Pastoral Council of Ave Maria Parish

Purpose of a Parish Council

CouncilThe Pastoral Council, over which the pastor presides, is established in each parish so that the Christian faithful, together with those who share in pastoral care by virtue of their office in the parish, may assist in fostering pastoral activity. (Code of Canon Law, c 536 art. 1) The Pastoral Council, a consultative body, is governed by norms established by the diocesan bishop. (c 536 art. 2)

  • The Council promotes Catholic worship and identity, supports religious education and evangelization and fosters stewardship and service.
  • The Council helps the pastor in building a community of disciples who recognize their baptismal calls to lives of holiness, witness and service.
  • The Council engages in pastoral planning, taking into account the needs and priorities of parishioners, the diocese, the broader community and the world.
  • The Council promotes within the parish unity of prayer and vision as well as collaboration in pastoral outreach in keeping with the vision of the Bishop of Saginaw and the pastor.

Pastoral Council Members: 2023 - 2024

Name    
Sister Maria Inviolata, SMDG Nancy Appel (Secretary)  
Fr. Don Eppenbrock  Marg Filipiak   
Bill Gray, Chairperson  Darlene Anderson  
John Siwicki, Vice Chair Rose Lilly  
Brad Yocca  Ray Mach  
Barbara Schultz  Tom Jackson  
 MaryAnn Castle Joanne Martenka

Updated Strategic Plan for Ave Maria Parish (Last updated 2019)