Parish Pastoral Council Working Sub-Committees
The Parish Council has several working sub-committees. Below are the descriptions of the sub-committees:
Spiritual Life
The significant task of this committee is to provide opportunities to deepen the faith life of the parish through appropriate prayer experiences and liturgical celebrations, particularly the Sunday liturgy. It is also responsible for an ongoing program of liturgical education and training for liturgical ministers.
Education/Formation – Chair Person: Lori DiBiase; faithformation@sjtemahopac.org (845)628-2006 x113
Religious formation can be described as the process of becoming free to experience the Lord. This committee has the responsibility for review and recommendations to the pastor and director of religious education of the total religious education program for the parish with emphasis on adult formation, youth ministry, and family minsitry, parenting education, bereavement support groups, etc.
Social Ministry
This committee’s task is to discern the human needs of people in both the parish and larger community – all types of families, the elderly. Opportunities should be developed for members of the parish to meet these needs, as well as to support those in the parish who are already involved in service (i.e., social worker, etc.). The committee’s responsibility is two-fold: to meet immediate needs and to work for changes in the structures of society which are oppressive. World issues of justice, peace, hunger and a concern for the missionary function of the church would be within the scope of this committee.
Parish Life Committee – Chair Person: Gil McMahon; gkmahopac@verizon.net
(845) 628-4741
To be concerned with the renewal of parish life and building community among all parish members through small group formation, social activities, good communications, welcoming and hospitality efforts, including the development of new members, and the coordination efforts in evangelization/RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This committee may also serve as a vehicle for the promotion of the concept of stewardship in the parish.
Weekend Experience
Most important and central to the Catholic Family community is the worship of the Liturgy each weekday and at each Saturday evening and Sunday Mass. This committee’s responsibilities will be to encourage participation in, enhance the experience of and promote the faithful worship at the Mass and invite involvement in the participation of the celebration of the Mass for the Catholic Family community in the weekly worship of the Liturgy with all reverence required of such celebration. The committee is to coordinate the activities of all ministries participating in the worship at the altar of the Holy Eucharist and of the Holy Liturgy.