St. John Neumann
Catholic Church

My dear brothers and sisters,

Last week I discussed the purpose of the Commissions.  Our five commissions will be Faith Formation, Human Concerns, Parish Life, Spiritual Life and Stewardship.  Each of our Commissions will have 8 to 15 members.  The membership includes a liaison from the Pastoral Council and a parish staff member.  The Commissions will need to reflect our culture, as well as, the age and gender diversity within our parish.  This is an important aspect of the Commissions as it helps us to care for the entire parish community without isolating any part of it.  For example, one question the Spiritual Life Commission might ask is “How can the liturgical ministers (lectors, extra ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, musicians, servers, ushers, etc…) be trained so that they help the faithful experience liturgy in a prayerful manner?”  The Parish Life Commission might ask, “What are some of the ways our parish life ministries support the mission of our parish?  What are the ways that unity is experienced through our parish life ministries’ events?”  These issues would not be isolated to any particular mass time or single event but encompass ALL liturgies and events and be a way for us to come together growing in charity and holiness as one.  The Commissions will provide an excellent opportunity for the involvement of everyone as generations work together; teens, young adults, singles, families and hilltoppers.  Commission membership will be recruited from the existing ministries and from the parish-at-large.  As good stewards, the Commission leadership will seek out the gifts of all parishioners.  When we block or deny the gifts of the faithful we are in fact blocking the presence of Christ in our community.

It is recommended that the term of membership on a Commission be for two years, with the option to renew additional two years.  A person should not simultaneously serve on two Commissions.  This limitation, as well as, the term limitation, allows for more people to be involved and for new input.

Commissions will meet once a month on the same evening.  This format allows time for the Commission members to pray together; it provides opportunities for collaboration between the Commissions; and it allows for me and the staff to be present to all of the Commissions.

Over this holiday season I ask that you pray about this new direction for our pastoral council and our shared ministry approach within our commissions.  I also hope that each of you will ask the Lord to show you where he wants you to be involved.  St. John Neumann parish will flourish as we continue to build the kingdom of God and glorify God in all we do through our gifts in action.

In Christ,

Monsignor Frank Giusta

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