St Michael the Archangel 2014 Pastoral Council Retreat

1. St Michael the Archangel2014 Pastoral Council Retreat

2. Opening Welcome & Agenda Welcome Pastoral Council Members: Agenda: 6:00 to 6:30 PM Social Gathering 6:30 PM Opening Welcome & Prayer 6:30 to 7:00 PM Evening Meal & Overview of the PC 7:00 to 7:45 PM PC Member Intros (3 min each) 7:45 to 8:30 PM Staff & Clergy give overview of their respective departments (3 min each) 8:30 to 9:00 PM Pastor Remarks 9:00 PM Q&A and Closing Prayer

3. Opening Prayer 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 I urge you, brothers [and sisters], in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and there be no divisions among you , but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me, my brothers [and sisters], by Chloe’s people that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? ….For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence , so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. Good and gracious God, creator of the universe, giver of life, we give you thanks and praise for your mighty works and generous gifts. We praise you for the gift of Jesus the Christ. Help us to follow the teachings of Jesus and unite us in his love. Amen. • Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester St Michael the Archangel….Pray for us

4. Purpose of the Pastoral Council(adapted from the Pastoral Council ByLaws) • The Pastoral Council, although not required by Canon Law, is a structure of consultation and consensus. It is a planning council; not a coordination council. It is where cooperative planning occurs, rather than the coordination of the various tasks required to implement this planning. In a word, the Pastoral Council is a consultative planning group, planning the mission of the parish church with the Pastor. • The consultation of the Pastoral Council is essential in the parish's decision-making process, but the Pastoral Council is not the parish's decision-maker. Decision making rests with the pastor alone, on behalf of the Bishop of Raleigh. The Pastoral Council should promote every apostolic activity through which the parish discharges its common responsibility of making the Gospel known, of aiding men, women, and children to live holy lives, and of furthering the mission of Christ. For this reason all boards, commissions, and committees of the parish, except the Finance Council, are responsible to the Pastoral Council.

5. How the Pastoral Council Operates • 16 members (12 elected and 4 appointed by the pastor) serve for a 3-year terms, two consecutive terms allowed • All Parish staff/clergy are ex-officio members and always welcome to PC meetings; the chairperson of the Finance Council is also an ex-officio member (by Diocesan regulation) • The Council members staff the information desk at all masses 1x/month (2nd Sunday historically) • The executive committee of the PC includes: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary • Standing Committees include: • Liturgical Committee; Stewardship Committee; Education Committee; Maintenance Committee, Social & Outreach Committee; Diversity Committee; Hispanic Worktable; Special Projects Committee

6. How the Pastoral Council Operates (continued) • The council usually meets 1x/month (1st Thursday historically) and needs a simple majority + the pastor for a quorum • The preferred communication medium for the council is via the Yahoo Group site (all members should have access already) • Normal meetings last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and include: an update from each committee, feedback from the Finance and School Advisory Councils along with an update & discussion with the Pastor. • Minutes are captured and recorded, approved at the subsequent meeting • Council members are expected to be active participants in the Parish community – being involved in the various ministries, communicating issues and successes, serve on various committees at the pastor’s discretion, etc.

7. Suggested focus for the 2014 Pastoral Council • Implement and leverage the 3-Year Parish Vision Plan Required Reading • This plan was approved by the 2013 PC and pastor in 2013 as a road map for the future of our parish and ministries • It is based on the Diocese of Raleigh’s 3-year plan and takes into consideration seven priorities that provide the framework for planning & direction of our parish. • Track progress and hold ourselves, as a parish, accountable. • Strengthen the linkages between the council and the ministries • Actively engage the ministries to share their success and struggles. Participate and represent as many as possible at each PC meeting – encourage communication from those that are not represented. • Promote open dialogue with the parish community – especially the Hispanic Community • The Pastoral Council members should consider themselves to be representatives of the parish, and an integral link in the chain of communication between the parish community and the Pastor and staff • Foster an environment of inclusion and community. • Organization & Administrative clean-up • Mission Statement different on website vs. published plans; PC Constitution & ByLaws still in draft, etc. • Pray • Recognize that we have limits and cannot do everything - but through prayer & the sacraments we become limitless.

8. Pastoral Council Member Introductions… (Please manage to approx. 3 minutes each)

9. Staff & Clergy Introductions… (Please manage to approx. 3 minutes each)

10. Pastor Remarks… (Rev. Doug Reed)

11. Q&A

12. The St Michael the Archangel Mission Statement St Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Parish Community is committed to serving God and welcoming Him in one another through a firm belief in God’s love. Our mission includes: strengthening the Presence of God through Word and Sacraments; dedication to stewardship and social justice; and ministry to our members and the greater community through acts of Faith, Hope and Charity. All of this is achieved through complete union with the Holy Father and our Bishop of Raleigh.