Pastoral Council

“If the diocesan bishop judges it opportune…
a pastoral council is to be established in each parish,
over which the pastor presides and in which the Christian faithful,
together with those who share in pastoral care by virtue of their
office in the parish, assist in fostering pastoral activity.”
                                                                                                                                -The 1983 Code of Canon Law §536.1

The Pastoral 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 St. Rita Catholic Community but to help coordinate the various projects of ministries, committees, and groups within the parish that are consistent with the overall objectives and mission of the Community.

Any baptized member of the Body of Christ and registered parishioner at St. Rita, 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 Pastoral Council. Members of the Council should be able to offer their skills in Christian leadership within a consultative and collaborative framework that reflects the diversity of our parish community.

Each year, four new Pastoral Council members are selected for 3-year terms following an open nomination process.  Guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit, the existing members of the Council discern and select these new members from the candidates submitted.

 Membership

Fr. Joshua Whitfield, Pastoral Administrator
Deacon Denis Corbin, Parish Administrator
Mike Lesher, President
Maureen Blase, Vice-President
 Mary Fimian, Secretary

Gary Billeaudeaux, Jean Brierre,
Jim Burmaster, Bob Kowynia, 
Amy Mentgen, Lucia Ontiveros,
Nick Romich, Tony Ruggeri, 
and Wade Vache