In his effort to encourage all round pastoral participation and development since assuming his duties as the Parish Priest on 13th Feb. 2024. The Parish Priest of St. Mary Catholic Church, Ayetoro – Oshogbo, Very Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Ajayi inaugurated a new pastoral council recently.

Earlier, the Parish Priest has enumerated the functions of the council at different fora he has held with the parishioners. In his homily on the day of the inauguration, he re-emphasized the need for the parishioners to be united especially as the council will be led by a woman and a Non - Yoruba since its creation. The inauguration itself took place immediately after the Post communion prayer and all members took turn to take their oath of office.

The second part of the inauguration began immediately after the Mass in the Church hall as the outgoing executives ably led by Pa. Samuel Olawale handed over officially to the newly inaugurated officers. Every committee took turn in taking their terms of reference and the working documents of their respective committees were thereafter handed over by the outgoing Chairman. It was unanimously agreed that the PPC meeting will henceforth hold on Sundays as against Saturdays.

In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Mrs. Helen Ebiendele appreciated God for the all graces He has bestowed on her and every member of the new Council. She appreciated the Parish Priest for finding her worthy to occupy the highly exalted office. She thereafter urged members of the new Council to eschew any form of negativity and be positive minded in tackling the tasks ahead and for the progress of the Parish which all are meant to serve. She ended her speech by seeking the support of all the new Councilors.

In his quest to ensure that the newly inaugurated Pastoral Council functions as it should, the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Ajayi organized a day seminar for all the members of the Council on the 1st of March 2025. The seminar was anchored by Rev. Fr. Michael Olawuni, who introduced the theme of the seminar to be ‘Parish Collaborative Ministry.’

Fr. Olawuni explained that collaborative ministry is the togetherness of all the organs of the Parish, laity and clergy. Coming together of lay men and women as well as religious as a team equipped and ready to work with the Parish Priest in a more responsible manner and having a team approach to the ministry of the Parish.

He also charged that the PPC member to be ready and willing to collaborate with the Parish Priest in areas of Liturgical ministry, Pastoral ministry, Catechetical ministry, Small Christian community, Administrative and Communication. He urged the members of the Council to assist the priest in making the parish a home for all and this can only be achieved by ensuring everybody functions in their respective appointed ministry.

On Parish Pastoral Council, Fr. Michael said it was canonically established in the Church and it is a must for every parish to have a functioning PPC body. The council is more of an advisory body to the priest as the priest is not strictly bound to act based on the advice of the body although it does not mean that the opinion of the people does not matter. He also explained that men and women who are of good standing in the Church can be chosen to be the Chairman of the body and that the Parish Priest is the President since the council cannot hold meeting without the consent of the Parish priest.

The following are some of the names of the head and offices of the newly inaugurated committees:

Chairman – Mrs. Helen Ebiendele; Finance Committee Chairman – Mrs. Mary Fatoke; Social Communications Chairman – Mr. Sylvester Elugoke; President /Parish Priest - Very Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Ajayi