At the Parish Annual Meeting, March 10, 2002 elections for Pastoral Council will take place.   All 
parishioners are asked to consider serving on Pastoral Council or one of the committees.  A supper and information evening will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2002 following the 5:00 p.m. mass to explore the needs and opportunities in parish leadership.  The following information is intended to provide some basic information on Pastoral Council and the positions that need to be filled at this time.  Please read on . . .

What is Pastoral Council all about?

All Christians, by virtue of their Baptism into Christ, have a responsibility and a role to play in bringing the Good News to the people of God through liturgy, catechetics and pastoral care in the community.  Every task-oriented community needs organization to accomplish its work so that all the people and resources dedicated to the task can be used to the best advantage.  Pastoral and Finance Councils bring together members of the community, the pastor and the pastoral team to work together to build the parish as a living Christian Faith community with the necessary organizational structure to carry out their responsibilities in the parish.  Council is a community of committed, believing leaders who are selected by the parish membership to discern in prayer the needs of the parish.  Pastoral Council is the primary consultative body in the parish.  The pastor or parish minister has overall responsibility for the community.

Qualifications and Eligibility

To serve on Pastoral Council individuals should possess the following

1 - An alive faith indicated by participation in worship and other church activities.
2 - An openness of mind that welcomes new learning and allows for seeing opportunities for  new ideas.
3 - A willingness to work collaboratively with other members of Council and the Parish Leadership Team.
4 - Appropriate leadership skills and interest in the area in question.
5 - A willingness to accept the duties and responsibilities of the position. Committee chairs are responsible for:
• recruiting members to assist in implementing the committee mandate, 
• attending monthly Pastoral Council meetings and reporting on activities of the committee,
• approving expenses of the committee, 
• completing the annual objective review and planning process including the budget for the  upcoming year, 
• and preparing the annual report of the committee. 
6 - Be at least 16 years of age.

Spiritual & Education Committee ________________________________________

(Angela Eddy completing 2nd 2 year term--not eligible for re-election)

Organize and promote programs and activities that assist parishioners develop their spiritual life and give them the tools for evangelization to reach out and proclaim the Gospel message. Encourage the work of groups such the Prayer Group, Alpha, and Bible study.   Supply Advent and Lenten reflection materials, implement vocation awareness and racism awareness projects, initiate Summer Vacation Bible School, etc.  Promote the Lay Ministry Formation Program, John Paul II Centre and St. Michael's Retreat programs.

Members at Large (3) -- (especially youth, First Nations, other special needs groups)
These members bring a unique perspective to the discernment work of Council.  They serve without being a committee chair, but are asked to assist where needed on an ad-hoc basis.

                                                        ________________________________________

                                                        ________________________________________

                                                        ________________________________________

One Year Term - positions vacant throughout 2001

Pro-Life Committee                   ________________________________________

Promote respect for the sacredness of life from conception to natural death within the parish. 
Work with regional and provincial Pro-life organizations, attend and/or promote participation in events such as the annual Pro-life conference, life-chain, etc.)

Public Relations Committee   ________________________________________

Work to maintain a welcoming environment within the parish, to build community through social events, and to reach out to those in our parish boundaries that are not active in our community.  Some activities are Sunday coffee & donuts, New parishioner welcome program, Parishioner Suppers, Easter Vigil Reception, Parish Feast Day celebration, Appreciation events, Public Relations brochures, Parish Directory, advertising, etc.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee for 2002 is Sean Kukura, Pastoral Council Chair, Wayne Rutten, Past Chair, Jane Kryzanowski, Administrative Coordinator, and Cathleen Devraj, parishioner.

The committee invites you to use the following form to offer your services for one of the above positions or to suggest the name of someone whom you believe would be a good leadership candidate:

I, _______________________________    , am interested in learning more about how I can serve  
          (name, please print)
Holy Cross Parish in the position of _________________________________________________

and accept the invitation to the Supper and Information Evening on Saturday, February 2, 2002.
OR

I, ______________________________     , nominate       ________________________________

for the position of           __________________________________________________________

The Nominating Committee will extend an invitation to them to attend the Supper and Information Evening of Sat. Feb. 2, 2002.

_______________________________                                                   _________________________
  (Signature)                                                                                                               (Date)

Please return this form to the Nominating Committee by putting it in the collection basket or bringing it to the parish office by January 28, 2002.
 

JOHN PAUL II CENTRE WORKSHOP

Come to the Oasis: Relax, Pray, Be Nurtured – Wed., Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Spend a day nurturing mind, body & spirit.  Relax in your room or take advantage of opportunity for personal spiritual direction or other options.  

Knitting into the Mystery of God: Erin Shoemaker, Wed., Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m.

Christopher Leadership Course: Team of trained Christopher Leaders, Thursdays, Jan. 24 – Mar. 21, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. 

FUNDRAISING DINNER – and evening of comedy with Jamie Hutchinson & Irwin Barker, Jan. 26, Doris Knight Hall, Centre of the Arts, 6:30 p.m.  Proceeds to Resurrection Parish Building Fund.  For more information and tickets call: 352-0800.

LEBOLDUS HOME & SCHOOL ASSN.
There will be a special meeting for parents of present and future LeBoldus students on Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., LeBoldus Resource Centre.  Important issues relating to the direction & future of the Association will be discussed through an interactive session.

STEVE BELL IN CONCERT – An evening of inspiring music and stories by 2-time Juno award winner, Steve Bell: Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. St. Cecilia Parish.  Tickets $12.50, available at Burns Hanley and St. Cecilia Parish Office: 545-4051.

FAITH SHARING SUPPER  – Jan. 18, St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 6:30 p.m.  Guest Speaker: Stephanie Molloy.  Advance Tickets available until Jan. 16 from Burns Hanley or members of the Prayer Group.

STUDY THEOLOGY FROM HOME! - Learn about your Catholic faith from the comforts of home.  Newman Theological College offers courses via the Internet for people wanting personal & spiritual growth, and for those interested in parish ministry. For more information visit the website: www.newman.edu