The Parish Pastoral Council becomes the central discerning unit at the heart of the parish.  They sort through all the information they have, using the lens of prayer and reflection on Scripture and Tradition, and articulate a preferred future for the full life of the parish faith community. The regular activities of the parish continue as liturgy, catechesis, social activities and outreach into the community and groups and organizations with specific duties proceed with their purpose.  But when these important functions of pastoral life seem to be taken for granted or even faltering, a pastoral plan can infuse new life into the workings of the parish.  

Asking for the Spirit's guidance, the pastoral council chooses to address specific areas of concern.  They draw up a systematic plan that invites parishioner participation to bring the vision to fulfillment.  While many in our parishes have their own "wish lists" for what might be done, unless the leaders of the parish can guide the conversation and ultimately articulate key values and directions, parish life will be moved either by random activity or stagnation with "how we've always done it." 

The members of the St. Faustina Pastoral Council are selected through a discernment process about every other year.  Information on how to participate is posted in the bulletin and in announcements at Masses throughout the year.  Those recently discerned are:
 Tina Barkley, Claire Schmieler, Pat Kelly, Carol Balcer, Pat North, Wendy Bosch-Allison, Dave Kosiorek, Chuck Plinta.

The Finance Council is one of the two advisory councils that every parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh is expected to have. The Finance Council follows the Diocesan Guidelines as contained as contained in the booklet Means for Mission which states:

The Finance Council assists the pastor in providing good stewardship of parish financial resources, ensuring that sufficient means are available and allocated appropriately to carry out the pastoral mission of the parish. Thus, in fulfilling its responsibilities, the parish finance council must be directed by the values of the Gospel as well as by good business practice. Efficient and effective use and management of parish resources must be measured as much by their contribution to the mission and ministry of the parish as by commonly accepted business standards.

Finance Council members normally serve a four year term, with a possible reappointment, and are appointed by the pastor based on their parish involvement and understanding of business standards.