Identity and Purpose

The Pastoral Council of the Church of the Sacred Heart is a body of parishioners with the pastor as a member. We are diverse in gender, vocation, race, ethnic background, age and spirituality. Through a personal and communal discernment process, each member is selected to serve on the council.

The council shares in the shepherding ministry of the parish in an advisory capacity to the pastor and staff. We are guided by the Holy Spirit through a process called Shared Wisdom.

Therefore, it is the desire of the council to unite our hearts to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to unite our minds to the will of the Father as Jesus taught, and proceed in faith and courage through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Mission Statement

The Pastoral Council's mission is threefold. As a prayer people we seek:

1. To know and understand the parishioner, the parish community of Sacred Heart, and our parish mission in Jesus Christ. The mission, then, is ours to live and to promote.

2. To invite our brothers and sisters to a fuller awareness of our parish mission, and more active participation in the ministry and life of the Church, sharing the Good News with all people.

3. To engage in pastoral planning, to discuss parish concerns, and to provide scope and direction to the parish, enabling this faith community to continue to build up the Kingdom of God through a shared vision and decisive action.

Council Members

Ketan Christian

Eleanor Disch

Charles Eke

Mosti Gracia

Clara McGill

Larry Makoski

Fran Schulte

John Schulte

Ex Officio:

Rev. John Paul Alvarado

Neil Towey

Contact Information

If you are interested in becoming a part of this organization, or would like additional information, please contact:

Fr. John Paul Alvarado (908) 756-0633 Ext 115