The Parish of Christ the King Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council, consisting of seventeen members, is the primary advisory and consultative body to the pastor which collaborates with him on matters of pastoral concern. The members advise and offer opinions as well as work on long-range planning and evaluate and support activites of the parish. The council meets four times a year unless it is necessaary to meet more often.

The Pastoral Council is a ministry of leadership and service. The members are selected from a list of names sumitted to Msgr. Hoye. The selection process attempts to balance the council in terms of religious and lay people, age, sex and interests.

Members of the council are:
L to R..Back Row ~ .Patricia Hurton, Eileen Gillmore, Deacon Gregory J. Beckel, Bernard Maney, Christopher Doble, Deacon Robert Lemay, Msgr. Daniel Hoye, Brendan Brides, Deacon Frank Fantasia, Stephen Cannavo, Joseph Mazzucchelli
L to R. Front Row ~ Dorothy Hiltz, Mary Becker, Maryellen Leonard, Maria Papapietro, Sr. Shirley Agnew, RSM, Sr. Claire Sinotte, OP

Council Updates

October 24, 2009

Second Presentation of “Catholics Returning Home”  Successfully Completed

The second offering of “Catholics Returning Home” at Christ the King Parish was presented from September 15 to October 13, 2009 to meet one of the parish’s strategic goals, “Reach Out to Non-Practicing Catholics”.  The five sessions focused on facilitating the return of non-practicing Catholics to the Church and to receiving the sacraments.  Some of the participants wanted to update their understanding of their faith, while others have serious issues that they wanted to discuss.  Some had been hurt by their church experience or had let their participation in the Church lapse.  Yet each of the participants who completed the program found the courage and made the commitment to reach out for a new understanding of what it means to be Catholic.

Prior to the program starting, promotional activities were in place for six weeks.  Highlights of these initiatives were feature articles in The Anchor and in the Enterprise newspapers.  These write-ups focused on interviews with Msgr. Hoye and quotes from the participants of the first program.

The first and second sessions of “Catholics Returning Home” provided an opportunity for the participants to share among themselves and with the team leaders some of their challenges and experiences in an atmosphere of confidentiality.  The remaining sessions were instructional and focused on the Church in the 21st century; the Mass and an explanation of the vestments, books, and vessels used during the Mass; and the sacrament of Reconciliation.  The final session concluded with a candle ritual and both private and group prayers.

The participants said that the program helped them realize that people were reaching out to welcome them back. As one of the participants said, “This was one of the best programs/experiences I have been through.  It has given me new hope to receive reconciliation and go to Mass”.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

The first meeting of the 2009-2010 Pastoral Council was held on September 8. 2009.  Msgr. Hoye opened the meeting with a prayer, and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved.  These minutes are available in the parish office for anyone who is interested.

A new member of council, Anna McEntree, was introduced and welcomed to the group.  She is one of the high school members of the council.

Msgr. Hoye reviewed the work on the strategic goals and other items that were identified when the group first met in October of 2007.  These included “signage” in the parking lot; the hiring of a part-time Youth Ministry director; and the identification of two strategic goals, Welcoming New Parishioners and Reaching Out to Inactive Catholics.  Pat Hurton gave a report on the status and evaluation of the goals. In summary, the welcoming process is in the maintenance stage, and the office staff does most of the work. The second offering of Catholics Returning Home will be presented from September 15 to October 13, 2009.  Click here for "updates of the goals"

Msgr. Hoye outlined tentative plans for the third goal, Adult Formation.  Since there are a considerable number of programs presented on a consistent basis in the parish, including the summer speaker series, there is not a compelling need to introduce many other activities.  However, the idea of working with experts/professors from various colleges to conduct a series of programs that could run concurrently was discussed.  Any action on this goal will probably not take place until the spring or fall of 2010.

