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- Pastoral Council Norm
- Discernment Process and Application
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Pastoral Council
E-mail: pastoralcouncil@stjeromewaco.org
The Second Vatican Council brought about a refocusing of who we are as a Church and chose the term "people of God" as one of its expressions of the mystery of the Church. Accordingly, a renewed emphasis was placed on the role of each member in the life and mission of the Church. Recognizing that Christ did not mean for pastors to shoulder the entire salvific mission of the Church, the 1982 Code of Canon Law introduced two consultative bodies, the Finance, and Pastoral Councils, to be present in parishes so the wisdom of the laity could be utilized. While the pastor is still the "power of governance," these councils are meant to assist him as consultative bodies.
The Pastoral Council does not involve itself with the everyday workings of the parish but rather is concerned with the spiritual and ministerial needs of the parish that affect the parishioners as a whole. It is not a body of representatives but rather is a representative body with no personal agendas tied to the members. The members seek counsel from the Holy Spirit to guide them in determining how to best meet the pastoral needs of the entire parish while discerning His work there. All members willingly work together toward common goals and values to achieve the message of the Gospel without competition among individuals or groups within the parish.
Every adult parishioner should consider attending the discernment process, whether or not one feels called to serve on the council. In discernment, there is no voting process but rather a calling from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the hearts of those present. Six of the council members are discerned through this process and three are appointed by the Pastor. Normally three members rotate off the council each year.Pastoral Council Members
Ron WoodardI began attending Mass with a new girlfriend during Advent in 1967. That girlfriend became my fiancée, Polly, in June 1968 and we married in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Dallas during mid-summer of 1969. Our Lord blessed us in the spring of 1972 with the birth of our son and further blessed our marriage with the birth of our daughter in the spring of 1976. Our children confirmed into the Catholic faith prior to us moving into St. Jerome parish during Advent 1993. Polly and I were blessed with three grandchildren after my retirement from AT&T in 2001. In the summer of 2010, I experienced a profound “conversion life event” and entered RCIA. I was Confirmed as St. Matthew and entered into full communion with the Catholic Church. My Discipleship began in 2011 when I joined the RCIA and Photography Ministries at St. Jerome. I felt a deep calling and Commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in the fall of 2018. Polly and I joined Deacon Greg's Wednesday Scripture Study when we stepped away from RCIA in the summer of 2020. I participated in the Discernment process for our Pastoral Council and was Commissioned onto St. Jerome Pastoral Council at Masses on February 27-28, 2021. I look forward to faithful service to our Parish.
Holly Bennett, PLT LiasonHello, Saint Jerome parish. My name is Holly Bennett. I am currently serving my third year on the Pastoral Council, and I am this year's PLT liaison. I am married to Douglas Bennett, and we have four children, Michael (15), Kathryn (13), Meredith (9), and Christopher (7). We have been parishioners at St. Jerome for twelve years. We were drawn to St. Jerome because of its vibrant Family, Faith, and Fun ministry. We met wonderful families with whom we still fellowship today. I have enjoyed being a part of the Waco Catholic mom group ministry, volunteering in the CCE program, and I have a passion for encouraging youth to serve the church through altar serving. I have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Lamentations 3:22-23 is the verse that I keep imprinted on my heart. What a gift it is that His mercies are new every morning!
John MayerMember of St. Jerome Parish since 1992
Married to Lillian Mayer and we are the proud parents of two grown sons who now have families of their own. We are blessed with 4 grandchildren. Three girls and one boy. Really do enjoy getting into a good game of 42 dominos and have been known to fish when the time is right. Retired in 2018.
Member of the St. Jerome Knights of Columbus Council 13005. Currently a trustee and
Life Director.
Member of 11:00 choir prior to Covid. Looking forward to returning when the time
comes.
Member of the Breakfast Cafe prior to Covid. Looking forward to once again serving breakfast again when the time comes.
Member of the church security team.
Matthew 28:18-20.
Kyle Lewie2nd year on council
Ministries: Usher, Devine Mercy, Adoration
Saint: Peter
Bible quote: Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it
Wife, Kathy
Daughter, Erin
Grandkids, Hayes 1, Hadley 4, Jaxon 6.
Hobbies: Golf, cooking, gardening
Shawn BaileyI’m a native Texan with a passion for education, music ministry, and volunteerism. Born in Lubbock, Texas at Reese Air-Force Base, I am the second of four girls. I have two daughters, two son-in-laws, and five grandkids. Family is everything. Raised in the Houston area, I began my volunteer career with the March of Dimes and Special Olympics in High School. I volunteered for KLOVE radio for 9 years (Texas & Colorado). I have a background in radio and television from Blinn College. From there I went on to complete my B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and Ed.D. in Education Leadership. I am humbled and honored to be able to serve you at St. Jerome Church. “For Such A Time As This”, Esther 4:14 is the scripture that best describes my life as a servant of Christ.
Dalene London, Ministries LiasonHi! I am currently serving my third year on the Pastoral Advisory Council. I was the PAC Chair last year and this year I am delighted to be the liaison between the PAC and all of the St. Jerome Ministries. I am a past president of the St. Jerome Women's society, currently serve as a commissioned Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister and commissioned Minister to the Homebound. I was born and raised in Waco, Texas. I have been a member of St. Jerome since it's beginning. I am married to Carl London and we have 6 married children and 22 grandchildren. Family is so very important to us and our grandchildren are perfect (in our eyes!). I share a love for the rodeo world with my calf roping/cowboy husband, Carl. I love to ride horses, fish, tend to our farm animals which include horses, calves, 1 dog , an abundance of barn cats, and my "diva" cat Stella. I love working in my vegetable garden, sewing, custom embroidery, spending time with the grandchildren, photography, Friday night date night with Carl and our friends, and did I mention spending time with our grandchildren! There is never a dull moment at our home. I am proud to have our St. Jerome church family and thank God for the wonderful life He has given me. I love the bible verse, Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Pedro Reyes
Candace Menning
Amy Rhodes, RecorderMy husband, Mack, and I moved here 6 years ago and found St Jerome right away. We are so very blessed to have three daughters (Nicolette, Natalie and Noelle) and three son-in-laws (Christian, Andrew and Mason respectively) who are currently with us as they transition in life. And our first grandchild is on the way!! I started out as a physical education teacher after I graduated from college. Ended up as a first grade teacher at a private school for many years and loved it! I served on the Pastoral Council last year for a one-year term and then decided to go through the discernment process. As secretary, I am now serving the first year of the three-year term. I am also the president of the Women’s Society. I have a passion for learning about our faith and sharing that with others. My favorite bible verse is John 16:33! Gives me peace. When things get rough, I take a deep breath and say my favorite prayer, “Jesus, I trust in you”! Feel free to come to me with any questions, concerns or ideas! I’m here for you!
Ed Rogers, ChairI am currently on my third year on the pastoral council and am serving as the Pastoral Council chair this year. I am married to Liz Rogers, and Ruthie, Sophia, James, Joseph and Lydia are our highly energetic and enthusiastic kids :) After several years in youth ministry, I switched paths, earned a doctorate in clinical psychology, and now work at Baylor. I’ve been at St. Jerome 11 years now, and have been active in youth ministry, adult faith formation, Family Faith and Fun, and running childcare for the Music Director :) Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite verses because it challenges me to see the good even in things I don’t like. I’d love to talk with you, or hear your thoughts on how our parish can better be a place where God and his people encounter each other!
