A statute of the Second Synod of the Diocese of Allentown calls for the
establishment of a Diocesan Pastoral Council to facilitate the implementation
of Synod statutes concerning the restructuring and consolidation of parishes and
ensuring the fiscal feasibility of Catholic schools.
According to the Synod
statute that called for creation of the Diocesan Pastoral council its purpose
"shall be to investigate, consider and propose practical conclusions about
those things which pertain to the pastoral works in the Diocese as determined
by its bylaws."
Membership on the Diocesan Pastoral Council consists
of 25 people from all across the Diocese. There are 15 lay people, 8 priests,
one woman religious and one deacon.
The
Diocesan Pastoral Council members are:
Beth A. Beers, Esq. of Bath, President
Reverend Eric R. Arnout of Tremont, Vice President
Ms. Joan M.Wassell of New Philadelphia, Secretary
Mrs. Mary Ann Anceravige of Mahanoy City
Mrs. Kathleen M. Appleton of Mohnton
Dr. Carmina M. Magnusen Chapp of Limeport
Mr. Michael Sean Christ of Allentown
Reverend Monsignor Joseph A. DeSantis of West Reading
Reverend Robert T. Finlan of Bethlehem
Mr. Robert J. Gowell of Orefield
Reverend Monsignor David L. James, J.C.L., V.E. of Allentown
Mrs. Catherine A. Juna of Lansford
Mrs. Irene E. Kolessar of Bath
Mr. Joseph R. Kramer, Jr. of Bethlehem
Mr. Lawrence J. Lonergan of Pottsville
Mr. Matthew J. Mulqueen of Orefield
Deacon John W. Murphy, Jr., of Sinking Spring
Reverend Monsignor Edward J. O'Connor of Pottsville
Michael J. O'Connor, Esq. of Frackville
Reverend Monsignor James J. Reichert of Martins Creek
Reverend Monsignor Alfred A. Schlert, J.C.L., V.G. of Allentown
Sr. Mary Ann Spaetti, I.H.M. of Shenandoah
Gretchen D. Sterns, Esq. of Orwigsburg
Mrs. Ann E. Wilhelm of Lehighton
Reverend Monsignor Edward S. Zemanik of Easton
Advisors to the DPC
Mr. Philip J. Fromuth, Secretary for Catholic Education
Mr. Mark E. Smith, Secretary for Temporal Affairs
Deacon Gerald R. Schmidt
DPC
Bylaws
DPC
Committees