Like other organizations the Church makes use of various acronyms. Not ‘GOAT’ or ‘IRS’ but those reflective of faith. ‘IHM’, the Immaculate Heart of Mary; ‘IHS’, the first letters in Greek of ‘Jesus’; ‘CCC’, the Catechism of the Catholic Church; and, ‘PBVM’, the order of Sisters called, Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (of which my aunt belonged). Which brings us to ‘RCIA’, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Rather than one to one ‘instructions’ for those desiring to be received into the Catholic faith, Vatican II emphasized a process (RCIA) of conversion through group learning with discussion and sharing. In the last year or so the acronym ‘RCIA’ has been changed to ‘OCIA’, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. There is no fundamental change from the previous approach just more accurately reflecting the ‘journey’, if you will, preparing individuals to be received into our Catholic faith (through instruction, discussion, sharing, prayer and liturgical rites). Our OCIA program begins Wednesday, September 17th. If you have questions or need information call me at the parish office.

For the last few years our parish representing St. Malachy, St. John and Sacred Heart has been without a parish council. Different in its mission from the Finance Board, the Parish Council seeks to provide insights, possibilities and understandings for the ongoing mission, outreach, Sacramental life and hospitality of the parish. Again, we are attempting to establish a Council seeking parishioners who are interested in serving in this capacity. If you are interested, have questions or ready to volunteer please contact me at the parish office.

Hopefully we can initiate the Parish Council this fall. Gleaned from another parish/diocese I offer the following structure of a Parish Council. 

Catholic Parish Pastoral Council guidelines focus on pastoral planning through discussion, examination, considering, and recommending practical ideas to the pastor. Parish Councils represent the parishioners (and visitors), review parish life, set expectations, and facilitate communication. Guidelines emphasize a broad focus on the parish's mission, holiness, and serving the wider community, not daily operations. Selection of members should be transparent and representative of the entire parish.

Key Responsibilities;   

 Pastoral Planning: The core function is to study, reflect, and propose recommendations for parish pastoral matters.  Representation: Listen to parishioners' needs and represent their concerns to the pastor.  Goal Setting: Set annual goals for the parish and invite ministries to participate.  Communication: Maintain open and honest communication within the parish and with parishioners through bulletins and other means.  Mission & Vision: Dream about how the parish can grow in holiness, form disciples, and witness the faith to others, including those outside the church. 

Meetings: Hold regular meetings, varying by parish (typically, 4 to 6 times a year).   Quorum: A simple majority of the council's total membership typically constitutes a quorum for meetings. Open Meetings: Meetings are often open to the public but may include private executive sessions for specific discussions.  

Collaboration: Work closely with ministries and other groups within the parish and share resources with neighboring parishes. Key Principles.

 Service-Oriented: Members serve the entire parish, not just specific interests. 

Holistic Approach: Focus on the spiritual growth of the parish and its role in the community. 

Inclusivity: Embrace a spirit of inclusion for everyone in the community.  Actively respond to concerns in society and serve those in need within and beyond the parish boundaries.  The parish pastoral council recommends solutions to the pastor. The council is not responsible for the day-to-day operations or maintenance of the parish.

From today’s gospel: 

“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” 

As St. John Chrysostom said, "The Cross, is wood which lifts us up and makes us great … The Cross uprooted us from the depths of evil and elevated us to the summit of virtue."

God Bless, Fr. Tim