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Parish Pastoral Council

  • What is a Parish Pastoral Council?

A Parish Pastoral Council, together with the pastor/pastoral coordinator, is the pastoral planning body of the parish.  A Parish Pastoral Council fosters participation of the entire parish in the life and mission of the church.  The Council, as a consultative body, advises and assists the pastor/pastoral coordinator in areas of pastoral concern.  It develops and recommends parish pastoral plans through consensus in an atmosphere of prayerful reflection.  Members of the Pastoral Council are to be representative of the entire parish recognizing and reflecting the parish's diversity.

  • What does a Parish Pastoral Council do?

The Pastoral Council, as a consultative body, provides a structure whereby the laity, religious and clergy work together collaboratively to promote the Reign of God - to build up the Body of Christ.

The pastor/pastoral coordinator will look to the council for recommendation on how the parish can be faithful to living out the mission of the Church.  He/she will consult the council when he/she needs the practical wisdom of the members before making a decision that will affect the parish.

The Pastoral Council plan in collaboration and cooperation with the parish staff, committees, groups and parishioners.  As the pastor or pastoral coordinator consults with the Council, likewise is the Council called to consult with other parish leaders and parishioners in its planning processes.  The Council needs to be rooted in prayer, open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, committed to patient listening and study, and working to recommend the plans and directions which will enhance the quality of parish life and promote parish vitality.

  • Who are members of the Parish Pastoral Council?

How about you?  The Council needs to include women and men, the old and the young, the married and single,k people of different economic levels, different racial and ethnic origins and different educational backgrounds.  It needs to have people of varying opinions and ideas.  All the members must be committed to fostering the life and mission of the Church and to promoting the good of the whole parish.

  • Desirable Qualities for Parish Pastoral Council Members

Spirituality - a commitment to prayer, gospel values, and personal holiness; or a believing, praying, Catholic Christian.

Knowledge - of the mission of Jesus, the mission of the church, the nature of the parish, the parish's ministries and people; of their own role as servants of the people of the parish.

Skills - in group process, communication and collaboration; skill in listening, in planning, in problem solving and decision making.

Attitudes - willingness to speak as well as to listen; openness to other people's opinions; willingness to study church and parish issues; willingness to let go of personal agendas for the good of the whole.

Ability - to work with others, to follow through on tasks, to devote required time to the work.


Nomination Form for Good Shepherd Pastoral Council

I nominate myself, or the following person(s), for service on the parish council:

Name #1   _______________________________________________________________________________

Name #2   _______________________________________________________________________________

Name #3   _______________________________________________________________________________

Your name please (voluntary) _________________________________________________________________

  • All nominees must be active registered Catholics who regularly attend Mass at Good Shepherd and a parishioner here for at least one year.
  • No more than one member per household can serve on the council at any given time.
  • All nominees must be at least 18 years of age and able to faithfully complete the three-year obligation inherent with a position on the council.
If you have questions contact the chair or any other member of the parish council.




Church of the Good Shepherd - Mission Statement

In thankfulness to God, we, the Church of the Good Shepherd, gather at the Lord's Table, welcoming all, renewing our Catholic faith, and worshiping together through meaningful liturgies.

We embrace life-long catechesis to grow spiritually and serve as an example to our children. We commit ourselves to sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As good stewards and followers of the Lord, we open our hearts to all, sharing our God given talents and treasure.

May 2007




Members of the Parish Council:
Lorraine Dinga, Jerry Hackney, Michelle Lenz, Rick Lessard, Roger Miller, Bob Reilly, Jim Slavin, Jim Smith, Vicky Thompson and Scott Werszner.


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Church of the Good Shepherd  -  300 Smithfield Boulevard - Smithfield, Virginia  23430 (USA)