Videos

On March 15-16, 2013, Terry A. Ginther of the Diocese of Trenton invited Mark Fischer to St. Catherine of Siena Church in Farmingdale, New Jersey, for a conference entitled “Engage Church: Pastoral Councils in the 21st Century.” Trenton’s video team captured many of the segments:

1. The Role of the Parish Pastoral Council.
   1. Introduction to PPCs.
   2. A Vision for PPCs.
   3. The Difference between the “Pastoral” Council and the “Parish” Council.
2. Selecting Counselors.
   1. Building a PPC for the First Time.
   2. Selecting Members for Your PPC.
   3. How Does a PPC “Represent” the Parish?
3. How to Make Your Pastoral Council a Success.
   1. When and Why Does a Pastor Consult the PPC?
   2. Asking the Right Questions.
   3. Building Trust between Pastor and Council.
   4. Pastoral Councils and Pastoral Planning.
4. How a Pastor and Council Work Together.
   1. Representation and the Successful Pastoral Council.
   2. What If the Pastor Cannot Accept the Council’s Recommendations?
   3. Pastoral Council Bylaws and Procedures.
5. Pastoral Council Success Stories.
   1. How Pastoral Councils Can Be Successful.
   2. Story: “Do We Need a Social Justice Committee?”
   3. Story: “Considering an Outreach to Africa?”
   4. Story: “Should We Build the Hall or Renovate the Sanctuary?”
   5. Success Stories Wrap-Up.