Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson

Overview

A Pastoral Council is to be established in each parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert.   In this council, which is presided over by the Parish priest/administrator, Christ’s faithful together with those who by virtue of their office are engaged in Pastoral care in the Parish, give their help in fostering Pastoral action.

The Parish Pastoral Council, having a primarily consultative role, does not seek to replace but rather to assist and guide the Pastor/administrator in fostering the Pastoral care of the Parish.

Even though the membership may overlap, the Parish Pastoral Council will operate in cooperation with but independently of the Parish Financial Council.

Activities/Responsibilities

- Collaborates with the other members of the Parish Pastoral Council in developing and reviewing the Pastoral plan of the Parish.

- Where appropriate to the well-being of the Pastoral mission of the Parish, brings the concerns and/or suggestions of individual parishioners to the attention of the Council. 

- Attends all meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council

- Is available to listen to individual parishioners about matter regarding the Pastoral needs of the Parish. 

- Encourages parishioners to participate in the programs and activities offered by the Diocese. 

- Assists parish ministries in the implementation of the Pastoral plan of the Parish.

- Has an ongoing and open dialogue with parishioners and parish ministries to assess their perspectives regarding the Pastoral needs of the Parish community. 

- Is acquainted with the documents of the Church that help them to understand the vision of the Church and the nature of parish.

- Is available for other meetings as required.

- Observes discretion in the confidential matters arising from Parish Pastoral Council.

Parish Finance Council Chairperson

Overview

The Pastor of the Parish is the sole person responsible and must answer to the Bishop for the good administration of the Parish of which he has been given charge.  To assist him in this task as an administrator, the Code of Canon Law, Canon 537 directs that:  “Each parish is to have a finance council which is regulated by universal law as well as by the norms issued by the Diocesan Bishop; in this council the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the Pastor in the administration of parish goods.”

While the Parish Council is consultative in nature, with the duty to search and make known to the Pastor, the Pastoral needs of the Parish, the Parish Finance Council will have a deliberative voice in certain areas.  This means that the Pastor must consult with their Finance Council on important matters and cannot proceed without the Finance Council’s approval.

While the members of the Pastoral Council are elected by their peers, it is important that the Parish Finance Council be selected, at least in majority, by the Pastor whom they are to assist in the administration of the Parish.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Presides over all meetings of Parish Finance Council and ensure that all members of the Council have an opportunity to be heard on matters before the Council.

--Serves as the spokesperson for the Finance Council. 

--Serves as the person through whom parishioners and finance council members request the inclusion of new items on the agenda of meetings or permission to be heard at a meeting of the finance council. 

--Collaborates with the Pastor in setting the agenda for each meeting of the Council

--Represents the Parish Finance Council at meetings of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. 

--Encourages the participation of Finance Council members and, where appropriate, parishioners in the programs and activities offered by the Diocese. 

--Maintains a contact list of Parish Finance Council members.

--Collaborates with the other members of the Parish Finance Council in developing and reviewing the Parish budget.

--Collaborates with other members of the Parish Finance Council in the development of activities directed at improving the financial well-being of the Parish. 

--In consultation with the Parish Finance Council members, prepares, publishes and presents an annual financial statement and report for the Parish community. 

--Serves as the spokesperson for the Parish Finance Council.

--Is one of the Parish’s official signing authorities in accordance with diocesan policies and procedures. 

-Collaborates with the President and other members of the Finance Council, as may be assigned, in developing, reviewing and evaluating all contractual agreements between the Parish and any other persons or organizations

Liturgical Coordinator 

Overview

The Liturgical Coordinator is responsible for making sure that everything is in place before the liturgy begins. This minister pulls all the pieces together to assure a smooth flow and order to the liturgy.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Is available on an ongoing basis to offer support, suggestions and feedback on any questions or concerns the liturgical ministers may have.

--Assists with the recruitment of candidates for all liturgical ministries.

--Designs and implements an effective training process that includes: reflection on the theology of the Liturgy of the Word, examination of the structure of the Lectionary for Liturgy, rehearsal of ceremonial procedures, and vocal coaching with respect to use of microphone, volume, pacing, posture, etc.

--Collaborates with the Pastor and with other members of the Parish staff, integrating his/her own area of responsibility with the overall parish endeavor.

