"I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the Earth." Isaiah 49
As baptized Christians, we are obliged to be stewards of the Church- collaborators and cooperators in continuing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, which is the Church’s essential mission. This mission- proclaiming, teaching, serving, and sanctifying- is our task. It is the personal responsibility of each of us as disciples of Jesus Christ to participate in this mission.
Being a good disciple, a follower of Jesus is the work of a lifetime. With every step we are challenged to go further in accepting and living God’s will. Being a disciple is not just something else to do alongside many other suitable things for Christians, it is a total way of life that requires constant conversation. This conversation is the result of our total self being focused on God as the creator and giver of all good gifts, the greatest of which is Jesus Christ. The invitation that Christ gave to his first disciples to “come follow me” is the same invitation given to each person who says “I believe”.
We are called individually and by name. Each one of us has a vocation and God intends each one of us to play a unique role in carrying out the divine plan. Our challenge is to understand our role and respond generously to this call. Christ calls each of us to be stewards of our personal vocations, which we receive from God. Serving on the Parish Pastoral Council or on a Commission is one way in which we can respond to this call.
Purpose
The Second Vatican Council affirmed the laity’s participation in the mission of Jesus Christ by challenging all of the baptized with a call to holiness, to ministry and to community. The theology of shared responsibility and collaboration between the laity and the ordained, that flows from the Vatican II documents, provides a foundation for the Pastoral Council. The pastoral activity of the Council embraces the mission and ministry of the Church, through worship and prayer, proclaiming the Gospel and teaching, social justice, care of the poor, the sick and the dying, and bringing God’s healing power to all.