Pastoral Council

Mission
The concept of a Parish Council grew out of a recommendation from the Second Vatican Council. It is a consultative and advisory body intended to reflect the diversity of the parish community.
Our Lady of Mercy’s Parish Council provides advice to the Pastor in keeping with the parish’s mission of deepening our relationship with God, understanding our faith, building community, and reaching out in justice and charity.  

With personal reflection and group discussion, the Council makes recommendations regarding the needs of the parish and the parishioners. It also supports and encourages the numerous parish organizations and ministries, and reflects upon their effect on the parish as a whole, in a continuing effort to inspire the growth of the parish community.
The Council welcomes all parishioners’ comments, suggestions and ideas on how to create a more enriched parish life at Our Lady of Mercy.

Composition
The Council is composed of fifteen parishioners, the Pastor, and the Associate Pastor. Terms of members are three years, with five new members appointed by the Pastor, each spring. Meetings of the Parish Council are held on the first Thursday of each month, and, unless declared a special executive session, are open to all members of the parish community.
From time to time, ex-officio members attend meetings. These include: Deacons, the School Principal, and the Pastoral Associates.. Representatives of various parish organizations may also be invited to attend in order to enhance further understanding and communication on a particular topic.  

Nominations
All parishioners are invited to nominate themselves and/or their fellow parishioners who they feel would be effective members of the Parish Council. Any parishioner who is Catholic, regularly attends services at Our Lady of Mercy Church, and has attained the age of sixteen years is eligible for the Parish Council. Invitations to serve on the Parish Council are extended by the  Pastor.