A pastoral council is a consultative group in a parish structured and designed primarily to investigate, consider and recommend pastoral initiatives to further the mission of the parish faith community as an extension of the mission of Jesus.
A finance council is an appointed group that assists the pastor in preparing the annual financial report for review by our parish congregation as well as the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The finance council also aids the pastor in planning future expenses, development, and budgeting.
Stewardship is a grateful response to God's love. Based in Scripture all that we are and all that we have flows from God as a gift. In turn, we serve as stewards of our spiritual and material gifts and we share this gift in love of God and our neighbor.
As disciples of the Lord, we recognize the Lord our God as the source of all blessings and are called to prayerfully consider a proper return to Him in our giving.
In one way or another, we have all been blessed. Will you share your blessings? Will you give of yourself to God's kingdom through your actions — your time, talent, and treasures — to your parish? Can you give "just one": through a ministry or a special project? one hour per week? one hour per month? one more dollar per week in your envelope? Here, in your parish, your "just one" does truly make a difference!
The collaborative process of 'envisioning ministry' is one by which the vitality and viability of parishes are evaluated and supported through the parish and regional planning according to the diocesan vision set forth in Bishop Zubik's Pastoral Letter "The Church Alive!”
The links to the documents and guideline offered here provide insight into the vision for parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh looking toward the future.