Faith Communities Council: Leading with Joy and Purpose

Did you know that our parish is guided by a passionate group of lay people called Pastoral Leaders? These are everyday parishioners who have been invited into leadership within their local Mass communities to nurture faith, build community, and support our shared mission. Together, they form what we call the Faith Communities Council, or FCC — a team that meets regularly to pray, share, and discern what God is asking of us in our parish’s six main Mass communities.

When the FCC gathers each month, one of the first things they do is share the “wins” — signs of growth, connection, and joy. This practice isn’t accidental. As the saying goes, “Culture is formed by what we celebrate and what we tolerate,” and the FCC is intentional about celebrating what is good and life-giving.

Lately, there has been a lot to celebrate. People are engaging more deeply at Mass, with a growing buzz as parishioners greet each other and take time to learn names. A simple invitation to learn three new names is helping build a culture of welcome. More people are lingering after Mass to chat, with even previously reserved parishioners now staying to connect. Name badges are becoming more common, helping people feel seen. Young children are stepping forward to carry the gifts at Mass, while new volunteers are entering into ministry. Even sacramental enquiries, particularly for Baptism, are flowing naturally from these joyful Sunday experiences. One Pastoral Leader remarked, “It just feels like everyone’s getting happier.” And that matters.

But the FCC doesn’t just celebrate — it dreams and strategizes. At each meeting, the Pastoral Leaders reflect deeply and share on what God might be inviting their community into next. They ask: Where is growth possible? What would meaningful change look like? How can we give our lives to God more fully?

These questions often lead to some practical conversations. Leaders are thinking creatively about how we welcome people, from making sure greeters remain available for latecomers to inviting every parishioner to take personal responsibility for hospitality. They’re exploring how to involve children more meaningfully, and how to encourage stronger singing and participation to create a more joyful and prayerful atmosphere. They’re working to ensure all Mass communities feel part of one united parish through consistent symbols, language, and events. Above all, they are trying to help every  parishioner feel connected and included, no matter which Mass they attend.

What makes this work especially meaningful is that the FCC isn’t some distant committee. It’s made up of people you already know — the ones who welcome you at the start of each Mass. Their leadership helps ensure that our parish doesn’t just run smoothly, but that it flourishes with purpose, guided by the Spirit and united in mission.

So what can you do? Start by saying hello to your Pastoral Leader. Ask them what they’re noticing. Take the invitation to learn three new names this week. Think about one small way you might help your local community grow — whether that’s by offering a welcome, lending a hand, or simply being more present. And most of all, please pray for your Pastoral Leader and the Faith Communities Council. Their work, while often behind the scenes, is helping our parish grow into a place that is alive with the joy of the Gospel.

Let’s keep building a parish that is Christ-Centred, Relationship-Centred, Generous, Joyful, Courageous, Authentic, and rooted in the mission to actively accompany people to encounter Jesus.

With peace and love,
Fr Josh