The Parish 25th Anniversary plans updates were given by Dottie Hiltz and Mary Ellen Leonard, and samples of the invitations were shown.  There will be many activities going on that weekend after the Masses, etc. and the work has progressed very well. Judy Warren is creating a video of some of the early parish activities as well as poster boards, which will display pictures.  Msgr. Tosti will also be participating.

Kathy Laird gave the Youth Ministry report. The group has had a significant number of accomplishments; has welcomed youth from other parishes to work with them; and will continue to plan activities to raise money and identify activities of interest.

Msgr. Hoye detailed statistics for the 7:00 a.m. Mass this past summer and asked for discussion and a vote to continue or discontinue the Mass next summer.  The council voted to discontinue it.

Msgr. Hoye also gave a preliminary report on the church renovation plan that will take place in January to April 2011.  He highlighted the diocesan approval to develop the plan; his preliminary meetings with architects; the implications for Masses, funerals, and weddings, and the finances involved.

The meeting was adjourned.  The next meeting is scheduled on November 17, 2009.

SOCIAL FOR NEW PARISHIONERS, MAY 30, 2009

An action item identified by the members of the Pastoral Council was to schedule a social for new parishioners.  This plan is part of the on-going work for the strategic parish goal, “Welcome New Parishioners.”

A social for new parishioners (who registered from September 2008 to May 2009) was held Saturday, May 30th, after the 4:00 Mass.  Several people attended the event and were warmly welcomed by Msgr. Hoye and others.
The social was an opportunity for new parishioners to become integrated into the parish community by becoming familiar with the many activities available.

Representatives from seventeen parish ministries participated and had handouts and material describing their organizations’ mission and events.  Members from the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, the Deacons, as well
as the Office Staff, also attended.

If there are other newly registered parishioners who were not able to attend the welcoming social, please call the office at 508-477-7700 for parish information.

"Catholics Returning Home" Program Successfully Completed ~March 10, 2009

“Thought provoking, non-judgmental, and caring” were some of the words used by the participants as they completed the “Catholics Returning Home” program that was held in Christ the King Parish. The sessions were presented to meet one of the parish’s strategic goals, “Reach Out to Non-Practicing Catholics.”

The program’s publicity and promotional activities were varied and reached out to people in the parish – as well as in neighboring parishes.  They started on Christmas Eve with announcements from the altar and a write-up in the special Christmas handout and continued until the start of the program in February.  For six weeks the parishioners of Christ the King Parish prayed for the participants through the prayers of the faithful.  The web page for “Catholics Returning Home” was added to the parish web site with updated information about the program.  Other publicity included articles in the parish Bulletin, outside signs, a letter sent to all parishioners; e-mail sent to pastors of neighboring parishes, updates sent to pastoral council members and periodic announcements from the altar.

“Catholics Returning Home” focused on facilitating the return of Catholics who for whatever reason and for whatever length of time have become inactive in the Church.  It helped the participants take responsibility for reflecting on his or her faith journey and to help them through this process.

The sessions provided an opportunity for the participants to share among themselves and with the team leaders some of their challenges and experiences, which helped them grow spiritually and understand that people are reaching out to welcome them back.  There were also instructional sessions on understanding changes in the church since Vatican II, the Mass, and the sacrament of Reconciliation. 

As one of the participants said when the program was over, “Thank you all for taking the time to make this possible.  It has really helped me return to the Church without so much fear.”

EVALUATION OF OUR FIRST GOAL "WELCOMING NEW PARISHIONERS ~ FEBRUARY 2009

In October 2007 the Pastoral Council, under the direction of Msgr. Hoye, identified three strategic goals for the parish. Work on the first goal, “Welcome New Parishioners”, started in the spring of 2008.

Part of the strategic planning process is evaluating the work. The purpose of the evaluation is to ensure that most of the action activities have been accomplished and/or are continuing on an on-going basis.  In addition activities are identified that have to be started in the near future.