--Participates fully in the Liturgy as an exemplary member of the assembly.

--Is available to be informed of any needed substitutes before liturgy (by phone). 

--Arrive at the Church at least 20 minutes before the start of liturgy. 

--Stands in the back of the Church near the sacristy, prior to the liturgy prepared to offer assistance to any of the liturgical ministers or the Pastor.

--As liturgical ministers arrive, checks them in on the checklist and briefs them on any special aspects of the liturgy (Baptisms, sprinkling ritual, etc.).  If special tasks need to be assigned this is the time to do it.   Do not go to ministers’ seats to check them in; they will come to you. 

--If any ministers are missing, recruit and brief substitutes. 

--Is available for meetings and training on both the Parish and diocesan levels.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Coordinator

Overview

The Children’s Liturgy Coordinator oversees the running of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word program offered at the Parish. The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is suitably adapted to the lives and experiences of young children preparing them for full participation in the Liturgy. It gives children an opportunity to receive and respond to the Sunday readings according to their ability.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Maintains a current list of Children’s Liturgy of the Word Prayer Leaders & Volunteers.

--Ensures any changes to the list of Children’s Liturgy of the Word Prayer Leaders & Volunteers are communicated promptly to the Designated Screening Personnel.

--Arranges scheduling for Prayer Leaders and Volunteers involved in Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

--Trains Children’s Liturgy of the Word Prayer Leaders and Volunteers.

--Follows the format for Children’s Liturgy of the Word developed in consultation with the Pastor.

--Supervises Prayer Leaders and Volunteers that may be present.

--Liaises with parents and/or guardians of children participating in Children’s Liturgy of the Word as needed.

--Ensures that appropriate materials are available for the program and recommends the purchase of required resources to the Pastor.

--Meets with Children’s Liturgy of the Word Prayer Leaders on an ongoing basis to offer support, suggestions and feedback on current and upcoming lessons.

--Collaborates with the Pastor and with other members of the Parish staff, integrating his/her own area of responsibility with the overall parish endeavor.

--Ensures that the Responsible Ministry Protocol procedures are followed in regards to ministry to children and youth

--Ensures that all paperwork is kept up-to-date in regards to the Responsible Ministry Protocol

--Is available for meetings and training on both the Parish and diocesan levels.

--Schedules, coordinates and is present for planning meetings as required.

Ecumenism Coordinator

Overview

An essential mission of the Church is building unity among Christian believers. This effort involves participation of the faithful and clergy alike and begins with lively appreciation of Christian tradition but without diminishing Catholic beliefs.  

Considering the ecumenical milieu, Catholics are encouraged to participate in common prayer services hosted by other Christian denominations. 

The Ecumenical Directory, Ad Totam Ecclesiam (1967), provides a number of opportunities in which Catholics may read the Scriptures, or being duly ordained even preach in non-Catholic service. Correspondingly, non-Catholics are permitted this participation in the non-Eucharistic services of Catholics. These provisions have relevance for the celebrations of weddings and funerals as well as seasonal devotions (Way of the Cross). 

The Ecumenism Coordinator serves as the animator of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, and co-ordinates the Commission's activities.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Is a contact for parishes on matters of an ecumenical nature

--Is a contact for religious orders and lay organisations on matters of an ecumenical nature

--Implements the Bishop's decisions in regards to ecumenism in the light of Vatican II  and other corresponding decisions of the Holy See;

--Is the diocesan contact to the National Commission for Christian Unity;

--Offers help by such means as workshops and seminars for the ecumenical formation of both --clergy and laity, for the realization of an ecumenical dimension to all aspects of life

--Promotes friendliness and charity between Catholics and other Christians;

--Initiates conversations and consultations with other Christians :

--Promotes, in collaboration with other diocesan bodies and with other Christians, joint witness to Christian faith

--Co-operates with other Christians in such areas as education, public and private morality, social justice, matters connected with culture, learning and the arts . . . .

Adult Faith Education Coordinator

Overview

The Adult Faith Coordinator’s is to aim, is to foster community, to cultivate a stronger sense of unity and to promote diocesan programs among the faithful of the Parish. The Adult Faith Coordinator is to implement outreach and changes by means of a Diocesan Program.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Is present and assists with Diocesan Program events and planning throughout the Parish. 

