As the Catholic community of St. Francis
de Sales, our mission is to teach all people and to live the gospel message. United in the Eucharist and recognizing
the importance of on-going spiritual formation, we strive for meaningful liturgies, prayer experiences, and faith
sharing opportunities. We recognize and actively support the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional needs of
our parishioners and the surrounding community. To meet the social needs of our parishioners, we promote activities
and events that foster Christian fellowship. We encourage all members to accept the responsibility to support,
serve, and participate in the life of the parish.
The Parish Pastoral Council of St. Francis de Sales consists of the Pastor, 11 Lay Council Members, and the Parish Pastoral Staff Members. The Lay Council Members serve as liaisons between the five Ministry Commissions and the Council. They also represent the people of the Parish to the Pastor. Council members are always open to and encourage suggestions, comments, and ideas from our Parishioners.
The purpose of the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Francis de Sales be providing direction for the Parish, ensuring implementation of our Mission Statement and our Parish Goals, and setting an example of unity and cooperation as the people of God to Parish and larger community."
Parish Council members represent the total Parish and must promote the whole mission of Christ. They cannot limit their concern to specific interests or groups such as religious education, school, or liturgy. As liaisons of particular commissions, they are responsible for a specific area of ministry within the Parish; but when they sit as a council, they are responsible for the total needs of the Universal Church as well as those of the Parish.
The Celebrating Commission calls the Parish to be a worshipping community centered in the mystery of the Risen Christ and it encourages all parishioners to be committed to grow in the Liturgical and Sacramental Life. This commission specifically devotes its attention to the coordination and facilitation of the following committees and groups: Sacristans; Choir; Eucharistic Ministers; Cantors; Musicians; Ushers; Lectors; Liturgy Planning Committee; Altar Servers; Adult Servers and Art & Environment Committee.
The focus of the Caring Commission is people caring about people, and Christians reaching out to others in their time of need, whatever that need may be. The Commission continues to develop those programs that have been effective in the past; Food Pantry, assistance to the needy, hospital and home visitation, education programs concerning social justice issues, while opening now ways to respond to the needs and concerns that are not currently being addressed at St. Francis de Sales goal is to make the community of St. Francis de Sales where people feel the love of Christ in a very real and personal way.
As a community, the Commission recognizes and celebrates the giftedness of people and their baptismal call to participate in the life of parish; thus, it is dedicated to the on-going development and renewal of Parish Life. The Committees are as follows: Stewardship; Sports Program; Scouting; Youth Activities; Knights of Columbus; Spiritual Life and Senior Group.
The goal of the reaching Commission is to assist individuals and families to attain that level of Christian maturity and commitment needed to live full Christian lives. This Commission determines the objectives to meet the education needs of the total Parish community, as well as to raise an awareness of the concerns and issues of the worldwide community. This Commission is comprised of representatives from School, St. Francis de Sales and people interested in adult education programs.
This is a Commission we plan to establish in our Parish in the Fall of 1995. It will likely have these Three Goals identified by the American Catholic Bishops:
1. To bring about in the Catholics of out territory such an enthusiasm for their faith, that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.
2. To invite all people, whatever their social or cultural background, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic Faith.
3. To foster Gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of family, and the common good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.
We presently have a number of established Committees that work to meet the aspects of these goals in our Parish.
R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
R.C.I.A.A.C. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children)
Welcoming Committee
Inquiry Class