Click evaluation report created in February 2009.  If you have any questions or would like clarification, please get in touch with Msgr. Hoye at the office (508) 477-7700 dfhoye@cape.com.or Pat Hurton (508) 477-6407 pjhurton@aol.com.

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Members of the Pastoral Council met on January 6, 2009. Msgr. Hoye greeted the members and opened the meeting with a prayer.  Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Msgr. Hoye mentioned that he is very pleased with the progress the council members have made on the parish’s strategic goals.  He turned the meeting over to Pat Hurton to give an update on the goal process.

Pat reviewed the completed action items that for the first goal, Welcome New Parishioners and discussed other action items that will be implemented soon. A parish social for new parishioners since August is scheduled in May. Pat also reviewed the action items for second goal, Reach Out to Non-Practicing Catholics, which have been completed or work in progress (click here to view a list of action items).
The evaluation process for all phases of this goal will start in late January.

An important component of the goal process is the tours of the church that will be available for new parishioners and others who wish to participate.  Dotty Hiltz and Deacon Frank Fantasia have trained the guides, and they have created books and brochures for both the guides and those participating.

Msgr. showed a Mass attendance comparison from 2006 to 2008, which is significant. 

Dotty Hiltz gave the Parish 25th Anniversary update.  She and Mary Ellen Leonard have come up with several ideas to hold various events for parish members.  They will be scheduled over several days and will culminate with a large celebration. 

Kathy Laird, Director of the CTK Youth Ministry, updated the council members on the progress of her ministry and the fund-raising activities that have taken place to finance their Mission Honduras trip.  These included the “rockathon” and pasta dinner, which both significantly exceeded their goals. The trip is scheduled during February school vacation, and more of the youth can go because of the extra money raised.  Other organizations in the parish have made donations to help with the expenses.

Chef Roland will donate his services for a brunch to the Youth Ministry on January 25th which will be used to help finance the trip.  Members will promote the ticket sales for the brunch after Masses and will make presentations at the Masses for supplies to bring to Honduras.

Msgr. Hoye adjourned the meeting.

The Council will meet again on April 21, 2009

On November 11, 2008, members of the Pastoral Council met. The meeting began with a prayer by Msgr. Hoye followed by acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting.

Kathy Laid, the Youth Ministry Director, highlighted the activities of the group attending the Diocese of Fall River Youth Convention. She also detailed their fundraising activities for Mission Honduras.  These include bottle drives, recycling programs, a very successful pasta supper, and upcoming “Rock a Thon”. 

Msgr. Hoye presented an overview of the parish goals.  Work has begun on Goal No. 2, “Reach Out to Non Practicing Catholics” and highlighted the progress made to date which is primarily the selection of the program, Catholics Returning Home.  Msgr. Hoye asked the members to participate in three committees to help facilitate this program if they wish to be involved.  In addition, he asked the members to review personal qualities and skills for team member (facilitator) selection and make recommendations.

Mary Ellen Leonard and Dottie Hiltz presented ideas for the parish’s 25th Anniversary celebration plans. Discussions followed and will continue.

The Council will meet again on January 6, 2009.  

The Pastoral Council met on September 16, 2008, with the members continuing their two-year term.  Msgr. Hoye greeted the members and opened the meeting with a prayer.  Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Kathy Laird, Director of the CTK Youth Ministry, updated the council members on the progress of her ministry, the fund-raising activities that have taken place, and the plans to raise money for the trip to Honduras in February.  She also mentioned the socials and fellowship nights that are scheduled as well as the plans for the Youth Ministry members to work with other ministries in the parish.

The parish three-year planning process was updated by Pat Hurton, a member of the council and the coordinator of the activities.  The goals were identified and actions developed by Msgr. Hoye and members of the council sub committee over the past months.  The communication and implementation plans are rolling out on schedule. Various other activities will continue, and updates will be communicated to the parishioners.

The Council will meet again on November 11, 2008.

