What is the Pastoral Council?

We are an advisory body that, as stated in the Council Bylaws “[helps] the Pastor identify pastoral needs in the parish, plan pastoral programs, improve pastoral services, evaluate their effectiveness and review existing programs and services.”

Who is on Pastoral Council?

Ten lay parishioners and four staff members comprise the Council. Lay parishioners can serve up to two consecutive two-year terms, for a total of four years. 

Current members:

• Laurens Johansen (Music Ministry and Current Chair)
• Frances Heffernan (Music Ministry and Current Vice-Chair)
• Nina Pascua (OLL School parent, Liturgical Ministry, Mercy Teams – and
  current Secretary)
• Antoinette Awuakye-Green (OLL School parent, School
  Administration Council)
• Brad Barker (Men’s ACTS Core Team and Men’s Ministry)
• Cynthia Barr (Liturgy, Sacristan)
• Joe Prats (Parent and Catholic Social Justice Initiative)
• Lillian Oppenheimer (Adult Faith Formation)
• Melissa Hanifan (Parent in Religious Education and Youth Ministry)
• Molly McWeeney (Parent in Religious Education and Youth Ministry)
• Patti Williams (Mercy Teams and Liturgical Ministry)

Staff members:

• Father John Kerns (Pastor)
• Father Charles Zach (Parochial Vicar)
• Tom Tomaszek (Pastoral Associate)
• Laura Patton (Adult Faith Formation)

The lay members privileged to serve on the Council were elected to represent the voice of all parishioners. You are encouraged to contact us with your input and feedback at pastoralcouncil@ollministry.com. We hope to hear from you!

The Administrative and Finance Council is the consultative group which assists the Pastor in carrying out the material administration of the parish. It has the obligation of planning, and supervising the financial affairs and physical properties of the parish.

The Finance Council is concerned with parish resources, the budget, church support, and the effective utilization and maintenance of the parish plant. In addition to its consultative role, the Bishop requires the approval of a Parish Finance Council for construction, major expenditures, etc.

Please contact the Business Manager in the Parish Office if you have any questions or suggestions.

The Our Lady of The Lake School Advisory Council provides general direction for the school through carefully deliberated policies and provides advice to the Pastor and Principal on school-related matters. Council members are able to have an impact through direct involvement in improving and guiding school programs.

The Council consists of elected members as well as the Principal and the Pastor. Members serve three-year terms, and up to three of the nine are elected each spring by the Parish as a whole. Members serve on several subcommittees, including Finance, Technology, Marketing, Fundraising, Alumni Communication, Grants/Scholarships and Long Range Planning.

Those interested in serving are invited to attend and observe monthly meetings during the school year. Candidates need not have children in Our Lady of The Lake School, but they must be registered parishioners or parents of a student here and have a working knowledge of the school's activities, mission and structure.

The Facilities and Development committee is the consultative group which assists the Pastor in carrying out the long range vision for the land and buildings of the Parish. The Committee consists of a group of active parishioners who represent knowledge in construction, finance, marketing, sales, and law.

Since 2020 the committee has been actively involved in the design of the Church and Parish Hall remodel, hiring the Contractor as well as creating the Capital Campaign Cabinet.  Please contact Kristen Young, the Business Manager, in the Parish Office if you have any questions or suggestions.