Guiding the Mission of Making Disciples:
Pastoral Council Update: November 1, 2026
Serving Our Parish Together: The St. Michael the Archangel Pastoral Council continues its work with Fr. Mike to support parish life, strengthen communication, and plan for the future of our parish. Prayer remains central to this service, with members bringing parish intentions before the Lord and participating in Eucharistic Adoration for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The revised Pastoral Council Charter has been finalized and approved. Members have also developed a shorter, clearer parish Vision and Mission statement which follows
PARISH VISION STATEMENT: Growing together in Christ through worship, fellowship and service.
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
Welcoming and connecting with parishioners has been an important focus. Council members assisted with connection postcards to update parish records, and a welcome packet for newly registered members is being developed. The new parish website is now functioning well and receiving positive feedback for its ease of use.
We continue to work with parishioners to gather photos and materials for the parish history project, drawing on earlier anniversary books to help tell St. Michael’s incredible story. An initial draft is expected to be ready for Council review in January or February 2027. Our goal is to publish the book in time of the celebration of our 140th Anniversary.
The Council also received encouraging reports about parish and school life. School enrollment totals 72 students from preschool through fifth grade, including five fifth graders. Facility needs remain under review, including a wall in the Parish Family Center (gym) from water damage, rectory basement repairs and estimates for a replacement rectory roof. More information on these repairs will be forthcoming.
Looking ahead, the Council will be working on a compressive, multiyear strategic plan. This will be a major project for us in mid to late 2027.
We have also discussed proposals for regularly scheduled Eucharistic Adoration, young-family gatherings and youth programming. Members also support fundraising efforts benefiting the school and God’s Helping Hands. Please keep the Pastoral Council in your prayers and share your ideas with a Council member as we work together to serve our parish community.
Our Pastoral Council
The St. Michael Parish Pastoral Council serves as the principal planning body of our parish, helping to ensure that all we do supports our mission of growing as disciples of Jesus Christ and helping others do the same.
The Pastoral Council works with our pastor to discern the needs of the parish and identify priorities that will strengthen our mission and ministries.
Who Serves on the Pastoral Council?
The Council is made up of parishioners who are committed to Christ, active in the life of the parish, and dedicated to listening to the Holy Spirit. Members bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and gifts that help represent the broader parish community.
What Does the Pastoral Council Do?
The Pastoral Council is a consultative body that assists the pastor by:
Identifying the spiritual and pastoral needs of the parish
Reflecting on opportunities and challenges facing our faith community
Recommending goals and priorities that support parish growth and vitality
Encouraging stewardship, evangelization, faith formation, and service
Helping ensure that parish ministries remain focused on our mission of forming disciples
How Does the Council Function?
The Council fulfills its role through prayer, listening, dialogue, and discernment. Members investigate issues, reflect on the needs of the parish, and offer recommendations to the pastor. Together, they seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in helping St. Michael Parish become an ever stronger community of disciples who worship, learn, serve, and share the Gospel.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we recognize that building a vibrant parish is the responsibility of the entire faith community. The Pastoral Council helps provide direction and vision so that, together, we can continue answering Christ’s call to “Go, therefore, and make disciples.”
Pastoral Council Members
Earl Brown, Chair
Vacant, Vice-Chair
Anne Sowden, Secretary
Sandy Maxwell
Rick Otis
Natalie Pennington
Bonnie Sieffert
