The purpose of the St. Benedict’s Parish Pastoral Council is:

1. To examine the life and activity of the parish.
2. To discern the needs, the ideas, the hopes, the visions, and the fears of those to whom the council ministers. 
3. To evaluate the pastoral life of the parish in light of its mission.
4. To recommend pastoral and parish initiatives to the parishioners, staff and pastors.

The scope of the council is everything that pertains to the parish mission of proclaiming God’s word, celebrating the sacraments, caring for the faithful, promoting the outreach of the Church to the world, and being a good steward of parish resources. The Pastoral Council does not, however, directly approve the parish’s finances.

“St. Benedict Catholic Parish embraces a Catholic Franciscan spirituality and strives to welcome people of all backgrounds to share in the life of the Church through the Word, Sacraments, Service, and Outreach. St. Benedict is our spiritual home. We gladly open our spiritual doors to anyone else looking for a home. Building upon our heritage, our people strive to be a vibrant faith filled community for generations to come.”

As of June 2024, the 12 members of the pastoral council are:

Amber Burbrink

Tony Butwin

David Gorrell (president)

Wendy Keith

Christopher Lazzell

Olivia Marrs (secretary)

Emilee Roark

Robert St. Martin OFM Conv. (ex officio)

Sierra Sawtelle

Robert Showers OFM Conv. (ex officio)

The pastoral council wishes to thank Debbie Johnson, Nicole Krasean, and Heather Miklozek, who have finished their term of service. Thank you for all you have done!

On July 23, 2024, the Pastoral Council revised the parish mission statement and began discussing a possible parish festival. We will write more about the festival discussion later. Here is the new mission statement:
 
“St. Benedict Catholic Parish embraces a Catholic Franciscan spirituality and strives to welcome people of all backgrounds to share in the life of the Church through the Word, Sacraments, Service, and Outreach. St. Benedict is our spiritual home. We gladly open our spiritual doors to anyone else looking for a home. Building upon our heritage, our people strive to be a vibrant faith filled community for generations to come.”