Parish Councils have been proving themselves to be very helpful to the parish and to the pastor, and they give wisdom and credibility to necessary decisions. In short, they are consultative; the final decision is left to the pastor. The Book of Proverbs (11:14) states: “For lack of guidance, a people fall; security lies in many counselors.” 

Members serve the whole parish and not just one part of it. Members have to be clear about their responsibility of time and effort and about the respective roles of the council and pastor. The Council should always be and act as a Christian community; they serve for the “good of the parish'' which holds the litmus test for all our motivations and reactions, for what we say and do. The Council's decisions are to be consistent with faith and morals, civil and church law, and archdiocesan policies. 

There are two categories of members, all of whom can vote: ex officio members (e.g., the pastor, parochial vicars, deacons, principal, and director of religious education, trustees, and the chairperson of the finance council) and those who are appointed, elected, or selected. Membership should reflect the make-up of the parish and include people of various ethnic and racial groups within the parish as well as those with a special experience. Terms are usually for three years, renewable once. Agendas are set by the Executive Committee ( Pastor, President, and Secretary) about two weeks prior. Minutes are typed and made available to the parishioners. The meeting should take no longer than ninety minutes.  

FINANCE COUNCIL/COMMITTEE

The Parish finance council is a mandated body having an advisory and consultative role with the pastor.  The Council may provide expertise in developing an annual budget and then analyzing actual financial activities against the budget. It may also be of assistance in evaluating the system of internal controls and recommending improvements in safeguarding assets such as Sunday collections and expenditures of parish finances. The Finance Committee meets quarterly. 

Members serving:

Tyson Boudreaux

Deborah Harris

Cristina Ciprian Matthews (Trustee)

Deogratius Joseph Mhella

David Sorden (Business Manager)

 Paul Tchamambe. (Trustee)