St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Mission Statement
“The mission of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Pastoral Advisory Council is a response to the call of baptism to be actively engaged in the mission of the Church. We discern through prayer and study the current and future needs of the parish, both spiritual and material, advising the Pastor, enabling the Pastor, staff, ministries and parish community to grow together toward our shared vision.

What is the Pastoral Advisory Council (PAC)?

Advisory and consultative body to the Pastor
Provides information and advice
Future-oriented planning group
Means of communicating to the Pastor the needs, feelings, hopes and reactions of the parish

The Council assists the Pastor in long-range visioning and strategic planning. It does not act apart from the Pastor. The PAC supports the Pastor, staff, parishioners, ministries of the parish and each other. The PAC communicates a sense of the life of the whole parish to the Pastor without regard to any particular faction or agenda.

Who are the PAC?

· Representative body of parishioners

· 12 members chosen through discernment from the parish at large on a rotating basis

· Each member represents ALL areas of parish life with regard to age, interests, backgrounds, etc.

Each member brings wisdom to the group from life experiences, reflections, prayer, and on-going learning. It is each member’s responsibility to seek to know the people of the parish. Each member administers to the entire parish.

How does the PAC accomplish its ministry?

· Members exchange information and ideas through listening, information-sharing, conversation, exploring, discerning, gifts and service.

· Each member must recognize merit or reasonableness in a proposal – something of value for the parish community and that it follows the will of the Spirit

· Identifies ways the parish is called to live out its specific mission

· Decisions made by a sustained process of discernment, deliberation and consensus

PAC Members serve as a channel of consultation between the Pastor and parishioners. Through discernment and assessment the Pastor and PAC members attempt to identify and prioritize the mission of the parish.

How can we serve you?

· Members can be identified by name badges worn at church functions – LOOK FOR US – and introduce yourself

· We are available to receive positive comments or parishioner concerns

· Send us an e-mail or signed correspondence with your comments or suggestions.

The PAC members communicate parishioner comments to the PAC and the Pastor for Evaluation and Research, Discernment and Resolution. The PAC members will utilize church resources, ministries and other parishioners to address needs of the parish identified by the parishioners.

How can I serve?

· Pray for the Pastor, each other, and parish ministries

· Develop a sense of family within the parish

· Consider attending the PAC discernment – any adult or young adult registered in the parish may volunteer themselves or recommend another individual for the discernment process. The discernment is usually held in late spring

Twelve PAC members and the Pastor comprise the PAC. Members are discerned for 3-year terms with 4 members cycling off each year. The only experience required is an open heart, an open mind and a willingness to serve through the Spirit.