Overview
As stated in the Council by-laws, our Parish Council is an advisory panel that serves to help stimulate the many programs within the parish and to serve as a consultative body for our Pastor. ALL parishioners are invited to attend meetings held in the Forcucci Faith Formation Center (lower church) at 7 PM on the second Wednesday of each month (except in summer).
Our goals include: (1) Priorities and planning: to prayerfully discern the future needs of the parish and establish goals and objectives; (2) Implementation: to promote and ensure parish programs and activities; (3) Involvement: fostering fruitful collaboration among the numerous ministires, groups and organizations within the parish and to utilize in the most inclusive manner the gifts and talents of parishioners; (4) Shared Ideas and Decision-making — provide opportunities for constructive dialogue within the parish.
Parish Council Elections
We invite all parishioners to participate in the nomination and subsequent election process to the Parish Council. The Parish Council is an advisory body to the Pastor; it helps relay the needs/concerns of the parish and provide suggestions and initiatives to promote the functioning and growth of the parish. Members of the Parish Council in many ways serve as your voice in matters of spiritual need and direction.
Spring 2027
We will be looking to fill two positions on the Parish Council in the spring of 2027. Each member serves for 3-year terms.
Members
The Parish Council consists of 5 Members-At-Large, 4 Standing Committee Members, 3 Appointed Members, and a representative/liaison from the Finance Committee and the St. Mary’s School Board.
At-Large Members
Lee Barrett (President); 2025-Present
Suzanne Croke (Secretary); 2024-Present
Jeff Gernert; 2025-Present
Jen Shiman; 2025-Present
Michael Duff; 2024-Present
Pastor Appointed Members
TBD
Standing Committee Members
Lori Ryan (Faith Formation)
Larry Christian (Liturgy Committee)
Leon Rippel (Social Action)
Betty Bible (Adult Enrichment)
Other Council Members
Louisa Desson (School Board)
Joanne Russell (Finance Council)
Clergy
Rev. Stephen Sledesky (Pastor)