Pastoral Council

Pastoral Council Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, our desire is to seek you
and to love you with all our hearts.

We have committed ourselves to following you
who are the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).

Strengthen us to live according to the example
and teaching of your life.

Teach us to love as you did. (John 15:12-13)

Help us to carry the cross daily with you.(Luke 9:23)

When we are weary and over-burdened
let us hear your promise of rest.(Matthew 11:28-30)

Be with us as we travel the pilgrim road
so that our hearts may ever burn with love and joy. (Luke 24:13-35)

Stay with us as evening comes
and light our way to where you live and reign
with the Father and the Holy Spirit
now and for ever and ever.

Amen.

Purpose of the Pastoral Council

The purpose of the Pastoral Council of St. Thomas The Apostle Church is to ensure that the life of the parish reflects the mission of Jesus Christ and that all parishioners are provided with the opportunity to share in that mission. It must be remembered, however, that the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ is carried out in union with the church universal and has to be reflected in the local church by collaboration of the faithful with the pastoral leadership of the Archbishop, the pastor and pastoral staff. The Council, therefore, serves as an extension of the saving work of Christ in a particular place and time, and shares in the living witness of a faith community animated by the Spirit.

Pastoral Council Articles

Pastoral Council Articles of Understanding

Archdiocesan Guidelines

Growing In Shared Responsibility Guidelines For Parish Pastoral Councils (PDF)

Parish Principle

Archdiocese of Newark Parish Principles (PDF)

Pastoral Council Members

Chairperson: Eileen Conte
Vice Chairperson: Jean Barbetta
Secratary: Mike Pasquale
Pastoral Council: Michael Albright, Shawn Barrett, Janice Childers, Patty Decker, Dominick Ferrara, Vincent Lipoma, Maria Marinelli, Mary Ann Miller, Daniel Leon, Michele Sweetman, Elaina Zoganas
Trustees: Jim McKittrick and Joanne Hayes
Deanery Representative: Mary Pat Bogart
Priests: Fr. Charles Miller, Fr. Philip Sanders and Fr. Andrew Onyemaobi