pastor (especially if new) of certain aspects of the parish’s history, express concerns that parishioner may have, and help plan parish events. It really is a service that benefits both the pastor and the parish community, and when properly utilized can be a huge asset for a parish.
St. Albert’s has many competent people, and not just in a strictly academic sense. The most important characteristic a member of the parish council can have is love for God and a desire for His life to be communicated within the parish. This is much more important than organizational skills or preparing a great agenda for the year. The Pastoral Council needs to be concerned, first and foremost, with the local ‘flock,’ and helping the pastor (which means shepherd) tend the sheep (don’t feel insulted, it’s not me calling you a sheep, it’s God) (He calls me a sheep also).
And so, we need new members. Members tend to serve on the council for 3 years and every year 3-4 are added so there is a staggering of terms. Due to Covid, we are a bit off kilter and are looking for something like 9 new members. Some of those will be elected by parishioners. People who would like to participate in the council should email Isabel Gallegos (her email is on the cover of this renowned and prestigious publication). She will compile a list of everyone willing to serve and on Monday, November 8th we will have a meeting following the 5:30 Mass to elect the members from that group. There will also be some that I will ask to serve directly. I think this is important as it allows me to ask people who may never step forward, or who are less known to the parish community, people who may be ‘on the peripheries.’ I think it’s good to have the perspective of those who are not necessarily heavily involved with parish life. Most importantly, picking people directly allows me to exercise the great church tradition of nepotism, ensuring the continuation of the noble practice.
So, I ask you to think about whether God might be calling you to serve the parish in this way. You will be able to submit your name until November 1st, so there is time to ask the Lord what he thinks.
In Christ,
Fr. Kevin
Brothers and Sisters,
You have heard in the announcements that we are looking for new members for the parish Pastoral Council. As I presume that many of you will be unfamiliar with the role of the Pastoral Council, I intend to elucidate the matter here. The council is a “representative body of parishioners which in collaboration with the pastor work toward consensus in discerning the mission, goals, and direction of the parish.” While the pastor is tasked with making decisions regarding parish life, decisions are best taken when well informed. The Pastoral Council is able to bring ideas to the table, inform the pastor (especially if new) of certain aspects of the parish’s history, express concerns that parishioner may have, and help plan parish events. It really is a service that benefits both the pastor and the parish community, and when properly utilized can be a huge asset for a parish.
St. Albert’s has many competent people, and not just in a strictly academic sense. The most important characteristic a member of the parish council can have is love for God and a desire for His life to be communicated within the parish. This is much more important than organizational skills or preparing a great agenda for the year. The Pastoral Council needs to be concerned, first and foremost, with the local ‘flock,’ and helping the pastor (which means shepherd) tend the sheep (don’t feel insulted, it’s not me calling you a sheep, it’s God) (He calls me a sheep also).
And so, we need new members. Members tend to serve on the council for 3 years and every year 3-4 are added so there is a staggering of terms. Due to Covid, we are a bit off kilter and are looking for something like 9 new members. Some of those will be elected by parishioners. People who would like to participate in the council should email Isabel Gallegos (her email is on the cover of this renowned and prestigious publication). She will compile a list of everyone willing to serve and on Monday, November 8th we will have a meeting following the 5:30 Mass to elect the members from that group. There will also be some that I will ask to serve directly. I think this is important as it allows me to ask people who may never step forward, or who are less known to the parish community, people who may be ‘on the peripheries.’ I think it’s good to have the perspective of those who are not necessarily heavily involved with parish life. Most importantly, picking people directly allows me to exercise the great church tradition of nepotism, ensuring the continuation of the noble practice.
So, I ask you to think about whether God might be calling you to serve the parish in this way. You will be able to submit your name until November 1st, so there is time to ask the Lord what he thinks.
In Christ,
Fr. Kevin
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