Council connects Diocese

They meet with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard regularly to discuss issues pertaining to parishes and deaneries throughout the Albany Diocese.

They have recently helped put the finishing touches on a Diocesan Speakers Directory. Soon they will begin making plans for the annual Parish Convening scheduled for autumn.

Perhaps they even greeted you warmly at one of the many Sesquicentennial events held last year.

Whatever the occasion or the task at hand, members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council have assumed a vital role in shaping the long- and short-term future of the Diocese, all while keeping faith and prayer at the core of their work.

Going strong

Formed in 1971 by Bishop Edwin B. Broderick, Bishop Hubbard's predecessor, the DPC is an advisory group comprised of laity, religious and clergy. It serves as a liaison between the Bishop, religious groups and each of the 17 deaneries in the Diocese. A deanery is a grouping of parishes in a given region.

BY providing this communication link between the Bishop and diocesan departments on one end, and parish pastoral councils on the other, the DPC helps each dean to better serve his local deanery and allows pastoral activity to more effectively meet the needs of the people in each faith community.

In the Albany Diocese, DPC membership consists of the following individuals: Bishop Hubbard; one lay representative, appointed by the Bishop, from each deanery; ex-officio members, including the chancellor, vicar general, director of pastoral planning, and representatives of the Presbyteral Council, Permanent Diaconate, and Sisters' and Brothers' Councils; and two at-large Youth Council representatives. The DPC meets with Bishop Hubbard bimonthly from September to June.

Spokespersons

The deanery representatives, in particular, play an important role, since they serve as spokespersons for parishes throughout the Diocese, according to Pat Mousaw, DPC administrator.

"They're a representation of what the people think, since they represent every corner of the Diocese," she told The Evangelist. "Most of the diverse voices in the Diocese are pretty well represented."

One of the DPC's responsibilities is coordinating the annual Parish Convening, a one-day gathering of those involved in ministry and leadership roles for the purpose of spiritual and educational enrichment. The event features a keynote speaker, workshops and a prayer service. The DPC also assisted in compiling a Diocesan Speakers Directory, which lists people available to speak to groups on various topics. The directory, which should be available early this year, is an example of the DPC's collaborative approach, said Mrs. Mousaw.

The group plans in 1998 to discuss how parishes can best extend hospitality to churchgoers. The DPC will review "Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium," a pastoral letter issued by the American bishops about the participation of laity in the Church. In addition, the DPC will discuss its role in the upcoming Renew 2000 effort.

Connections

For those who serve on the DPC, the experience can be both educational and inspirational. Patricia Barr, a parishioner of St. Patrick's Church in Albany who recently completed her term as chairwoman of the executive committee and as representative of the Albany City Deanery, said she enjoyed working with people from throughout the Diocese and learning what was important to them and their deaneries.

"I have met some of the most wonderful people and learned a lot about parish life, especially in the rural areas," she said.

Bringing people together from all of the deaneries to discuss diocesan issues also "gives you a sense of being a part of the Church in Albany," she said.

One of the changes that was implemented during her years as a DPC member was selecting council leaders through discernment -- a process involving prayer, reflection and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit -- rather than by election. The DPC has encouraged parish pastoral councils to use discernment in choosing their own leaders. In addition, the DPC uses teleconferencing at times, enabling representatives from deaneries throughout the Diocese to participate in meetings without having to travel.

"I think that the Bishop really listens to us," Mrs. Barr said. "He has a sense that we have the inside information on what's going on."

She's also gained an appreciation for his work in serving such a mix of faith communities in the Diocese. "When you look at the diversity in the whole Diocese, it gives you an understanding of what the Bishop has to do," she said.

Insights

Jack Sweeney, the Schenectady County Deanery representative, agreed that he has obtained new insight into the Bishop's responsibilities by meeting him face-to-face.

"You really get to see the human face of the Bishop, the reality of the shepherding job that he's got," Mr. Sweeney said.

A parishioner of St. Helen's Church in Niskayuna, he has been involved in such parish activities as parish council, Renew, Eucharistic ministry and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Through his work as a DPC member, he has learned that while there may be differing viewpoints on topics affecting parishes, there's room for compromise.

"Can you work productively when you have such an array of views? The answer is, we certainly hope so," he said.

Grassroots

Mary Margaret Cronin, the Columbia County Deanery representative, considers herself fortunate not only to serve on the DPC, but also to belong to St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, where the pastor, Rev. Thomas Powers, also is Columbia County dean.

DPC work is only part of Ms. Cronin's pastoral work, though; at St. John's, she is involved in such ministries as high school faith formation, Liturgy of the Word for children and bread-making for the Eucharist. As both a parishioner and a DPC member, she is glad to meet with her fellow deanery representatives and Bishop Hubbard on a regular basis to discuss issues facing the Diocese.

"It's nice to know that your Bishop is talking with grassroots parish people five times a year," she said.

She stressed the importance of prayer in the DPC's work, mentioning the annual retreat attended by council members and the prayer service before meetings as examples of the spirituality that exists within the group.

"There's a spiritual basis to everything we do," Ms. Cronin said.

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