Parish Council FAQs

As a lay-led community, the Parish Council at St. Matthew’s plays an active role in leading our Catholic community, along with the Trustees, the Finance Council, and the Parish Administrator. Council terms for new members begin in June, so now is the time to consider getting involved. All Parish Council meetings are open to the public and attending one is a good way to learn more about what council members do and how they do it. We invite you to come to one of the next Parish Council meetings scheduled for 6:30-8pm on Thursday, April 30 and Thursday, May 28. We meet in the lower level of the Social Hall, in the Garden Room.

St. Matthew’s is led by lay members. What does that mean? Our parish is one of the very few in the archdioceses led by lay people. Fr. Thomas Kommers is our sacramental minister. He presides at Mass and other services but has no other responsibilities. Fr. Antony Skaria is our parochial administrator, which means he has oversight responsibilities, but he is also the pastor of St. John Vianney. At St. Matthew’s, the parish council, the finance committee, the trustees, and the parish administrator work together to run the parish.

What does the St Matthew Parish Council do?  The Parish Council is responsible for understanding the needs, hopes, future life, and activities of our Catholic community so it can help carry out the mission of the Parish. Council members strive to support our current partners, ministries, and activities, while also identifying and advancing new priorities that align with our charism and address the changing needs of our community.

How many people are on the Parish Council? Up to nine Council members can serve, plus the Trustee and Parish Administrator. We currently have eight Council members.

How long is a Parish Council term? It is a three-year commitment that begins in June.

How often does the Parish Council meet? The Council meets once every month except for the month of July.

When does the Parish Council meet?  Each Council has the discretion to change meeting times and dates. Currently, the Council meets from 6:30-8:00PM on the fourth Thursday of every month,

Where does the council meet? In-person meetings are held at St. Matthew’s Parish Center. The Council has the discretion to meet virtually to minimize travel during winter or for other reasons.

In addition to attending an upcoming meeting, you can learn more about Parish Council by talking to a member at an upcoming Listening Weekend, or by sending any questions to  parishcouncil@st-matts.org