The pastoral council possesses a consultative vote only and is governed by norms determined by the bishop. From canon law we see that once the bishop judges it opportune, pastoral councils are to be formed in every parish. We note also the clear distinction between finance councils that advise the pastor on the administration of parish goods and pastoral councils that are to examine pastoral issues, study them , and offer recommendations to the pastor.

The pastoral council, as such, is that coordinating and unifying body which seeks to harmonize the efforts of the parish with those of the Church universal and the diocesan Church, and which strives to give the members of the parish the ability to exercise their gifts and talents so that the parish itself is a truly vibrant expression of God's loving, healing, liberating and redemptive presence among us. The pastoral council is a practical means of achieving the full participation of the whole parish in its mission. It does this by giving a voice and by encouraging, guiding and enabling the various aspects of the parish's life. The pastoral council, then, is both a ministry and a sign of what an authentic Christian community is all about. 

The pastoral council, in other words, is meant to be a partnership on the part of the pastor, the parish staff and the parish representatives, which gives witness not only to what the parish is, but especially to what the parish is called to be.

Many members of Christ the Good Shepherd have been adversely affected this past year as a result of the economy, the down turn in the financial markets, layoffs, etc. We realize that during these difficult economic times everyone is doing all they can give the circumstances. Unfortunately, our weekly collections were less than what was projected late last spring during the budget process (CGS's fiscal year is July - June). Many parishes in Houston experienced the same situation. We are very grateful for the generous donations during this Christmas season.

As with my household or family, we cannot spend more than we receive through your donations. As a result, the Finance Council and Father John asked all departments and ministries to review their budgets in an effort to align expenses more closely with current revenues. Every effort will be made to minimize the effects of this re-budgeting process on those programs that many in our parish community need now more than ever. However, some services and programs may need to be adjusted.

Both the Finance Council and Father John feel it important that you in the parish community have an understanding of the current challenges we face and the steps being taken to meet those challenges. We are grateful and blessed to be part of a community that has always been giving, charitable, and so willing to help those in need. It is your gifts of time, talent, and treasure that enable Christ the Good Shepherd to carry out God's work.

In the spirit of Christ the Good Shepherd,

Your Finance Council

Carta del Consejo de Finanzas

Estimados parroquianos:

Durante el año pasado, muchos miembros de Christ The Good Shepherd han sido negativamente afectados a consecuencia de la economía, la baja del mercado financiero, los despidos, etc. Reconocemos que durante estos tiempos de dificultades económicas, todas las personas están haciendo lo que pueden, dada las circunstancias actuales.

Desdichadamente, nuestras colectas semanales están siendo más bajas de lo que fue estimado durante las pasada primavera, época en la que preparamos nuestro presupuesto anual (el año fiscal para CGS va de Julio a Junio). Muchas Parroquias en el área de Houston, están experimentando la misma situacion. Estamos muy agradecidos por las generosas donaciones recibidas durante la época de Navidad.

Como cualquier hogar o familia, nosotros (CGS) no podemos gastar más de lo que recibimos a través de sus donaciones. Como resultado de ello, el Consejo de Finanzas y el Padre John, han solicitado a todos los departamentos y ministerios, que revisen sus presupuestos como un esfuerzo para equiparar los gastos con los ingresos. El mayor esfuerzo posible se realizara para minimizar los efectos de esta revisión del presupuesto de la iglesia, sobretodo en aquellos programas, de los muchos que tiene nuestra comunidad, que se necesitan ahora mas que nunca. Sin embargo, puede ser que algunos servicios y programas tengan que ajustarse.

Tanto el Consejo de Finanzas como el Padre John entienden que es muy importante que Ud. como miembro de nuestra comunidad, tenga una adecuada explicación de los actuales desafíos que estamos experimentando y de las soluciones que se están tomando, para cumplir con esos desafíos. Estamos muy agradecidos y bendecidos como miembros de una comunidad que siempre ha sido generosa, caritativa y tan deseosa de ayudar a aquellos que lo necesitan. Son nuestros dones de Tiempo, Talento y Tesoro los que permiten que Christ the Good Shepherd lleve a cabo la obra de Dios.

En el espíritu de Christ The Good Shepherd,