Councils and Commissions

What is the Pastoral Plan? 
The Diocese of Charlotte directed all parishes to develop a 3-year Pastoral Plan, to focus our efforts to serve Christ in our church parish and in our area.  The Pastoral Council has been working hard on St. Barnabas’ Pastoral Plan, which consists of goals and objectives and identifies work which will be led by the seven Commissions. 

What exactly does the Pastoral Council do? 
The role of the Pastoral Council is to collaborate with the pastor to give concrete direction in the implementation of his vision for the parish, and to work jointly with parishioners to build the parish as a living Christian community.  The pastoral council’s chief concern is the implementation of the Pastoral plan and its maintenance.  Bishop Jugis presented the guidelines for Pastoral Councils in November 2007.

So then… what is a Commission?
“While the parish pastoral council is the thinking, planning, and reflection group for the parish, the commissions are made up of people that actually help make the plan a reality.” (Taken from: Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Guidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils)

The Pastor’s charge is for the entire territory (parish)under his charge, Catholic and non-catholic alike. The pastoral council advises the pastor concerning these pastoral matters just as the finance council advises the pastor concerning financial matters. The laity’s role is to use their knowledge of the community to advise the pastor concerning pastoral matters. But it is important for the faithful to recognize that it is the pastor’s responsibility alone to make the final decision.

Seven Commissions Serving Our Parish - What Commission is the right fit for you?

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AND ASSIST WITH THE LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS OF THE PARISH COMMUNITY?
#1 Liturgy & Worship Commission assists the pastor with the liturgical and sacramental needs of the parish community.  

DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR PARISH REACHING OUT AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY?
#2 Community Ministries and Social Justice Commission promotes outreach programs with emphasis on social services cooperating with other churches and civic organizations in projects aimed at community improvement.  

ARE YOU COMMITTED TO HELP BUILD OUR PARISH FAMILY SPIRIT?
#3 Parish Life Commission strives to increase involvement of parishioners in planned social and recreational parish activities.

ARE YOU CALLED TO REACH OUT AND PROMOTE INTERACTIONS WITH FELLOW CHRISTIANS AND PEOPLE OF OTHER FAITHS?
#4 Ecumenism Commission develops within the parish a commitment to ecumenism and interfaith dialogue and helps to plan and coordinate efforts to heal divisions among Christians within the territory of the parish.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS? 
#5 Evangelization & Communication Commission develops programs that assist parishioners to share the Good News among members of our parish family, people of other faiths, and with Catholics who no longer participate in church life.  It sponsors parish events that benefit foreign and domestic missions and is responsible for communication among the commissions and other parish groups.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND FAITH FORMATION FOR ALL AGES?
#6 Education & Formation Commission strives to meet the religious education needs of everyone in the parish, whether young or old.  The members of this commission support religious education, including programs such as catechesis, young adult ministry, youth ministry, and RCIA for the parish.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED IN ANY TYPE OF FACILITY REPAIR WORK?
#7 Buildings & Facilities Commission inspects and inventories all parish properties, equipment, furnishings, and facilities. It completes needed maintenance, additions, and repairs.