St. Luke's Gospel for Oct. 31 describes how Zaccheus, a wealthy man and tax collector, wanted to get a good look at this Jesus he had heard about, so he climbed a sycamore tree to see for himself. And his life was changed dramatically.

During his homily last Sunday for the Commissioning Mass for Regional Pastoral Councils, Cardinal Roger Mahony used the story of Zaccheus to remind everyone that "we must be extraordinarily creative and each of us must look for Jesus, to seek him out" like Zaccheus did. And he told those gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels that all must try new ways to answer the call of Jesus in our lives, to seek transformation.

"Jesus calls us to this richer and deeper life of prayer," said Cardinal Mahony. "We are called to seek out others for Jesus, too, in a community of believers." One of the most important tools available to the church in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, he said, is the Regional Pastoral Council, "an important transforming instrument."

Created as a result of one of the initiatives of the Synod, the five Pastoral Councils of Our Lady of the Angels, San Gabriel, San Pedro, Santa Barbara and San Fernando Regions will collaborate with the regional bishop "in faithfully bringing the vision of the Synod to life on the various local levels within the pastoral region," as stated in "Gathered and Sent," the September 2003 document of the Synod.

Each of the five Regional Pastoral Councils consists of the regional bishop and his assistant as non-voting members, four pastors elected from each deanery, two permanent deacons, two religious, 16 laypersons (four from each deanery), and up to five persons appointed by the regional bishop to ensure comprehensive representation.

"We're going to be working together in committees to do what the Synod has asked for in evangelization and collaboration with the different parishes," explained Rosy Hungerford, a member of St. Finbar Church in Burbank and the San Fernando Regional Pastoral Council. "I believe the laity is really important in the archdiocese and it is something Jesus has asked us to do. As baptized Catholics we are supposed to be doing these things. And I am trying to follow my faith."

Deacon Richard Medina, assistant to San Fernando Region Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Wilkerson, sees the pastoral councils as "a very positive thing for the church." And Deacon Frank Dieter, from St. Lawrence Martyr Church in Redondo Beach and the San Pedro Region, added, "It's the future of the church and I think it is wonderful."

Deacon David Estrada, director of the Office of Synod Implementation, said the creation of Regional Pastoral Councils represented "a historic moment and exciting time. With the establishment of the Regional Pastoral Councils I firmly believe that Synod priorities will become more evident to the people of the archdiocese as they unfold on the parish level. The office has been actively involved with the help of so many interested people at all levels in making the Synod a reality in the archdiocese."

Near the close of the Commissioning Mass, Cardinal Mahony blessed the ring, crozier and mitre to be worn by Auxiliary Bishop-elect Alexander Salazar, who is scheduled to be ordained to the episcopacy Nov. 5 at the Cathedral.