Corpus Christi Parish, Bay City, Michigan

Council & Commissions

Parish Council

The Council advises the Pastor and in that way assists in the pastoral care of the Parish. The Council does not serve as a "board of directors" or a "legislative body." The Council is focused on mission not management. They help set goals and try to envision the future needs of the Parish, looking to see how we can continue to do Christ's work together. They are an invaluable resource to the Pastor and the Parish. The Council also reviews all recommendations of the commissions and/or committees that affect the Parish.

Finance

The Finance Commission of the Council serves the council and its commissions by helping the Parish organize and manage its temporal goods in a way that furthers the threefold mission of the Parish to be priest, prophet and servant-king. The Finance Commission assists the Pastor and the pastoral team/staff in promoting stewardship, preparing the budget and reviewing budget performance, preparing financial reports, providing for continuing maintenance of the Parish plan and long and short range planning for capital improvements. The Pastor may also delegate other administrative tasks to members of this Commission.

Christian Service

The Commission is the structure of the Council through which the Parish participates in the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. This Commission assists the Pastor and pastoral team/staff in the development of the liturgical life of the Parish, which should be vibrant and life giving to all who participate. Commission responsibility includes developing, promoting, coordinating and evaluating all the activities by which the Parish offers its members opportunities for spiritual growth and development as individuals and as a Parish community.

Faith Formation

The Faith Formation Commission recognizes the need to identify, develop and encourage a wide variety of Parish faith related opportunities. Presently, the programs relate to all levels of faith formation. Namely, religious education for students in the public schools, Bay Area Catholic Schools (BACS) support, parish sacrament programs, parish and cluster youth groups. The adult level enrichment includes: Christian spiritual life, rite of Christian initiation of adults, engaged encounter and couple to couple program, scripture sessions and cluster enrichment series. The Commission relate to and are responsible to listen, observe and make themselves available to the faith formation concerns of the Parish.

Liturgy

The Liturgy Commission develops, promotes and coordinates liturgical celebrations including weekend and holy day liturgies, prayer services and retreats. The Ushers extend our parish hospitality. Bread bakers prepare the bread for the Eucharistic meal. Altar servers, lectors and Eucharistic ministers assist the presider. Cantors, musicians and choir members lead and enhance our musical participation. Art and environment aspect is preparing the worship space for the different liturgical seasons. The Altar Sodality unites women for spiritual benefits and some financial needs of the Sanctuary, ex. bread, wine, linens, church cleanliness, etc.

Stewardship

Encourages a greater awareness of the role of each parishioner within the parish and the greater community. Focuses on stewardship of time, talent, and treasure as a way of life. Coordinates ministry volunteers via Stewardship Weekend and bulletin anouncements, production of Good News Newsletter, outreach to the marginalized, and makes decisions regarding organizations for the parish tithe.