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THE RESPONSIBILITIES of a
PARISH COUNCIL MEMBER

Attitude
Parish Council Members should feel that they share in the privilege of participating in the administration of the church, under the guidance and direct supervision of their archbishop, represented by their parish priest. The Church is not an organization; it is not a club and it is not a social group. The Church is made up of a body of those who believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. This salvation is offered through the sacraments and services rendered. However, since we live in a society, the Church must have certain revenues, properties, buildings and funds. The Church must have a well-planned program that projects and reaches out to meet both current and future needs.

Parish Council Members must not take their responsibilities lightly. They must not be afraid of being scrutinized and criticized. They must believe in what they are doing. He or she must stand up for their personal convictions and the collective convictions of the Parish Council.

A Parish Council Member must have integrity, honesty and sincerity. Whatever is of a confidential nature should never leave the meeting. The membership at large is required to know only decisions as set forth in the minutes of each meeting and does not have to be clued in on every minute detail and personal opinion. A Parish Council Member must always have the utmost confidence that his or her opinion will be treated with respect and with discretion.

Parish Council Members should always reflect the collective decision of the Parish Council. If personal conviction or conscience causes a conflict with the collective opinion of the Council, then a member should take action that will not bring detriment to the Church, Community or Parish Council.

Attendance
1. Church Attendance. Parish Council Members should attend each and every Divine Liturgy on Sundays and major holidays. Council Members should come at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy; should attend all the Holy Week Services, the Lenten Services, and the Prayer Services. There will be occasions with valid excuse; however, these should be the exception and not the rule.

2. Parish Council Meetings. Parish Council Members should attend every meeting unless sickness, emergency, or work makes it impossible. If members must absent themselves, they should have the courtesy to notify the President, Secretary or Office prior to the meeting. Council Members should come on time, show a dedicated interest and participate constructively in all discussions.

3. General Assemblies. General Assemblies are convened for specific purposes. This is the highest plateau of participation in community affairs. Each responsible member of our Community would want to be present. A Parish Council Member, who is charged with the affairs of our Community, would want to be one of the first present at each assembly.

Support
A Parish Council Member would want to be one of the first to submit his annual dues or stewardship pledge. Since we all realize the importance of the weekly envelope system, the Parish council Members would want to support this wholeheartedly and regularly.

A Parish Council Member will encourage support of every affair, project, and endeavor that the Community presents. To be sure, at times a financial strain might make it difficult for one’s full support; however, participation in the full life of the community should be the general rule and not the exception.

Parish Council Members should want to work on all committees they are asked to work on. They should never do it grudgingly and should never shirk responsibilities.

Each Parish Council Member should become a public relations person for the Metropolis and Archdiocese, for the Community, for the Parish Council.

Duties During the Divine Liturgy and Services
There are times that a Parish Council Member must speak to people and to other Parish Council Members. This should be in a whisper and always blending with the solemnity, dignity and decorum of the Church. Parish Council Members should not congregate in the narthex or Church office during services.

THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETS REGULARLY ON

THE SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, AT 7:00 PM

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