--Helps as required with administrative functions.

--Plans presentations, conferences and workshops;

--Brings to the attention of the Diocesan Program Director any matters that arise regarding that program.

--Communicates frequently with the Diocesan Program Director.

--Is available for meetings and training on both the Parish and diocesan levels.  

--Follows the requirements of the Responsible Ministry Protocol with regards to working with youth

Sick and Shut-ins

Overview

The purpose of this ministry is to bring Holy Communion to parishioners who are unable to attend the regular parish liturgy. This ministry provides the homebound and institutionalized with a sense of community and belonging.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Ensures adequate amount of Holy Eucharist is received in the pyx during liturgy and/or from the tabernacle.

--Contacts the Parishioners to arrange a convenient time and date for the visit.

--Prepares all necessary items such as; prayer cards, pyx, Holy Eucharist, etc. prior to the visit.

--Prayerfully meditates in preparation for a meaningful visit.

--Ensures the Parishioner(s) is/are prepared and ready to receive the Eucharist, paying particular attention to any special needs.

--Conducts a brief prayer service with each parishioner and distributes Holy Eucharist to them.

--Ensures all is well with the Parishioner before departing.

--Returns the pyx and other supplies to the allocated place at the Parish.

--Actively seeks information from the Pastor, Parish Administrator, Pastoral Assistant and/or Parish Secretary regarding new homebound and institutionalized parishioners and their special needs.

--Must follow Responsible Ministry Protocol in regards to working with vulnerable adults.

--Checks the schedules and special assignments prepared for Extraordinary Minister of Communion to Homes/Institutions.

--Brings to the attention of the Pastor any matters related to changes in health and/or spiritual needs of the homebound and/or institutionalized.

--Observes confidentiality with the private matters of those who are visited.

--Has necessary transportation to homebound and institutionalized parishioners.

--Must keep a record of all visits (including dates and times) to be given to Parish Responsible -----Ministry Committee (PRMC) and/or Extraordinary Ministry of Communion to --Homes/Institutions Coordinator.

Ministry of Comfort and Care for Widowed Persons

Overview

Under the direction of the Pastor, the Bereavement Team Coordinator is responsible for the Bereavement Ministry and for setting goals to reflect the needs of the Parish. The purpose of this ministry is to provide support to those who are experiencing grief.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Maintains contact list of Bereavement Team Members.

--Under the direction of the Pastor or his appointed delegate, will recruit new Bereavement Team --Members on an as needed basis and will arrange for their required and ongoing training and orientation.

--Ensures any changes in the list of Bereavement Team Members are communicated promptly to the Designated Screening Personnel

--Provides resources and training that is relevant to this ministry.

--Provides active and ongoing support to Bereavement Team Members on an ongoing basis.

--Identifies or is informed by Pastor who the bereaved in the Parish community are that require this service and keeps a current list of the bereaved and the visits.

--Develops a library of resources for bereavement ministry and other associated materials that can be used by Bereavement Team Members and bereaved families.

--Will undertake the initial contact for all parishioner requests for this service and will assign teams accordingly.

--Schedules, organizes and leads regular ongoing meetings.

--Occasionally, accompanies Bereavement Team Members on visits.

--Ensures that at least two adult Volunteers are present at all times during Bereavement visits.

--Ensures that the Responsible Ministry Protocol procedures are followed in regards to ministry with vulnerable adults.

--Ensures that all paperwork is kept up-to-date in regards to the Responsible Ministry Protocol.

Parish Responsible Ministry Committee (PRMC) Member

Overview

The Parish Responsible Ministry Committee is a group of persons responsible for ensuring that the Responsible Ministry Protocol is implemented within the parish including the Pastor, Parish Council Chairperson and a member at large whom is appointed by the Parish Pastoral Council.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Oversees the implementation and administration of the Responsible Ministry Protocol in the parish

--Manages the processing of documents from screening staff and volunteers within their parish, and the sending of the documents to the Diocese.

--Ensures that procedures are followed in regards to ministry with children, youth and vulnerable adults. 

