The Sacred Heart Parish’s Pastoral Council gathers for its first meeting following the recent election including, from left to right, Fr. Bill Elser, Dave Witchger, Bill Hurley, Marcia Bresnahan, Jan Lipsmeyer, Tom Canavan, Don Ritter and Marge Newburn. Missing was Ed Keearns.

Recently parishioners at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish conducted the annual election for representatives to the Pastoral Council.  Members elected serve as Council representatives for their respective commissions for a two year period.  There are four commissions headed by elected representatives including Parish Life, Education and Formation, Social Justice and Charitable Outreach and Liturgy.  In addition, there is a fifth commission, Finance and Administration, which is appointed by the Pastor.  The new members elected to serve two year terms include Bill Hurley (Parish Life), Marcia Bresnahan (Education), Don Ritter (Education), Ed Keearns (Social Justice) and Jan Lipsmeyer (Liturgy).  In addition to the newly elected members the council includes Tom Canavan (Parish Life), Marge Newburn (Liturgy) and Dave Witchger (Finance).

The Pastoral Council meets on a regular basis to provide coordination and consultative assistance to the Pastor.  The council members will report on activities within their respective commissions, work together to provide recommendations to the Pastor on specific parish needs, and assist in the preparation of the annual parish budget.