Pastoral Council

Overview

The Pastoral Council is a body which advises the pastoral administrator in all aspects of parish life. It includes the parish administrator as president and nine elected members. The ex-officio members are the chairs of the Education and Finance council and the deanery representative. Other permanent pastoral council committees include Spiritual Growth and Liturgy, Social Justice, and Parish Community Life.

“We the leadership of St. John’s Parish, Mount Vernon, Iowa recognize that we are called by God to be made one with Him, not merely as individuals but as a holy community, the People of God. Within this community there exists a variety of ministries and gifts of the Spirit which enable all to work for the good of the whole. Formed by the Word of God, we recognize our unity of faith and love and we accept our common responsibility of the mission of Christ, that is, we recognize that we are responsible for the whole pastoral mission of the parish.

“To proclaim our unity of mind and purpose and to more effectively perform our Christian responsibilities to God and neighbor, we unite to form a Parish Council.

“We affirm and accept communion with the Vicar of Christ, our Holy Father, and with the Archbishop of Dubuque, we declare ourselves willing to accept their authority and to share their burdens so that together we may carry out the saving mission of the church.”

Pastoral Council meetings: 4^th Monday at 7:00 P.M.

Goals for 2008-2009

GOAL #1 (continued): TO DEVELOP RESPONSIBLE LAY LEADERSHIP IN THE PARISH BY ENCOURAGING ALL MEMBERS TO SHARE THEIR GIFTS.

Objective #1: Identify & invite laity to participate in Lay Formation program to begin fall, 2009

Objective #2: Restructure Time/Talent event by fall, 2008

Objective #3: Refine election commission by January, 2009

GOAL #2: TO RENOVATE THE PARISH FACILITY & REVITALIZE PARISH LIFE.

Objective #1: Direct the Project Commission to adhere to the Archdiocesan sequence of events

Objective #2: Support the implementation process of intergenerational learning throughout 08-09

Objective #3: Create opportunities in our parish for life-long learning throughout 08-09

GOAL #3 (continued): TO CREATE A SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY IN ALL TOTAL PARISH EVENTS.

Objective #1: Continue parish festival fall, 2008.

Objective #2: Continue and expand pastoral care and outreach throughout the coming year

Objective #3: Develop plan to invite new people/parishioners into active parish life by spring, 2009

Objective #4: Utilize parish communication tools more effectively to inform parish during 08-09

GOAL #4 (continued): TO BUILD SOCIAL JUSTICE INTO ALL ASPECTS OF PARISH LIFE.

Objective #1: Identify and appoint a director for mission trip by June, 2008

Objective #2: Continue to integrate Catholic social teaching in all parish activities throughout 08-09

Objective #3: Schedule a community-wide mission by spring, 2009

Members

Current Pastoral Council Members and Telephone Numbers

212 Seventh Street SE | Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314 | 319-895-6246