Parish Pastoral Council

The Diocese of Metuchen requires parishes to have an advisory council, called a Parish Pastoral Council, that collaborates with the pastor in discerning parish needs and exploring ways to address them. Msgr. Benwell established a Parish Pastoral Council in the summer of 2021. Today, seven parishioners, along with our staff member Darrin Nelson, meet with Msgr. monthly for a time of prayer, to listen to and discuss parish updates and Msgr.’s thoughts, and to plan actionable items.

Currently, the Council members are: Valerie DeVito, Scott DeGuilo, Pat Dorsi, Tina Kelly, David Sandomenico, Stephen Tse, Monique Villa.

Some initiatives that have come from the Parish Pastoral Council:

• To welcome new parishioners and help familiarize them with all that St. Mary’s has to offer, a member of the Council reaches out personally to parishioners after they have registered.
• A monthly Information Table in the narthex after weekend Masses provides pamphlets to assist our faith journey. The Table is also there for you to meet Council members and ask questions about parish life.
• The Council supports our new Parish Monthly Gatherings (ChristLife) meant to develop a stronger sense of parish community. ChristLife meetings, which will resume in October, include a meal, a video on aspects of Catholic spirituality and mission, and time for faith sharing.
• The Council schedules and assists at Sunday coffee and donuts gatherings throughout the year. The Council will resume meeting in September and you will be receiving updates on its initiatives and conversations.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Darrin Nelson at [email protected] or at 908-756-6524, ext. 15.