In Matthew 18:20, Jesus tells us, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” And while most of us tend to attribute this verse to times of prayer, Fr. John McCaslin assures us that the reality of this verse also applies to the practical nature of our parish’s day-to-day operations.
“If we take this verse seriously, then we must believe that wherever we are working together in Christ’s name, He is in our midst,” Fr. John says. “There is such wisdom in the collective work of Christ’s people.”
It is for this reason that Fr. John says our Pastoral Council is vital to the life of our parish.
“The Pastoral Council members work together to give me a broader understanding of who the parish is and what’s happening within the many ministries of our parish,” Fr. John says. “It is with the help of the Pastoral Council that I am able to better serve the parish and call parishioners forward in living our mission as a parish family.”
This group of 12 parishioners works intricately with Fr. John and the many ministries and commissions within our parish to achieve both short- and long-term goals for the parish.
“The Pastoral Council is the ministry that supports all of the ministries of the parish to ensure that needs are met,” says Cynthia Daniels, current Pastoral Council chair. “The council supports and works with the commissions which ensure the growth of each ministry.”
The members meet with Fr. John once a month to discuss the goings-on within the parish, and then pool their wisdom to help the parish heed the call of discipleship as best as possible. They address spiritual, educational, financial, and fellowship goals.
“I rely heavily on the wisdom of the Pastoral Council members,” Fr. John says. “I cannot properly do my job without them.”
Meanwhile, Cynthia, who has served on the council for the past six months, says that while she does believe the council’s service is vital for the parish, serving on the council has been tremendously fruitful for her.
“My faith life has grown tremendously since becoming a part of the council — through prayer, fellowship, and embracing the diversity of our parish family,” Cynthia says. “Through the council, I have the opportunity to work with such wonderful Christians from various cultures. It is such a blessing.”
Each member of the Pastoral Council serves a three-year term, and the longest-tenured members still have a year and a half left of their terms. It is a long-term commitment and Fr. John is grateful for each member who has made this commitment. At the same time, both Fr. John and Cynthia assure the parish that everyone plays a vital role in the parish.
“Serving the parish offers you a wonderful opportunity to share in fellowship with others and to grow spiritually,” Cynthia says. “Getting involved is a wonderful way to grow in your faith – to grow closer to Christ and His Church.”
