Parish Pastoral Council

The first parish council for St. Stephen was formed in 1983 under the following norms established by the diocese:

The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body which makes recommendations to the Pastor.
The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body which unites laity and clergy in a community of prayer, leadership, service and pastoral planning. All members of the Council work together as they seek to listen to the Holy Spirit in discerning what is best for the parish in the light of the Gospel, the church's teaching, and the experiences and needs of parishioners and the surrounding community. The Council can fulfill its role by encouraging a climate in which people can feel free to speak the truth with openness and love.

The purpose of the Parish Pastoral Council is to promote the spiritual growth of the parish community and to plan ways for the parish to carry out the mission of the Church.
The Council promotes the spiritual growth of the parish and plans ways for the parish to carry out the Church's mission through the following interdependent functions:
1. Spiritual Formation
2. Pastoral Planning
3. Pastoral Policy Development
4. Communication

The members of the Parish Pastoral Council represent the interests and pastoral needs of the parish community.
A truly representative group affords divergent insights and experiences, and thus allows for fullness and completeness in reflection, analysis, and sharing. Our Council is composed of:
1. members elected by the parish community at large
2. representatives of parish organizations
3. members appointed by the Pastor

Adapted from Parish Pastoral Council Policy, Diocese of Cleveland, 1990