Parish Council

Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines

Parish Pastoral Council By-Laws

Purpose and Function

The parish pastoral council is a consultative body that supports and offers recommendations for pastor/pastoral administrator approval. The council structure facilitates cooperation between the pastor/pastoral administrator, the staff, and parishioners to define and carry out the parish’s mission which is connected to the mission of the universal Church and to that of Jesus.

In its leadership role, the council has the responsibility to assist the pastor in:
• Defining and perpetuating the parish’s mission – why do we exist as a Catholic parish?
• Listening and responding to the Holy Spirit – how is the parish called to fulfill its mission?
• Developing a pastoral plan – identify priorities and the corresponding strategies needed to set direction for the parish.
• Providing organizational structures – build a sense of belonging and engagement in the parish and offer clear, consistent, and easily accessible communication.
• Operating with organizational and procedural guidelines – provide clear parameters to promote and support stewardship as the way of life in the parish.

A pastoral council pursues the parish’s mission in connection with the larger Church and with awareness of its interdependence with other parishes, the Archdiocese, and the universal Church. The council leads the parish through planning and direction-setting processes and strives for effective communication and interaction between committees, organizations, and the parish as a whole.

The council supports good relations with other churches and organizations within the community and participates in those endeavors related to the common good.
 

Membership

The council is made up of the pastor/pastoral administrator and a selection of parishioners. The size of the council will depend upon the size of the parish, with an average range being 6-12 members. This size is small enough to allow the group to know one another well, to dialogue, and to work collaboratively, and large enough for stimulating discussions and for accomplishing its work. (See the link to the "Parish Pastoral Council Guide" below, and look for the Resources section of this guide for additional information on “Membership Selection.”)

Criteria to Serve
• Registered and practicing member of the parish.
• Ability to work with diverse personalities and viewpoints.
• Willing to participate in ongoing formation.

Term
Members serve three-year terms with the possibility of renewal for additional three-year terms. It is recommended that terms be staggered to provide for reasonable continuity of the council.

Selection
Potential council members are surfaced through invitation and/or nomination, which creates a pool of people with the gifts and willingness to serve in this leadership capacity.

arishioners considering parish council service should attend an orientation to learn more about the work of pastoral council. Conversations with the pastor/pastoral administrator and current members are also recommended when discerning whether to leave one’s name in the pool of candidates.

Selection of new members may be by election of the parish community, by random lot from the pool of candidates, or through direct appointment to fill a prioritized skill or need. Timing for the annual cycle of selecting and seating new members is at the discretion of the parish.

Roles
Pastor/pastoral administrator – Establishes the member selection process, convenes the council and directs the meeting agenda, creates an environment for open communication among council members, approves decisions/actions of the council, and serves as the spiritual leader.
Council members – Serve as a consultative resource to the pastor/pastoral administrator. Participate in the council’s formation, prayer, and deliberations, gather information and data regarding pastoral needs of the community, assist in developing the parish pastoral plan, communicate effectively with the entire parish, and serve as the council’s link to staff and committees.

Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Parishioners are welcome to attend a meeting.

Current members of the Council are:
Enid Heskins, chair
Nancy Sparrow, secretary
Florina Fernandez
Christine Kessler
Kathy Paper