The Pastoral Council is concerned, in general, with implementing, at the parish level, the mission of the Diocese of Harrisburg:

“To share the experience of salvation received from Jesus Christ in the living Catholic tradition of Word and Sacrament, drawing all persons into a believing, hoping, loving, and serving community which, empowered by the Spirit, gives glory to the Father through Jesus, Lord and Savior.”

The mission of Saint Patrick Parish is to follow the teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ as revealed through the Roman Catholic Church and expressed through the Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Saint Patrick Parish is committed to worshipping the Lord and to be of service to the family of God.

The primary goal of the Pastoral Council is total and continual parish spiritual renewal and outreach.

The Pastoral Council will discover and listen to the needs of the Parish, and set parish direction by prayerful reflection.

The Pastoral Council serves as a connecting link between the Diocese of Harrisburg and Saint Patrick Parish, communicating and supporting the policy and programs of the Bishop to the people, and also making full use of diocesan resources to meet the needs of the parish community.

The Pastor is solely and completely responsible to the Bishop of Harrisburg for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the parish. The Parish Pastoral Council does not directly share this responsibility but exercises its consultative role in support of the Pastor’s responsibility.

 

Saint Patrick Parish Pastoral Council

Meet the Council Members

6 Pillars of the Saint Patrick Parish Pastoral Council

Our goal is to find our mission and purpose within the pillars of the parish pastoral council. Each one represents one or more of our purposes as a parish family. Combined, they should fulfill our mission as a parish family. Each council member is assigned a pillar. That member receives ideas and questions to take to the council and present to the pastor and his staff based on their pillar. It is not the council member's responsibility to be knowledgeable about this pillar, only to relay questions or concerns about it to the pastor and his staff.

  • PILLAR FOR EVANGELIZATION (GATHER, CONNECT, GO OUT)

    This Area of Mission isconstantly seeking new ways to reach out to others with the Message of God’s Love.Evangelization is the continuous process by which the Church strives to deepen thefaith of those who believe and bring the Good News to those who do not believe.

  • PILLAR FOR EDUCATION (CONNECT, SERVE)

    This area of mission includes all parishactivities that are directed to the formation of its members, both children and adults.The Catholic school, the parish faith formation program, youth ministry programs, andadult religious education programs, including the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) areall areas of concern for the Mission of Education.

  • PILLAR FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY (CONNECT, SERVE)

    This Area of Mission fosters asense of belonging among the members of the parish. The programs, ministries andactivities strengthen and support the parish as a Community of Faith.

  • PILLAR FOR LITURGY (GATHER)

    This Area of Mission is to nourish and give direction tothe liturgical and worship elements of the parish.

  • PILLAR FOR SOCIAL CONCERNS AND OUTREACH (GO OUT)

    This Area of Missionconsiders those issues that demand our concern in order that the dignity and rights ofeach person may be preserved.

  • PILLAR FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH CONCERNS (CONNECT, GO OUT)

    This areaof mission encourages unity and understanding within the Christian family, and reachesout to non-Christians who share with us a belief in God.