Family of Parishes Pastoral Council

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; 
break forth into joyous song and sing praises”

Psalm 98:4-6

What is the Family of Parishes Pastoral Council?

The family of parishes pastoral council is formed to ensure that the mission of the family of parishes and the mission (pastoral plan) of the diocese are addressed. It is also imperative that the pastoral council be seen as acting as a source of unity for the Family of Parishes. To do so, it will be important to focus on the mission of the Church and work towards the common good of the Family. At the Lucan Northwest London Catholic Family of Parishes, the Pastoral Council works closely with the Pastor and the Senior Leadership Team.

The Family of Parishes Pastoral Council is:

A consultative body to the Pastor; Mission-oriented; United in the common good for the whole Family of Parishes; Looking to identify needs of our parishes and communities; and Primarily responsible for pastoral planning. The Family of Parishes Pastoral Council practices: Discernment – a process of decision making that is grounded in prayer; An open-mind, an open-heart, and a capacity for prayerful contemplation; Two-year term commitments; and A consensus decision-making model.

Pastoral planning involves:
  • developing a working vision for the parish for the following 3 to 5 years;
  • discerning the will of God for this parish community by identifying, assessing and prioritizing pastoral needs;
  • setting goals and developing objectives in order to meet those needs; and, recommending courses of action to the pastor or pastoral team members.

Council members may also be asked to evaluate ministry and programming in the parish.

Meet your Family of Parishes Pastoral Council:

  • Sharon Abel
  • Michael Asuzu
  • Noah Debicki
  • Michael Demaray**
  • Josh Gardiner
  • Lydia Hayes
  • Michael Machula
  • Patrick Martens
  • Piery Patrick*
  • J’Nan Sturgis
  • Marius Vandenberg
  • Monica Vandenberg
  • Members of the SLT are ex-officio members

* currently serving as Council Chair
** currently serving as Council Co-chair

“The Council is a representative body rather than a body of representatives. It is constituted for the good of the whole Family of Parishes with representation from each parish. Council members do not represent committees, groups or constituencies within the parish.”


Diocese of London Family of Parishes Pastoral Council Handbook