Ss. Simon & Jude Cathedral

Parish Advisory Council

In the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), parish councils were encouraged as a way of engaging the lay faithful to assist the parish priests in identifying areas of pastoral concern.  By virtue of baptism, the Christian faithful are charged with “bringing the Gospel into the life of the world.”  The Catholic parish, guided by the shepherds of the Church, exists to sanctify and form the Christian faithful to carry out this missionary task.

However, the times in which we live have been characterized by a great deal of social upheaval and transition.  The lay faithful are indispensable in assisting the parish priests in their tasks to form and shepherd the Catholic community.  The Parish Advisory Council is a means to assist our priests in their tasks to teach, sanctify and shepherd the Christian faithful.  The Council does this principally by reviewing pastoral activity within the life of the parish, animating the life of the parish for the good our the faithful, making proposals and advising the Rector on matters of pastoral concern.

This past year, the Council has begun an annual Mariachi Night as a way of bringing together different language groups within the parish.  More recently an extensive parish survey was completed and reviewed by the Council.  The Council has also been able to assist our parish priests in discerning matters so as to avoid conflict in the life of the parish… particularly as changes in priest personnel have taken place.

The Parish Advisory Councilmeets the first Monday of each month [except in the summer months].

Ss. Simon & Jude Parish Advisory Council 2006-2007

  • Ms. Inez Adolphson, Secretary
  • Mr. Larry Fallis
  • Ms. Jan Kelnhofer
  • Ms. Mary Liska, Chair
  • Mr. Tim O’Connor
  • Mr. Jim Ryan
  • Mrs. Maria Duarte-Spry
  • Mrs. Jovita Villagrana

Ex officio:

  • Mrs. Barbara Hennessey, Cathedral Administration
  • Very Rev. Fr. R. Clements, Rector