ROCKFORD—Four openings exist on the Diocesan Pastoral Council for a lay representative from each of the following deaneries: DeKalb, Freeport, Rockford and Sterling.
An opening also exists for a young adult representative from the central part of the diocese, meaning either the Rockford or DeKalb deaneries.
Prospective members may nominate themselves for three-year terms that begin with the Sept. 12 meeting.
The Council addresses matters of pastoral concern that Bishop Malloy raises. He may also invite the Council itself to surface matters of pastoral concern that may be forwarded to the Presbyteral Council to be part of their agenda.
The criteria for serving on the DPC are being a practicing Catholic, in good standing in the Church who has shown commitment in a parish. The candidate should possess good judgment, common sense, and be able to appreciate the wide spectrum of ministries and services that the diocese provides. In addition, a young adult representative must be between the ages of 18 and 35 when appointed.
Each representative will serve a three-year term, beginning with the Sept. 12 meeting. This term may be renewed once. The representatives will have to attend quarterly meetings held on the first Saturday of September after Labor Day, and the first Saturday of December, March and June.
Meetings are 9 a.m.-noon at the Diocesan Administration Center in Rockford.
Prospective members may nominate themselves by contacting the appropriate dean of their deanery:
�–� DeKalb — Father Donald Ahles;
�–� Freeport — Father Kenneth Anderson;
�–� Rockford — Father Stephen St. Jules; and
�–� Sterling — Msgr. Thomas Dzielak.
A link to contact information for the deans may be found at http://www.rockforddiocese.org/priests.
Nominations must be made in writing and sent by postal mail or email by July 17.
View a full map of the Rockford Diocese and its deaneries at http://www.rockforddiocese.org/aboutus?page=map