Evangelization and Formation is an important and ongoing role of all of the commissions.   Like the Council, the Commission members are to be a prayer filled group who must be  open to ongoing formation themselves.  If the Commission members are to be effective  evangelizers and help in meeting the spiritual and pastoral needs of the parishioners, then they must spend time studying the Vatican II documents and pastorals, and participate in diocesan programs that are both formational and educational.  It is only through ongoing formation and study that a Commission can envision the possibilities for creating a vibrant parish. 

In summary the purpose of the Commission is to:

·          Identify what is working and what more needs to be done in the  Commission’s specific focus area.

·          Set one or two annual objectives that respond to the parish mission and goals.

·          Establish committees to implement the objectives, e.g.  Adult Formation Committee, Parish Retreat Committee, etc.

·          Provide support and be a resource for existing parish committees and organizations.

·          Collaborate with the Pastoral Council, parish organizations and  committees and with the other Commissions.

·          Participate in ongoing formation by studying the Vatican II documents and pastorals, and by attending diocesan programs.

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Each Commission should have a membership of 8 to 15 members.  The membership includes a liaison from the Pastoral Council and a parish staff member.  The Commissions also should reflect the culture, age and gender diversity of the parish.  The Commissions provide an excellent opportunity for the involvement of the parish youth.  Commission membership should be recruited from the existing organizations and the parish at large.  As good stewards the Commission leadership needs to seek out the gifts of all the parishioners to serve either on the Commission or on a committee.  When we block or deny the gifts of the faithful we are in fact blocking the presence of Christ in the community.  It is recommended that the term of membership on a Commission be for two years, with the option to renew additional two years.  A person should not simultaneously serve on two Commissions.  This limitation, as well as, the term limitation, allows for more people to be involved and for new input.  The Pastoral Council selects a liaison for each Commission. Only one person is needed to serve as the liaison.  The role of the liaison is to be a communication link between the Pastoral Council and the Commission, and to provide resources and support to the Commission.  The liaison should not serve as the Chairperson of the Commission.  Commissions should meet once a month at a regularly scheduled time and place.  It is suggested that the meetings not exceed one hour and half.  Many parishes have Commission Night in which all of the Commissions meet on the same evening.  The Pastoral Council should meet on a separate night. 

The Commission Night Format is as follows: 

·          All of the Commissions members come together initially for prayer.

·          Following prayer each Commission conducts its own meeting.

·          At the end of the evening the Commissions share highlights of their  meeting.  This is followed by refreshments and fellowship.

 The advantage of a Commission Night is that it allows time for the Commission members to pray together; it provides opportunities for collaboration between the Commissions; and it allows the Pastor and his Staff  to be present to all of the Commissions.