--Assists in the maintaining of records within their parish 

--Assists in problem solving and evaluation of the programs within the parish in light of  Responsible Ministry Protocol 

--Ensures that ministry personal working with children, youth and vulnerable adults receive the training in regards to the Responsible Ministry Protocol

--Makes available a copy of the Responsible Ministry Protocol  upon request 

Social Justice and Development and Peace

Overview

In the Gospels, Jesus constantly calls us to reach out and to assist the poor and the marginalized in our society.  Works of charity can take place in different forms.  We are obligated to extend a hand out to the disadvantaged in a manner that respects the dignity and the privacy of the individual.  Under the direction of the Pastor, the Outreach Program Coordinator is responsible for organizing and supervising Outreach Program Volunteers.  These Volunteers could include those involved in food preparation, food delivery, delivery of other household goods and other similar acts of charity.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Maintains a current contact list of Outreach Program Volunteers.

--Ensures any changes in the list of Outreach Program Volunteers are communicated promptly to the Designated Screening Personnel.

--Is familiar with the guidelines in the Responsible Ministry Protocol in regards to working with vulnerable adults

--Ensures that the Responsible Ministry Protocol is followed in regards to ministry to vulnerable adults 

--Ensures that paperwork is kept up-to-date in regards to the Responsible Ministry Protocol

--Ensures that the needs of the community are being met.

--Makes sure there is an adequate amount of Volunteers for each of the Outreach Programs.

--Arranges for training and orientation for new Volunteers to familiarize them with the requirements of the position.

--Is available to receive any information that arises related to changes in health and/or spiritual needs of the person(s) being served.

--Observes confidentiality with private matters of those who are being served.

--Is available to collect records of all visits (including dates and times).

--Meets occasionally with all Outreach Program Volunteers for support, supervision and ongoing training.

--Meets occasionally with the Pastor to review all Outreach Programs.

--Becomes familiar with other Outreach Organizations in the community.

Development and Peace

Overview 

Development and Peace is the official International Development Organization of the Catholic Church in Canada and the Canadian member of Caritas Internationalis. Development and Peace is a membership led organization supported by parish collections, individual donations and government grants, principally from the Canadian International Development Agency.  The Development and Peace Chairperson carries out the wishes of the organization through their Diocesan and Parish contacts. 

Activities/Responsibilities 

--Informs Pastors, Parishioners and the Diocese on current issues. 

--Fosters open communication. 

--Presides/attends at all applicable meetings and conventions. 

--Provides active leadership. 

--Keeps fully informed on the operation of the organization and reports annually to the membership. 

--Is the official spokesperson for the Parish through the organization. 

--Reads and is familiar with the applicable Policies and Procedures.  

--Is responsible for reporting activities to the next level. 

--Performs such other duties as may be incumbent upon the office. 

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Overview

Youth Ministry aims to develop leadership skills, to foster community, to cultivate a stronger sense of justice, to build self-confidence and to promote spiritual maturity among the youth. Under the direction of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Director, the Youth Ministry Coordinator is responsible for the implementation of a specific event for the Diocese. He/She ministers directly to the youth at the event by leading sessions, activities and/or coordinates others who do.

Activities/Responsibilities

--Maintains contact list of participants involved in the event, and ensures any changes in this list are communicated promptly to the Diocesan Youth Ministry Director.

--Ensures that the Responsible Ministry Protocol is followed in regards to working with children and youth and to keeping proper records of events

--Collaborates with the Diocesan Youth Ministry Director to plan talks, presentations, prayer and liturgical celebrations for youth at the event.

--Is present for and conducts all Youth Ministry activities at the event.

--Invites and motivates event youth to attend and participate in event activities.

--Coordinates the leading of prayer and reflection at the event.

--Invites the youth of the Parish community to participate and attend.

--Provides catechetical formation, faith sharing and small group reflection within the event and possible follow up.

--Brings to the attention of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Director any matters related to the needs of the youth.

--At the comfort level of the youth, the Diocesan Youth Coordinator engages in conversation regarding personal and family topics.

--Communicates frequently with the Diocesan Youth Ministry Director.

--Liaises with the Office of Youth Ministry and other parish Youth Ministry Coordinators.

--Is available for meetings and training on both the Parish and diocesan levels.