From the Pastor's Desk (11/16/25)

From the Pastor's Desk
11/16/25

Parish Pastoral Councils in the Diocese of Pittsburgh
As you already know, we are creating a new Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) for Mary, Queen of Saints Parish. In this second installment, I want to share details regarding the Five Essential Qualities of Parish Life, identifying potential members, the size of the PPC, membership and length of service on the PPC.

What are the Five Essential Qualities of Parish Life and how are they connected to the work of the PPC? According to the One Body, One Mission model of the PPC in our diocese, the Five Essential Qualities of Parish Life are Eucharist, Evangelization, Catechesis, Formation and Stewardship. These qualities constantly interrelate in parish life, each nurturing and supporting the other. Knowing what the five qualities are and understanding their interrelationship is central to the functioning of the PPC. These qualities are what make the PPC “pastoral.” In a process of objective assessment, they keep the PPC on track as to what they should be praying, planning, and deciding about.  

How is membership determined for the PPC? Membership on the PPC is not a matter of either appointment by the Pastor or election by popular vote. However, because leadership ministry requires particular gifts, Council members should be chosen by a Calling Forth Process for discernment with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Unlike governmental models, the PPC does not operate from standards of voting, winning and losing, or popular recognition. The Calling Forth Process includes prayerful discernment on the part of potential members, attendance at a informational session, an interview with the Pastor and Calling Forth Team, followed by the discernment of the gifts and talents of each potential member.

How are potential PPC members identified? Every adult parishioner should have the opportunity to discern membership on the Council. Potential members are to be active, registered, participating, fully initiated members of the parish and possess enough experience, confidence and maturity to maintain wholesome relationships with the parish clergy, and other Parish Staff members and fellow Council members. Consideration is given to individuals who have backgrounds in community organization, planning or organizational development. Most importantly, potential members must be open to prayer and dialogue with the Pastor and their fellow Council members. Potential Council members must also be able to possess a global perspective of the parish community, as well as the need to build and bring about unity through collaboration. 

What are the characteristics of PPC members? Men and women of prayerful faith, motivated by the desire to grow in faith themselves, and to see similar growth in the parish. Optimistic and enthusiastic about the future of the parish. Desirous of working within a model of shared leadership, i.e., one based not on power and authority, but on collaboration and consensus. Eager about facilitating parish efforts to identify its mission and goals. Capable of careful listening to others’ ideas, or articulating their own ideas, and of practicing the art of building consensus. Willing to invite, delegate and encourage parishioners to bring the parish pastoral plan to fruition. Willingness to become compliant with Safe Environment Policies and the Code of Pastoral Conduct of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. A capacity to understand and respond to the pastoral, ministerial and temporal needs of the entire parish. 

What is the recommended size of the PPC? In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the size of the PPC is between six and nine members. 

What is the length of service on the PPC? In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, length of service is three years, with one additional three-year term renewal in membership. 

How often does the PPC meet? It is important to establish regular meetings of the PPC. In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the PPC should meet monthly from September to May. If you feel called to serve on the new model of the Parish Pastoral Council or know of another parishioner you’d like to nominate for possible membership, please see the form on the following page of this bulletin. 

Thanksgiving Day Mass
This year’s Thanksgiving Day Mass will be celebrated at 9 AM on Thursday, November 27 at St. Titus Church. I, along with my brother priests and deacons, am looking forward to celebrating this special Mass with all of you. 

Advent 2025: A Light in the Darkness
The Season of Advent begins on Sunday, November 30. This year, our parish will be providing a daily devotional from All Saints Press entitled, Jesus: Prince of Peace. It will be available (at no cost) to everyone in the vestibules of our churches next weekend. Be sure to pick one up and use it as we walk through Advent together. Additional information about Advent at our parish can be found in today’s bulletin as well as next week’s.

Liturgical Ministers Needed
We are still seeking additional parishioners to become Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Sacristans, and Funeral Altar Servers (adults). We are also seeking students in grades 4-12 to be come Altar Servers. We welcome males and females to all of these ministries. Please contact the Parish Office for additional information.