Would you like to be a member of the Parish Council ... this is the time for nominations and elections ... complete the coupon below and give it to one of the priests, place in the collection basket, bring to the rectory or give the coupon to the Parish Council Chairperson, Mr. Jim Corbett ... the term is for 3 years ... also, elections will be held for the Parish Council Officers ... you may submit your name to be the Chair, Vice-chair or Recording Secretary ... the parish council is an advisory group of parishioners who work with the pastor on parish issues ... it is a much needed group.
DEAR MONSIGNOR GRAHAM,
I am a parishioner of St. Frances de Chantal Parish and I would like to submit my name for consideration to become a member of the Parish Council:
The steps are as follows:
1. The terms of four of the twelve selected members of the Council will expire annually, new members should be at the June meeting.
2. On two Sundays in April, bulletin announcements invite nominations for the open Parish Council seats. Anyone may nominate him/herself, or any other parish member 18 years or older.
3. A Job Description should be posted in the church and summarized in the bulletin. People should know the details of when the Council meets, and understand the role and consultative nature of the council.
4. A council member receives nominations and checks to see that all nominees are eligible.
5. All nominees are contacted and asked if they are willing and able to serve on the Parish Council, if chosen. The selection process is explained to them.
6. All nominees, and those who will continue on the Council, attend a specified Mass in May. After the homily, which makes reference to what is occurring, the names of all the nominees are placed in a vessel of some kind, and a prayer is said, as in the days of Matthias, asking God's guidance on this choice. Then four names are drawn out, and those four chosen by lot are the new Council members.
7. Those selected are honored; those not selected are not dishonored: they have not lost, they just were not chosen. This event will be concluded by thanking the outgoing Council members, and by calling all the new and veteran members to the altar and blessing the Council for their work, as found in the BOOK OF BLESSINGS.