Parish Advisory Councils

The parish council is a required council that advises and assists the Pastor regarding the administration of the goods of the parish. This council is made up of active Santa Cruz parishioners appointed by the Pastor. The council meets quarterly or as is needed.

Parishioners can express interest in joining the council by meeting with the Pastor and sharing their experience and desire to serve. Membership is dependent on whether there are vacancies or anticipated vacancies due to term limits ending.

Members of the Parish Finance Council must:

1. be Catholics who have received baptism, confirmation, and first communion;
2. be at least 18 years of age;
3. possess a good reputation;
4. live a life outstanding in faith and virtue;
5. possess expertise or experience in financial affairs or civil law; and
6. not be related to the Pastor within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity. 

The Pastoral Council is a required council that advises and assists the Pastor in offering pastoral activity. This includes, but is not limited to, welcoming new parishioners, participating in parish wide events, and being a representative of parish leadership at ministry gatherings. Pastoral Council members ensure the success of the Pastor’s vision and strategic plan through their involvement at the parish and by attending regularly scheduled meetings.

Members of the council are appointed by the Pastor and those wishing to be considered should meet with the Pastor. To be eligible to serve as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council, a person must be a Catholic, at least 18 years of age, must have received baptism, confirmation, and first communion, and must be of good reputation and outstanding in faith and virtue.