Winter 2016 Parish Advisory Council Update

Spring, 2016

Dear Parishioners,

Our Parish Advisory Council (PAC) which meets three times per year, gathered for its Spring Meeting a few weeks ago. Pre-read communication from each consultative body and ministry advisory group as well as meeting minutes can be found on our parish website. This letter will provide you with the major takeaway from our meeting.

The purpose of our Parish Advisory Council is first and foremost to be an advisory group to our pastor; we are a group that represents diverse cross-sections of the parish who are able to collaborate to provide sound feedback and recommendations whenever needed. Additionally, the Council strives to build community by helping the parish to live out its core values and mission and by communicating and collaborating across each consultative body, ministry advisory group and the pastoral staff to achieve common goals.

Because the PAC as it is currently structured has only been in existence for 6 years, members spent time evaluating the Council’s stated purpose, effectiveness and short-term goals. A key and common thread that emerged throughout our discussion focused on improving communication among Council members as well as to the parish, working to increase both awareness and understanding of the role of the PAC and the specific roles and unique responsibilities of At-Large Representatives, Apostles and parish Deanery Reps who serve on our PAC. Also as Archbishop Cupich’s’ strategic plan “Renew My Church” unfolds, communicating resulting changes and implications will become important. Future work of the PAC will include communicating and building relationships with the staffs and Parish Councils serving our neighboring parishes, St. Francis Xavier and St. Cletus, in an effort to potentially share resources and collaborate on specific ministries.

As the PAC breaks for the summer months, we recognized and thanked the following members who completed their terms: Tony Liotta, Connie Madden, Mike Scudder, and Kerry Ward. Serving as chair for the past two years, I will also be turning over my chairperson baton to Brian King who served as Vice-Chair. Council members affirmed Lisa Geneser as the new Vice-Chair, Ed Giles and Pat Surdyk as Apostles, and welcomed the following parishioners who will serve on the Council for two year terms: Randy Ferrari and Beth White as newly elected At-Large Reps, and new Apostles, Ann Gornik, Kathie McReynolds and Bill Mear.

Have a great summer. Look for more from our Parish Advisory Council this fall.

Ann Marie Calistro
Chairperson

Winter 2016 Parish Advisory Council Update

Spring, 2016

St. John of the Cross Parish

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