Parish Pastoral Council

Helping the Parish Priest Build and Nurture the Parish Community

The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) exists as a consultative body to help Fr Antonio consider pastoral and other works and to propose and co-ordinate practical measures for implementing them.

The parish priest has the primary role of leadership in both the spiritual and temporal affairs of the parish. Ultimately, all decisions about the operation and direction of the parish need to carry his agreement and approval. The laity assists the parish priest in whatever way possible. The PPC serves in an advisory role and the priest takes into serious account their opinions and recommendations.
 
The PPC consists of the parish priest together with a group of parishioners chosen by the parish community. The PPC’s role is to promote the Church’s mission to live and communicate the love and values of Christ in our world. The PPC shares in the responsibility for the ongoing life and development of the faith community, working together with parishioners to provide support for their efforts to live as followers of Christ.
 
In order to fulfil its role, the PPC will:
  • search out and respond to the hopes, ideas, needs and concerns of parishioners
  • foster unity and a sense of community in the parish
  • grow in knowledge and awareness of what is already happening in the parish
  • encourage and support the good work of existing groups within the parish
  • evaluate carefully information gathered in order to contribute towards the making of decisions that reflect the values of the gospel and the teachings of the Church
  • set long-term and short-term pastoral goals for the parish
  • provide opportunities for parishioners to grow in their relationship with God and with each other
  • develop, implement and improve parish initiatives that assist parishioners in their continuing efforts to live as effective Christians in society.

For more information on how the PPC functions, its structure and membership, download the PPC Handbook (PDF).

Members of the PPC

  • Fr Antonio Pineda (Parish Priest)
  • Barbara Toolan (Chair)
  • Andrea Basile (Secretary)
  • Sylvester Gomes (Parish Safeguarding Representative)
  • Dean Pereira (Data Protection Champion)
  • Alice Cowan
  • Shirley Brier
  • Poornima Swarna

The PPC meets once a month (usually on the third Tuesday of every month). If you would like to contact any of the members, or if you would like to suggest a topic for discussion at the next meeting, email ppc@sttheresa.org.uk.

Want to join us?

If you would be interested in becoming a member of the PFC, please initially contact the Parish Office.