The Pastoral Council: Inviting Others to Follow a Loving Jesus
In recent years, our Pastoral Council has honed its focus and prioritized inclusivity, discipleship, and evangelization. This parish leadership group encourages us to connect with others and create a welcoming, listening, and faith-filled environment at St. Francis Solanus.
“We are learning to stretch outside of our comfort zones and to invite others to follow a loving Jesus,” says Monica Hinkamper. “We want to be a living example by participating in small groups, prayer groups, and events in our parish, as well as through our parish outreach programs.”
The Pastoral Council exists to collaborate with the pastor on the spiritual and social growth of the faith community and our surrounding neighborhood community.
The Board consists of our clergy and deacons, including Fr. Steven Arisman, Fr. David Beagles, Deacon Wayne Zimmerman, and Deacon Dennis Holbrook. It also includes the Director of Religious Education, Mike Holbrook, and representatives from the Stewardship and Finance Council, the School Board, and Youth Ministry, as well as eight parishioners.
“This year we’re going to continue to support and grow our small-group opportunities and strengthen our communication with those within our parish and those who live within our parish community boundaries,” Monica says. “Many may not know of the faith-enrichment opportunities that we are willing to share.”
Members of our Pastoral Council include (from left) Deacon Dennis Holbrook, Fr. David Beagles, Monica Hinkamper, Jamie Friye, Vicky Mitchell, Tom Regner, Alice Arnold, Jayne Fry, Deacon Wayne Zimmerman. (Other Council members not pictured are Aaron Weiman, Kelli Lunt, Jared Holbrook, Mike Holbrook-DRE, Fr. Steven Arisman, Pastor).
Monica, the outgoing Chairperson of the Pastoral Council, has been a lifelong St. Francis parishioner. She and her seven siblings received their earliest sacraments at the parish. “I love St. Francis Parish and all that the Franciscan Friars provided for most of my life — and now our diocesan leadership,” Monica says. “My husband, Ric, and I were married by my uncles — Fr. Kieran Kemner and Fr. Greg Kemner (both now deceased) — who were the concelebrants at our wedding nearly 35 years ago. Both of our children were baptized and raised in the parish and graduated from St. Francis School and Quincy Notre Dame.” Monica has deeply enjoyed leading the St. Francis Pastoral Council as Chairperson along with Fr. Arisman’s steady guidance.
“I pray that our parish will be a faith leader amongst our parishioners, as well as to those who live within our larger parish boundary,” Monica says. “I pray that all may choose His ever-present forgiveness and healing and His invitation for peace.”
In January, Jamie Friye will begin serving as our new Chairperson, and she looks forward to leading the parish into the New Year.
“I plan to continue the focus on what we can do to build the future of our parish as we grow,” Jamie says. “We need to plug our most valuable resource, being our parishioners, into the roles that will serve this parish going forward. We will have an increased focus on small groups, building community, increasing a sense of belonging, and moving forward in these challenging times.