The archdiocesan Synod process moved closer to implementation June 5 with the establishment of the Santa Barbara Pastoral Regional Council.

The 16 members were elected by parish representatives from their deaneries at the conclusion of a day of discernment and orientation. They will be joined at a later date by pastors, deacons and at-large lay members appointed by Santa Barbara Region Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Curry. They will serve three-year terms, and report to Bishop Curry, who thanked them

During the day-long event at San Buenaventura Mission, participants reviewed a draft of the council's charter, which noted that the purpose of the newly-formed body is two-fold: to collaborate with the regional bishop in faithfully bringing the vision of the Synod to life on the various local levels within the pastoral region, and to assist the regional bishop in other matters he may choose to bring before them.

Participants voiced enthusiasm about their involvement in the Synod process, whose principles of fostering greater participation in parish leadership and ministry already made an impact in some parishes.

"This is an exciting time," said Libia Perez of St. Rose of Lima Church, Simi Valley. "There is a clear need for more evangelization, for more outreach to young adults and to Latinos, and our pastor, Father Mike Carcerano, has been very supportive of our efforts. We have a growing, active parish, and it's important that people participate in how our community is served."

The Santa Barbara Regional Council members:

Deanery 1: Blanca Aguilera, St. John Neumann, Santa Maria; Dennis Pearson and Carmen Vadillo, St. Mary of the Assumption, Santa Maria; Nadine Melancon, Old Mission Santa Ines, Solvang.

Deanery 2: Celia Gonzales, Our Lady of Sorrows, Santa Barbara; Dorinda Macias, St. Joseph, Carpinteria; Ken Lovingood, Holy Cross, Santa Barbara; Lisa Gosdschan, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Barbara.

Deanery 3: Alan Hope, St. Sebastian, Santa Paula; Robert Sanchez and Betty Kennedy, St. Anthony, Oxnard; Angelica Cruz, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Oxnard.

Deanery 4: Mike Neff, St. Mary Magdalen, Camarillo; Rob Robinson, St. Jude the Apostle, Westlake Village; John Rapp, St. Julie Billiart, Newbury Park; Libia Perez, St. Rose of Lima, Simi Valley.

In April, the San Fernando Regional Council was established, and the San Gabriel and San Pedro Regional Councils will be elected on June 19. The Our Lady of the Angels Regional Council will be named in September.