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Since October of 2007, the council has analyzed what is being done well in the parish and what could be better. Those items needing improvement or attention have been prioritized and in some cases implemented.

The Christmas Eve Mass change was implemented; bulletin revisions were approved; 25th parish anniversary party is being discussed; and several other topics have been addressed. Activities concerning the needs of the youth were discussed, and it was the consensus that a staff person should be hired to address these critical issues and needs.

Realizing that a parish is a dynamic body, it must continuously look at what it does; how it does it; and ask if anything needs to be adapted or even radically change, a committee of council members and Msgr. Hoye have been working on developing a strategic, three-year plan.

“The Parish of Christ the King is a dynamic body.  It must continuously look at what it does; how it does it; and ask if anything needs to be adapted or even radically changed”, said Msgr. Hoye at a recent Pastoral Council meeting. He and a committee of the members have been working on creating and implementing a three-year planning process. 

Three-Year Planning Goals Introduced Into the Parish ~ October update

"Welcome New Parishioners" One of the Parish Goals   click the photo to listen to Msgr. Hoye's message

How Did We Get to This Point?

The need for three-year planning goals was identified by the Pastoral Council members as a high priority for the parish
Small group met and focused on identifying pertinent issues
Goals were identified by Msgr. Hoye which are:

~    Welcome New Parishioners
~   Reach Out to Non-Practicing Catholics
~    Create and Foster Opportunities for Adults to Grow in Faith

Strategic planning process was reviewed; data was gathered from Diocese; and others parishes and sources
Commitment was made by Msgr. Hoye and Pastoral Council to move forward
Members volunteered to work on the goals, and a sub-committee was formed to move forward
Activities identified for the first goal - Welcome New Parishioners
Activities prioritized into A, B, C, categories by time frames      
Action plans identified the who, what, when, where, and how activities will be implemented

What Have We Accomplished?  

Work for the first goal, Welcome New Parishioners, has been based on the premise that we are now a welcoming parish community; however some of the material used for registrations needs to be revised and updated  
Three-year goals were introduced to the parish through Bulletin; website homepage; pastoral council webpage; letters and e-mails to parish leaders; speaking at organizations; and announcement by Msgr. from the altar about the process
Implementation plans for the first goal have been created to emphasize that welcoming new parishioners at Christ the King Parish is a process – not an event  
Welcome logo has been designed for revised packets and welcome letters
Welcome letter from Msgr. has been put on the website
Welcome letters from Msgr. are being sent to new parishioners on a regular basis
Welcome packets have been revised and will be visible to those who are interested
Welcome posters with the logo have been put in the church, chapel, classrooms and parish hall
Parish registrations have been encouraged from several sources (i.e. at Faith Formation registration, baptisms, bulletin notice, website, youth ministry, etc.)
Welcoming phone calls are taking place after registration for those who want them
Cards from the welcome packets will be sent to organizations with info for those who are interested (i.e. 50+ Club, Women’s Club, K of C, etc.)
Follow-up on contacting interested new parishioners will be done periodically
Church tours will take place; guides will be trained; brochures are being designed
Socials will be scheduled
Activities will be evaluated in three-six months

What Are We Doing Now?

Strategic approach started on second parish goal, Reach Out to Non-Practicing Catholics
Reading and research has been done to look at several programs that are being offered and have been evaluated
Decision was made to present a program, “Catholics Returning Home” which will be run for six weeks
Promotion for the program will start in December with emphasis on the Christmas Welcome message
Program is scheduled to start the first week in February
Team members (facilitators) have not yet been selected
Team members will be “trained” by a representative of the program
The parish council will be updated on the progress of the program
The parishioners will be notified when the program starts and ends


To discuss your personal or organizational involvement with the new goals; get more details; or ask questions, please contact Pat Hurton at (508) 477-6407 (e-mail pjhurton@aol.com) or call the parish office at (508) 477-7700 for Msgr. Hoye or email him at dfhoye@cape.com.