Parish Staff

“Recognizing that sound pastoral decisions are informed by the wisdom of the People of God, Fr. Jason Lody, FCM established the parish council of St. Anthony of Padua Church on June 16, 2012. The documents of the Second Vatican Council recommended the establishment of such councils. They state that Catholics have a right and duty to express their opinion on what pertains tothe good of the Church. Pastors should willingly consult their people, say the documents, and use their prudent advice. By establishing a parish council, the pastor acknowledges the wisdom of his parishioners and expresses his desire to share with them his responsibility for the governance of the parish.”

The scope of the council is pastoral matters. These may include everything that pertains to the pastor’s ministries of proclaiming God’s word, celebrating the sacraments, caring for the faithful, promoting the mission of the Church to the world, and being a good steward of parish resources. The scope includes all the practical matters of parish life. There is, in short, nothing about which the pastor may not consult the council.

Parish council members are chosen, above all, for their ability to accomplish the main task of the council – the work of investigating, considering, and recommending practical conclusions. They are baptized Catholics who appropriately represent the parish community.

Five parish council members are elected every two years. The election takes place at a parish retreat and celebration during the month of June to which all parishioners are invited.

The parish council meets in September, November, January, March, and May. Meetings are one hour in length. Most meetings will be held ‘virtually’ by conference call or otherwise if members are unable to gather in person each month. The first meeting of the new pastoral council is dedicated to the yearly plan and goal setting. During the final meeting of each year, the councilors reflect on the progress of the year and plan for the Summer Parish Gathering.

The parish council is made up of 4 active members of the parish and will fill the following roles: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and one voting member.

The pastor will serve as the parish council treasurer and will prepare a financial report in advance of each meeting.
Scope, Elections, and Council Operations

The President will preside at all meetings and support the pastor in the creation of the meeting agenda. The President shall advise the Vice President on all matters on the agenda for all meetings of the St. Anthony Parish Council prior to the meeting.

The President of the parish council serves a 1-year term, renewable for a second year during the Summer Parish Gathering.

The Vice President shall assume the responsibilities of the President when the president is absent. The Vice President shall record the minutes in the absence of the elected Secretary.

The Vice-President of the parish council serves a 1-year term, renewable for a second year during the Summer Parish Gathering.

The Secretary shall take and keep minutes of all meetings of the
St. AnthonyParish Council, maintain accurate and complete records of all Council meetings, issue notices of all meetings, and perform such other duties as may be delegated by the Council.

The Secretary of the parish council serves a 1-year term, renewable for a second year during the Summer Parish Gathering.