Pastoral Regions

Most Recent News from the Regional Pastoral Council

Posted on Monday August 4, 2008

San Gabriel Region Pastoral Council

San Gabriel Region Pastoral Council
Meeting Minutes
Saturday, March 15, 2008

A meeting of the San Gabriel Region Pastoral Council (SGRPC) was held on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Provincial House of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Montebello, California after being duly noticed.

Members Present: Bishop Gabino Zavala, Espie Barrios, Yolanda Brown, Chris Caenepeel, Mary Charles, Cathleen Crayton, Anita Ford, Maria de Jesus Garcia, Lupita Garza, Sister Carmen Maldonado, Mark Padilla, George Rigney, Sherrie Saldana, Dn. David Estrada, , Dn, Gus Sebenius, Jeff Storey and Myra Villegas.

Facilitator: Sister Mary Genino

Meeting Called to Order: The meeting was called to order by George Rigney, Moderator at 9:00 A.M. and the minutes were recorded by Sister Margaret.

Opening Prayer: Council Members read and shared reflections on "Tears in Solidarity".

Standing Committee Reports:

Initiative I: Evangelization.

Implementation of catechesis will require support from the Bishop, pastors and the SGRPC. Different parish leadership styles coupled with the cultural and ethnic diversity that exists in the region must be considered in determining which programs to introduce. The committee's next step is to send a letter to each of the parishes in the region that clearly describes the plan.

Initiative II: Structures for Participation and Accountability.

The survey results continue to guide the committee's activities and plans. The next step is the presentation of "Parish Leadership: A Shared Responsibility" at Bishop Amat H.S. on March 29, 2008. The development of a catalogue of samples of documents for use by parish pastoral councils will begin in April. The first annual certification event for new parish pastoral council members combined with training for new moderators and secretaries will be scheduled for early 2009. A plan is yet to be developed for providing training for pastors on the use and benefits of pastoral councils. It is hoped that the Archdiocese will continue to stress the need for every parish to have a pastoral council.

Initiative III: On-Going Formation and Education.

The possibility of including Synod Initiatives as topics at the Regional Congress will be pursued in an effort to keep them in the forefront. Multicultural concerns were addressed. A regional gathering on "Building Inclusive Communities" will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Rowland Heights on June 7, 2008. The immediate goals of the committee are to dialogue with pastors to assess their needs and to work with faith formation groups and youth councils.

Initiative IV: Ministry and Leadership: Lay, Consecrated and Ordained.

The committee has three primary goals:

1. Foster Collaborative Leadership by recognizing "best practices" teams at a special event. There is need to work on selection criteria. The criteria may need to differ by deaneries.

2. Inventory models for Schools of Ministry that exist and explore collaborative opportunities. Present them to the SGRC.

3. Implement a School of Ministry. This would require agreement on the School of Ministry format.
Initiative V: Eucharist and Sacramental Living (Report will be delivered at next meeting.)

Initiative VI: Social Justice: Living at the Service of God's Reign.

A snapshot of the region has been completed. The committee has met with the Deans and a database has been started. Plans to meet with each of the pastors and administrators are underway. A working relationship is being developed with the Justice and Peace Commission. A primary focus is to ensure the equal distribution of resources across all cultures.

Archdiocesan Report:

Deacon David Estrada reported that a communication plan that relies heavily on technology is being developed. It will positively impact our work. All are invited to attend one of the Finance Council Workshops that is being sponsored by his office. The first one is scheduled for April 12, 2008 at Notre Dame High School.

Bishop's Report:

Bishop Gabino Zavala reported on:

1. Plans for the Pope's visit to the United States.

2. Approval in Mexico of a change in the Spanish wording during the Consecration from the formal to the informal tense of the word "you".

3. The Bishops work on Marriage, Faith Formation, Cultural Diversity, Human Development and Vocations.

4. The plenary sessions of the Bishop's meeting scheduled for June in the United States.

5. the 19 deanery meetings presented by the Cardinal on financial issues related to the monetary settlement of the sexual abuse cases.

Housekeeping Issues:

The publication of The Council Chronicles, attendance, expenditures and protocols were discussed. An ad hoc committee was formed to produce a written report on the three year goals of the standing committees. The 2008-2009 meeting calendar will be available at the June meeting. Binders were provided to all members for Council materials.

Closing:

The Bishop led Council Members in a closing prayer. Moderator George Rigney adjourned the meeting at 12:30 P.M.