"A fundamental rule for good management is to give responsibility to others without this becoming for you a way of seeking anonymity or comfort. I repeat, delegate responsibility and ask each person to give an account of how his job is going, so that you can “render an account” to God; and to souls, if necessary."
St. Josemaria Escriva
All councils in the Church are consultative in nature with the Pastor being the decision-making authority. It is the pastor’s responsibility to make sure all decisions are in line with Catholic Church teaching, Canon Law, and Diocesan Norms/Guidelines. In performance of his duties he takes into account issues of a confidential nature in making final decisions, thus protecting individual parishioners and others.
The St. Stephen Parish Council is a consultative body that assists the pastor to determine the priorities and direction of the parish, establish new ministries, and give direction to existing ministries within the context of the diocesan and parish five year plan. In addition to doing long-range planning and plan implementation monitoring, the council members deal with whatever pastoral concerns the pastor brings before them. The council serves to relay concerns of the parish to the pastor and attempts to improve and foster communication to and from the pastor. New members are added by a discernment process annually.
Current Members of the Parish Council: 2021
- Mike Reed
- Bryan Johnson
- Nino Martinez
- Joann La Canne
- Don Roberts
- Martha Nigrelle
- Jason Torczynski
The Saint Stephen Finance Council is a consultative body which assists the pastor in the administration of the goods of the parish and provides expertise and consultation through accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and financial reporting, strategic planning and policy development to aid the Pastor in the administration, preservation, and distribution of parish goods.
Parish goods shall be defined as all parish financial resources, including movable and non-movable assets such as artwork, buildings, and grounds. The Council also assists the Church by providing accountability through fiscal oversight and regular open presentations to the parish at large.
Current Finance Council Members: 2021
- Wade Faulkner
- Alfred Orosco
- Barrett Snyder
- Gwen Petter
- Josh Delio
- Michael Carlson
- Pam Hoernis
- Larry Linder