CONSULTATIVE BODIES
- PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: The Parish Pastoral Council is an advisory group of parishioners whose primary function is that of liaison between the parishioners of SS. Peter and Paul Faith Community and the pastoral staff. Acting under the guidelines and within the perspectives of Vatican II, the Parish Council participates in mutual discussion towards the advancement and achievement of apostolic, social and administrative work in the parish community.
Council members are either appointed by the pastor, or elected. Elected members receive their position through an election by the parishioners. Nomination is open to any adult member of the parish. Notice of nominations and elections are published in the Parish Bulletin. The term in office is 3 years; however, a council member may be elected for one additional 3 year term. Council members are expected to attend regularly scheduled council meetings and to actively participate on various committees.
The Parish Council normally meets on the fourth Monday of every month, at 7:30 PM. Notices of meetings are listed in the Parish Bulletin and are open to all members of the Parish. If a parishioner wishes to attend a meeting, specifically for the purposes of bringing a matter to the attention of the Parish Council, we ask that they notify the Parish Council President one week in advance so that the matter can be included on the agenda. This is to insure that the matter is heard.
One way the parish council takes an active role in carrying out its ministry to the parish is through its standing committees. Membership on the committees is open to all members of the parish.
Buildings and Grounds Committee: This committee attends to the physical plant of the parish. Members advise and make recommendations to the Council regarding areas of maintenance of the buildings, parking lots, grounds, and cemeteries. They are also responsible for reviewing the Insurance Loss Prevention Report and delineating plans to implement the recommendations contained in the report. Buildings and Grounds meets four times a year and on an as-needed basis as determined by the Pastor.
Education Advisory Council: This council (formerly School Board) functions within its Constitution and by-laws in conformity with the policies set forth by the Diocese of Buffalo and the Pastor. The Parish Council membership acts in consultation with the Education Advisory Council and the Pastor to promote the philosophy and goals of the school. Through this forum, Parish Council aids the school in carrying out the policies which are centered in the person and gospel of Jesus Christ as well as the allocation of parish resources needed to achieve those goals.
Parish Finance Committee: This committee assists the Pastor by advising in matters of income and expenditure of funds, and in providing for an efficient, accurate system of reporting, recording and accounting. The Finance Committee also reviews and monitors the parish's capital expenditures. Parishioners from the legal, business and financial professions are especially helpful on this committee and are appointed by the Pastor. While this committee is mandated by Canon Law and is therefore a stand-alone committee, it still submits a report to Parish Council for information and discussion.
Liturgy Committee: This committee educates the parish on historical grounds and current changes in the Liturgy. It works with the RCIA in planning all aspects of liturgical life. Projects may include study of the rites and scripture, preparation of Communal Reconciliation services, joint services with other churches or special Liturgies of the Word. Training of volunteers for ministries of lector, Eucharistic minister, funerals and the preparation of prayers of the faithful are provided by this committee. Parishioners interested in decorating the church for special liturgies may wish to participate in the Art and Environment planning sessions. This committee meets in full session 2-4 times a year and in partial session on an as needed basis.
Social Action Committee: This committee focuses on and responds to social justice issues fro a Catholic perspective by encouraging and engaging or parishioners in activities that demonstrate our concern for peace and justice as well as meeting the basic needs of our fellow human beings Activities sponsored by this committee include but are not limited to the Annual Crop Walk, Mitten Tree, Earth Day, Habitat for Humanity, Legislative Weekends, Parish Health Ministry, and our parish partnership with Holy Cross Parish and the distribution of Sharing Bowl Funds. Membership and participation is open to all interested parties.
Stewardship and Development: The primary focus of this committee is two-fold to coordinate the fund raising activities within the parish and school and to assist and advise various groups in identifying proper resources and implementation strategies necessary to maximize fund-raising effectiveness.
Board Of Trustees: Ecclesiastical and civil law require that two trustees be appointed for each Catholic parish. Trustees are nominated by the Pastor of the parish. The nominees are then presented to the Bishop of the Diocese for confirmation and appointment. In concert with the Bishop, Vicar General and Pastor, the two parish trustees form the officers of the corporate structure of the parish.
Home School Association: The Home School Association serves as a liaison between the parents and staff of SS Peter and Paul School. The goal is to mutually maintain open communication to facilitate the best possible environment for the education of our pupils. Membership is open to the parent of any child attending SS Peter & Paul School. Meetings are held quarterly from September through June. Activities which focus on spiritual, social and financial dimensions include Catholic Schools Marathon, Harvest Festival, Easter Candy Sale, Faculty Appreciation Lunch, Christmas Party, St. Joseph's Table, Catholic Schools Week activities, Wrapping Paper Sale, Poinsettia Sale, Book Fairs, Penny Drive and various other activities.
