It is envisioned that St. Matthew Parish Pastoral Council is to be a major consultative body in the parish community which advises the Pastor who presides over the Council. It is composed of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit; representatives from the parish and school staff who carry out the pastoral functions of the parish; and of the laity, who are representatives of the membership of the parish. The purpose of the Parish Pastoral Council is to foster full participation of the entire parish in the life and mission of the Church. The parish faith community participates in this mission by worshiping God in the Sacred Liturgy; creating and nurturing the Christian community; growing in faith and holiness through solid catechesis; and serving those in need, especially the poor.