St. Stephen Church at 6044 SW 19th Street , Miramar, FL 33023 US - Parish Pastoral Council

Several months ago we went through a selection process to choose members for our Parish Pastoral Council. Every parish is required by church law to have a Pastoral Council. Canon #536 of church Law states: "After the diocesan bishop has listened to the presbyteral council and if he judges it opportune, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish; the pastor presides over it, and through it the Christian faithful along with those who share in the pastoral care of the parish in virtue of their office give their help in fostering pastoral activity. This pastoral council possesses a consultative vote only and is governed by norms determined by the diocesan bishop." The model for a pastoral council that we have chosen for use here at St. Stephen is one recommended by the Diocese. It was developed by Loughlan Sofield, ST and Brenda Hermann, MSBT. We are using their book, "Developing the Parish As a Community of Service," as a model. The pastoral council is a reflection and planning group. It considers the fundamental questions: What are we called to be and do as a parish? And what steps can we take to become that parish? Parish community has only one purpose to continue the mission of Jesus, and help every member grow to the fullness of its Christian vocation. The pastoral council fosters growth in our relationship with God and ways of expressing that relationship in action. Our Parish Pastoral Council includes: Francisca Larotta, Louise McGrath, Nancy Taylor, David Otto, Anthony Scott, Maralyn Shaw, David Muñoz, Jaime Orellana, and James Bardsley.

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