Over the previous few weeks I have been using the pastors corner to speak about the call to participate in the life of the community, and to support it through dedicating our time, talent and treasure to the Church, so that she can fulfil her mission of creating missionary disciples for Christ.
I would like to thank those who have put themselves forward to serve on the newly established finance committee. They are there to manage the financial resources of the parish in a transparent manner, to report back to the parish each quarter to promote accountability, to maintain an up to date asset register of all parish assets, to set up and oversee a parish maintenance plan, to assist in administrative tasks such as employee contracts and equipment rentals, to draw up a budget each year, and to have oversight of any fundraising activities in the parish. It may fulfil any of those functions through the establishment of subcommittees that report to them.
I would also like to thank those who have volunteered to serve on the pastoral council. Given that 7 good and committed people were nominated I have decided to accept them all into this ministry of leadership and we therefore no longer need to have an election. The PPC represents different groups in the parish, and the parish more generally. They are to advise on the pastoral needs of the parish, take responsibility for activities such as catechetics, youth, liturgy, safeguarding, outreach to those in need; assist in the formation of a vision and mission statement for the parish; work towards building unity amongst parishioners and with their pastor; and help in creating a culture of welcome for all. The PPC will meet on Monday evening to elect a chairperson, a deputy, and a secretary.
In addition to these two bodies mandated by archdiocesan policy I am also establishing a Genesis Compass Committee. As you may know, the parish has begun a process of renewal called Genesis Compass. The first members of the committee were 4 members of the PPC. The prayer ministry which we are launching is the first fruits of this process, as we know that the vision and mission we are striving to articulate must be rooted in prayer and in the Spirit. After Easter we will begin the second stage of the Genesis Compass program, with a focus on articulating a vision statement for the parish, communicating and promoting it. The original four members will be expanded with members of the new PPC, and possibly others.
I am grateful to all those people who have indicated a willingness to serve this parish community by committing their time and talent to it, and accepting responsibility for the many and varied aspects of our parish life. Please support them, and me, as we work with you and for you to renew our home, St Martin de Porres parish.
In the next week or two we will be giving each of you the opportunity to commit yourself – time, treasure and talent – to this community of Friends in the Lord, to this community in the process of both discovering and living its call to missionary discipleship.
