(Updated July 20, 2021)

Roles of the Pastoral Council at Emmaus:

1.  The members of the Pastoral Council serve in an advisory capacity to the pastor.  They form a representative body from among the faithful whose focus is on the whole community.  The guiding principle of their role is shared and collective wisdom.

The task of the Council is to give counsel and seek consultation regarding pastoral issues for the common good and for the future.  Counsel and consultation draws upon shared and collective wisdom acknowledging that each member is endowed by the Holy Spirit with qualities and gifts that can strengthen the community.

The pastor is the chief governing person and accountable to the Bishop. 

2.  Membership Qualifications

• Commitment to the doctrine and sacramental and prayer life of the Catholic Church
• Registered, participating and contributing member of Emmaus Catholic Parish for a minimum of two years
• Familiarity with the aspects of parish organization

• Attend and participate in Council meetings
• Participate in parish activities both liturgical and community building
• Host Sunday coffee and donuts for the purpose of visibility of the Council members to the parishioners and to communicate a culture of service
• Encouraged to wear a Pastoral Council name tag when on campus for parish activities
• Attend Welcome and Registration events

4.  Organization

The Council is comprised of ten members: the pastor appoints five for a two-year term and five are elected by the parish community for a three-year term.

The leadership is comprised of a chair, co chair and a recorder who are elected by the members of the Council annually.

The chair sets the agenda with the pastor and presides at the meetings.  The co chair acts in absence of the chair.

The recorder takes notes during the meeting and submits an approved summary to the communications director of the parish staff to be placed on the parish website and on file.

Once each year a joint or representative meeting is held with the Finance Council.

Council documents are accessible via the links on the left column of this page.

*Two-Year Term for Appointed
Three Year Term for Elected