The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) recently met with Archbishop Paul Martin SM for the first time. The Council, which usually meets four times a year, is made up of people from different parts of the Archdiocese who together represent its parishes, ethnic and age diversity, and various ministries. The June meeting heralds a new beginning, with not only a new Archbishop at the helm but also eight new members coming from as far as Levin in the North and Kaikoura in the South.
The APC has a Mandate and a Code of Conduct under Canon Law.
The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council aims to:
- pray for the Archdiocese, grow in faith and develop an understanding of Church governance;
- advise and assist the Archbishop in formulating and implementing a vision for the Archdiocese derived from the Gospel, and based in the pastoral realities of the people and parishes;
- help parishes, chaplaincies and lay groups foster a spirit of participation, collaboration and unity;
- assist the Archbishop in presenting and representing the Church in the world as the universal sign of salvation.
Back row, L to R: Leapai Eli Malolo; Archbishop Paul Martin; Resty Sales; John Richards; Chris Duthie Jung; Fiona D’Souza.
Front row, L to R: Lucienne Hensel, Amber Parry, Aroha Allen, Lusia Nikolao, Bridget Taumoepeau; Judith Ashley, Fr Bill Warwick.
Absent: Joanna Bello, Geoff Mettrick.