BULLETIN ARTICLE - FATHER CARL'S CORNER - MARCH 21, 2026

Attention!!! Lay leadership and co-responsibility are important aspects of vibrant parishes today and for the future. I ask all to please read the information included in this week’s corner. Both Parish Pastoral Councils are in a time of transition and seeking new membership.

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We are seeking new members for our Parish Council (PPC), as several current members will conclude their term (usually 3 years) at the end of the current Parish Fiscal year on June 30, 2026.

The purpose of the lay parishioner parish pastoral council is to foster full participation of the entire parish in the life and vision of the parish and mission of the Universal Church through advocacy and advisory support to the pastor concerning the needs of the faith community.

The responsibility of the parish pastoral council is to have a permanent commitment to the vision and growth of the parish through input, feedback, and discernment of the movements of the Holy Spirit on behalf of the broader parish community and Universal Church.

We are seeking people who:

• Reflect the heart of Christ as Shepherd, embodying love, compassion and a commitment to the well-being of the parish community;
• Show respect and reverence for the various histories and traditions of our parish communities;
• Exhibit commitment to the spiritual renewal of both Oak Park parishes as well as the PPC.

We are seeking recommendations for potential PPC members. You can recommend someone you know or yourself. Those who are recommended will be contacted to answer any questions. An information session will be held in early May for those who have been recommended.

When recommending a potential Parish Pastoral Council member, please include: Name, Phone Number, Email Address, and a brief description of what gifts this person would bring to the council.

ASCENSION AND ST. EDMUND PARISH - Email recommendations for the Ascension and St. Edmund PPC can be submitted to [email protected] - Paper recommendations can be submitted to the Comment/Suggestion Box located in the vestibule of Ascension Church or in the corridor between the church and Murphy Hall at St. Edmund’s. You can also drop off a recommendation at a church office.

ST. CATEHRINE OF SIENA-ST. LUCY AND ST. GILES PARISH - Email recommendations for the St. Catherine of Sienna-St. Lucy and St. Giles PPC can be submitted to [email protected] - Paper recommendations can be dropped off at the Parish Center Office at 1025 Columbian.

Please pray that the Holy Spirit speaks in the hearts of those willing to serve our community in this particular way. We will continue to communicate with the parish.

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With you a Christian, for you, a priest.

Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish