Understanding the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
by Susan Burroughs
“Susan, can you tell us about the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and what it is that you do?” I was asked this at a pastoral council meeting for my parish. As I looked around our table, I found all eyes focused on me. I must admit, I felt a little uncomfortable as this was not an agenda item and I had not made preparations to speak about the APC. I contemplated how I could be brief while at the same time provide this group with information about the role of the APC and how it affects them. I began by sharing how the APC was formed, our general composition, and what we are expected to do. At one point our pastor interjected, “They (members of APC) are to do the same work that you do for the parish, only for the archdiocese.” I said, “You have put it succinctly”.
Earlier this year, Archbishop Gregory announced that as part of his mission to implement ways to serve the needs of the people in our archdiocese, he wanted to establish an Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC). The Archbishop had a council when he served in the Diocese of Belleville and found it to be very beneficial. Pastors throughout the Atlanta Archdiocese were asked to submit the names of possible candidates to serve on the APC.
Beginning in February, discernment sessions designated by deaneries were held with the candidates. After Mass and an overview of the purpose of the APC, time was allowed for personal reflections and sharing with the group. In the end, the candidates recommended a person they believed would be a good representative to serve on the APC. In addition to individuals selected by this process, the Archbishop appointed other members. On March 31, 2007 the 27-member Atlanta Pastoral Council was commissioned.
The APC is a consultative body to our Archbishop. We are a multi-cultural group of young, middle-aged and older adults, representing small to mid-size parishes as well as very large parishes. Our group is comprised of priests, deacons, a nun, and several lay members. Our purpose is to work with the Archbishop to address religious, social and economic issues related to pastoral concerns within our Archdiocese.
“Working with” the Archbishop is an operative term. During our first official meeting with Archbishop Gregory, we (the APC) were seated around the conference table when he entered the room. I was most impressed by what he did next. Rather than take a seat at the head of the table, he took a seat on the side–in the middle of the group. I expected him to greet us, provide a synopsis of his vision for the APC, offer a few words of encouragement, and leave. To my surprise, he stayed throughout the day–from the celebration of Mass until the end of our meeting several hours later. This served as an affirmation to us that he intended to be a full participant and was ready to hear what we felt were the concerns of our people. After all, the Archbishop told us, “Meeting with this group (for him) is like having a conversation with the people of the archdiocese”.
Upon learning that I had been selected to be a member of the APC, I was consumed with a myriad of questions, such as, How can such a small group of people effectively address the needs of so many? What will be expected of us as a Council? Am I capable to do the work? Some answers came to me during our initial group meeting. One of our presenters shared, “The Holy Spirit brings us together to work and plan for the good of the diocese.” Another stated that “We are all called to holiness, whether clergy, religious or laity.” Being reminded that the Holy Spirit is in charge gave me a calming sense of relief. I simply needed to be the willing servant that I am--the Holy Spirit will handle the rest.
As Chair of the APC, Archbishop Gregory also serves as chair of our Executive Committee. The other two members of the Executive Committee were selected in a most egalitarian way--we simply placed all our names in a container from which the Archbishop drew two slips of paper. The Executive Committee meets several times a year with the Executive Committee of the Priest’s Council to talk about agenda items and avoid duplication of efforts. We have established terms of office for APC members and are planning how to effectively communicate with parishes and deaneries. An APC web site is being developed to assist with our communications initiative.
Being a member of the APC is a humbling experience. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to serve as a voice for the people of the archdiocese of Atlanta. Whenever I am with members of our greater Atlanta church in whatever setting, my ears have been more attuned to listening–something I plan to continue to do. When the APC convenes for quarterly meetings, it my sincere desire that before I say a word, I will think of you and remember that I speak for you.
Our work as your Archdiocesan Pastoral Council has only just begun. Assuredly, as time passes and we learn more, it will be revealed to us how we can best represent you. Pray for us as we pray for you as we all share our talents, time and treasures in service to our church.
Susan Burroughs is a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church in Hapeville. This article was originally published in the Winter 2007/2008 issue of Parish Connection, the quarterly newsletter of the Office for Black Catholic Ministry.