Another way to be involved is to get on board with the parish leadership and planning activities. These are dedicated people behind the scenes responsible for making decisions and influencing almost every area of our parish.

Finance Committee. The purpose of the parish Finance Committee is outlined by the “Norms for Parish Finance Committees” as published by the Archbishop of the diocese and mandated by canon law.  The board is appointed by the pastor and acts in an advisory capacity.  They meet monthly and have an annual budget meeting.  They review monthly financial reports and review and approve the annual financial report to the Archdiocese. 

Parish Council. The Parish Council assists and advises the pastor in the leadership of the parish.  This policy-making board has the responsibility, along with the pastor and associate pastor, of providing direction and leadership relative to spiritual, social, and educational matters of the parish.  An election for new members of the Parish Council is held every year in May.  The Parish Council normally meets monthly.

Eligibility to serve on Parish Council:  Any registered member of the parish, baptized, and in communion with the Church, who is at least eighteen years of age, and is not an employee of the parish or a clergy member, is eligible to serve on the Parish Council. 

Planned Giving Committee. This is an informational and educational group whose purpose is to inform, educate, and facilitate the giving of personal or corporation resource to the parish and school for its continued growth and sustenance.  Many people may wish to leave money or other financial gifts to the church and school, but have never been asked or helped with the process.  This group is looking for people with the desire to plan, educate, and inform others, and also for individuals who have expertise in these various areas:  CPA, banking, finances, marketing, design, teaching, etc.  Meetings are every other month.

Social Ministry Board. The Social Ministry Board promotes family life and involves the parish in social service and community activity designed for Christian outreach.  It also creates an atmosphere whereby the community of St. Charles can gain an understanding of a Catholic Christian position on social and economic justice.  The board normally meets the first Monday of each month and is open to new members.

Stewardship Committee. The Stewardship Committee promotes stewardship in daily life by encouraging the spiritual growth of our community by:

The committee also endorses and evaluates the annual Parish Stewardship Program, coordinates all tithing and fundraising, including Archdiocesan collections, and scheduling of all fundraising events.  It also oversees and evaluates the use of parishioners’ time and talent within the parish.  Members are selected by the committee and approved by the pastor.

TEAC (Total Education Advisory Council). TEAC  is an advisory council to the Director of Religious Education, the Principal of the school, and the Youth Director.  It needs members who have a broad vision for these parish programs.  It needs people who are willing to work and give expert advice in such areas as finance, development, programs, and allocation of resources.  Members are elected or appointed.  Many times there is need only for an ad hoc committee, i.e., with only one specific task.  Meetings are the last Monday of every other month.