Parish Pastoral Council

Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is a consultative body that represents the parish community with a role to make recommendations to the pastor of the parish.

A pastoral council has its basis in Canon Law (Canon 536). The bishop of a diocese can establish a pastoral council in each parish that is presided over by the pastor. A parish council is engaged in pastoral care of a parish and is regulated by the norms laid down by the bishop. The principal role of a pastoral council is to participate in pastoral planning into the future by adhering to the mission and vision of both the diocese and the parish. This involves a three-fold approach: one, to conduct needs analysis and prioritize pastoral requirements; two, to set and develop goals and objectives; and three, to recommend a set of intended actions to achieve those goals and objectives. A pastoral council has a three-year term, which can be extended to another term.

I am grateful that the following individuals have discerned a call to serve our parish in this capacity for the next three years.

Along with the pastor, they will be setting strategic directions for the pastoral team and for the Finance Committee.

May God who has begun the good work in us bring it to completion.

Michael Bechard (Rev.)

Pastor

PPC Members

Marjorie Braatz

My name is Marjorie Braatz. I am a wife of 38 years, a mom of four, and a Grammie of two. I have been a parishioner at St. George for 21 years, and for seven of those years I served as the youth minister. I returned to university at that time and earned my MDiv. After youth ministry, I worked at Holy Cross as a high school chaplain and am now a spiritual director. I love being part of this beautiful parish community and consider this my spiritual family. I hope and pray that I will serve this community with dedication and trust.

Alan Coombs

Shannon Coombs

I became a member of St. George Parish when I moved to London in 2007 and was searching for a church community to belong to and get married in. I am a teacher in the London District Catholic School Board and work as a guidance counsellor at Saint Andre Bessette Catholic Secondary School. When the churches amalgamated and COVID-19 restrictions lessened, my husband, Alan, and I started attending St. John the Divine and have continued to lead the baptism preparation classes for the Family of Parishes. Alan and I have two children who are in grades five and seven.

Linda Darowski

I have three beautiful daughters, two grandsons, and one granddaughter. I have been coming to St. George Parish since 1976 but officially registered in 1997 when I settled in London. I am passionate about community and service by attempting to get involved in most ministries, big or small.

I worked in the Federal Government in National Defence as a staffing officer and then needed back surgery, which involved being hospitalized for a year in a full body cast. That was a time when I connected with my spirit. I got to know who God is, how I relate to Him, and how He has responded to my call. I am humbled to be chosen to serve with such an intellectual, faith-filled group who have so many gifts to share. I am excited to be representing the Family.

Julia Das

My husband, James, and I have been married for two years and currently attend St. George's with our daughter, Danielle. I have an educational background in Catholic Studies and Disability Studies, which has led me into a career in special education with the London District Catholic School Board. I hope to see this Family of churches grow, welcome, and support people who want to deepen their faith. It is important that we become aware of the issues facing the church today and that we respond in a Christ-like way. I'm looking forward to seeing how my knowledge and experience with ecumenism and inclusion will lead to building a more well-rounded parish community.

Chris Dobson

I grew up in Woodbridge, witnessing a beautiful faith-filled mother overcome many challenges, including the stigma of divorce. I moved to London, attended Huron College and U.W.O. law school, met my wife, Lisa, raised four children. We joined St. George in 1996. I offer my prayer life and skills as a trauma-informed person to the service of our Family. I desire to do the work that matters for all God's children. May our Lord use these trials to raise up a new people for a new wine that is His and His Mother's sacred heart: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Mary Undoer of Knots pray for us.

Andre Iarusso

Donna Kwan

I grew up in Brant County. As a first generation kid, I worked at the family restaurants. Some of my favourite memories of this are when first responders or those in less fortunate circumstances came in, and their meals were on the house. I asked why we did this, and my parents' response was that we all serve: some serve in the line of duty, and others do what they can, whether preparing a hot meal, helping someone move, or making someone smile. It is my honour to serve you as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Harold Stewart

I have been married to my wife, Mary Lou, for a half century and counting. We have two sons and two granddaughters. I retired after spending almost 40 years in the financial service industry on the insurance and investment side of things. Some would describe what I did as an advisor’s advisor. I believe one of my strengths is being able to look at circumstances from all points of view and offer advice and solutions based on what works best for everyone.