Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we conclude our inaugural year as your Pastoral Council, I am often asked the question: “But what have you actually done?” It’s a fair question that deserves a thoughtful response.

The truth is, as a Pastoral Council, we serve as an advisory body to Father Reynold. We can make recommendations and provide input, but meaningful change only moves forward when it truly serves the common welfare of our parish community. The initiatives and improvements you see happening at Saints Simon and Jude are not the work of any single person or group—they are the fruit of conversations, prayers, and dreams that have been shared among many parishioners over many years.

We are the Body of Christ, and as such, we all work together in concert. No one person or group deserves individual credit for the progress we’ve made. Rather, it is through our collective love for SSJ and our shared commitment to following Christ’s call that we have been able to support our Pastor and contribute to the efforts to improve our beloved parish.

Highlights from Our First Year Discussions

Building Our Foundation:

• Welcomed new staff members Andrew Watson (Business Manager), Justin Walker (HR Manager), Lyssa Rollolazo (Director of Communications & Hospitality), Reanna Liebl (Director of Confirmation, Youth & Young Adult Ministry), and Katelyn Gonzalez (Office Administrator)
• Advocated for moving to a more collaborative, team-based approach

Building on Our Mission:

• Advocated for greater adult faith formation
• Lenten Book Groups
• Renewed Retreat Ministry
• Supported Summer Activities
• Meals and Gatherings, Bible Studies, Tacos/Tapas and Theology

Enhancing Hospitality:

• Advocated for complimentary donuts and coffee after Mass (funded entirely by your generous free-will donations—thank you!)
• Supported extended parish office hours on Sunday mornings
• Made special invitations for new parishioners at summer events
• Recommended formation of a dedicated hospitality team

Improving Communication & Technology:

• Advocated for audio-visual system updates
• Supported the development of our new parish website (launched July 2025)
• Recommended improvements to social media presence and online giving

Strengthening Community & Outreach:

• Supported various ministry initiatives and community outreach programs
• Discussed expanding mission outreach and social service projects

Planning for the Future:

• Drafted bylaws establishing our structure and function as a Pastoral Council
• Worked on crafting a new mission statement for our parish
• Began conversations around a comprehensive pastoral plan
• Explored ways to attract and engage more youth and young families
• Discussed facility improvements and expansion possibilities

Throughout this year, we have served as a sounding board for Father Reynold, providing input and feedback on various aspects of parish life and administration. Every discussion, every recommendation, and every initiative has been guided by our shared love for Saints Simon and Jude and our excitement about the direction we’re moving together.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to these efforts to improve our parish. The energy and enthusiasm we see growing within our community fills us with hope and joy. We are not just planning for tomorrow—we are building the Kingdom of God, here and now, together.

In Christ’s love and service,

The Pastoral Council of Saints Simon and Jude

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20