Process underway to selection new Diocesan Pastoral Council

June 12, 2003
The Catholic Church has always taught that at the time of our initiation each and every one of us received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was given to us so that together we might be responsible for the continuation of the Church and its life activities.

Soon after the Second Vatican Council, writers began to dream of different ways in which this could be applied to the whole church. On the diocesan and parish level we began to hear about Councils composed of representatives from a cross section of people from either the diocese or the parish. Together, with the bishop or the pastor, these men and women were selected to determine the direction in which the diocese or parish was to travel.

Ten years ago the nomination process for our first Diocesan Pastoral Council took place. The term of our second Diocesan Pastoral Council is drawing to a close, and we find ourselves ready to move forward continuing the work that these two councils have initiated. I salute all who have served. They have allowed the Spirit to speak through them and thus have contributed to our well-being as the people of God.

Your parish has received copies of the flyer, “Answering the Call to Serve,” from which you will learn the purpose of the Council, its structure, responsibilities, the criteria for council members and nomination forms. You may also find it at www.dioceseofgaylord.org I invite every adult in the diocese to study this and then prayerfully consider those you know who might be called to Council membership. Complete the nomination form and return it by June 30.

Sincerely in Christ,

Patrick R. Cooney
Bishop of Gaylord

File 1:Information & Nomination Form