“But all things should be done decently and in order.”
—1 Corinthians 14:40
The Holy Spirit dwells within the whole Body of Christ. Since the beginning of the Church’s history, from Acts of the Apostles through the Rule of Saint Benedict, counsel and collaboration has part of Catholic life. This is true for our life at St. Mary's too. Below are some of the councils active at SMV.
The Parish Council is a visioning body that assists the Pastor in guiding the overall direction of parish activity through prayerful reflection and consensus building among its members. The Council's role is not to assume authority or responsibility over ministries, committees, or groups within The Catholic Church of St. Mary the Virgin, but to help coordinate the various projects of ministries, committees, and groups within the parish that are consistent with our overall objectives and mission.
Any baptized member of the Body of Christ and registered parishioner at St. Mary's, called by the Holy Spirit and who, through a sacramental life, demonstrates good stewardship as a disciple of the Lord may be considered for service on the Parish Council. Members of the Council should be able to offer their skills in Christian leadership within a consultative framework that reflects the diversity of our parish community.
New Parish Council members are selected by the community coming together in prayer and asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Existing members of the Council and the Pastor select new members of the Council from those discerned to be possible members.