To oversimplify, there are two approaches to law.  In the United States, we loosely follow the principles of one approach - English Common Law - the practice of reviewing what decisions have been made in the past in similar cases to determine what should be done today.  The other is Statutory Law, trying to predict ahead of time all possible choices, and having a law already in place for them.  This is based on the Code of Napoleon, and , for historic, not religious reasons, is the approach long used by the Catholic Church.

   But, with the great success of democracies in recent times, started by the American Revolution, the Church has changed some of its approaches.  So, Church Law now calls upon the pastor of a parish to exercise his duties with the aid of any other priests or deacons, and in consultation with the parishioners, rather than only with the Bishop.

   The ordinary vehicle for consultation is the Parish Council, an outgrowth of the American experience now part of the worldwide Code of Church Law.  St. Mary's has long had a Parish Council, but because it operates efficiently and well, we suspect that most people are basically unaware of what it is and what it does in our parish.

    Our Parish Council, as presently constituted, works along guidelines suggested by the Archdiocese of New York. The President is Jack Ferry, Vice President is Rosemarie Martin, Secretary is Val Wojnicki. The Permanent Committees are those involved with Liturgy, Evangelization, Respect Life, Building and Grounds, Social Events, and Communications and Publicity. Subcommittees and Temporary Committees are Decorations, Parish Cleanup Days, Grounds Beautification, Vicariate Representation, our 100th Anniversary Events, our Web Page, the Outreach to the Needy, and various subcommittees for different social events. The pastor makes a monthly report to the Council on parish activities, as do the Youth Committee and the Religious Education Office.

    In addition to the officers listed above, members are Elsie Crowley, Vince Dima, Bob Giuffra, Lee LoMeli, Jim Lynch, Patty Ryan, Jeanne Versweyveld, Tom Purtill, Nancy Farrelly, Deacon John Shepard, Father Paul and Fr. Keaveney.

    Meetings are held on the first Monday of every month (usually) in the Conference Room at the Parish Center. All meetings are open to the public, and anyone may bring up a question under "New Business", though, practically speaking, a phone call a few days ahead of time will result in a better prepared answer. 

     There is also an ongoing project to beautify the parish grounds, both here and at the Center. The scope of the work has grown beyond the reach of just one person, and so we are looking for about 20 volunteers - individuals or families who would be willing, under consultative direction, to take responsibility for the planting and preserving of one small part of the grounds. Expenses will be reimbursed.  If you are at all interested, please sign up today, or call the parish at 496-3730 at your convenience. Many hands don't necessarily make light work, but they sure help. More on the Council as time goes by.