The Parish Pastoral Council

Canon Law provides for the formation of Parish Pastoral Councils in Canon 536 #1.

“In every parish of the diocese, a Pastoral Council shall be established, if the diocesan Bishop, after consulting with the Council of Presbyters, so decides.  The pastor presides over the Pastoral Council.  The Pastoral Council is composed of members of the congregation together with those of the parish staff who have pastoral care by reason of their office.  The Pastoral Council assists in promoting pastoral action in the parish.”

The PPC encourages the shared responsibility of all the faithful in the life and mission of the Church, enabling others to use their gifts in the service of God to build the parish into a vibrant Christian community that promotes gospel values of love, justice and peace.

The PPC has been consulting the Parish on how we understand:

· pastoral planning

· developing pastoral programs

· improving pastoral services

· evaluating the pastoral effectiveness of various programs and services

Although the Council is not a body which makes binding decisions, the recommendations of the Pastoral Council are to be taken seriously when grounded in prayer, discernment and communal wisdom.

Parish Pastoral Council Membership

The process used for identifying new council members ought to include some opportunity for parishioners to participate.  The entire process needs to be permeated with private and public prayer to the Holy Spirit.  The intention should be included in the prayers of intercession at each Mass.

Ordinarily, the composition of the Council should be a balance between members:

· nominated and elected by the parish at large

· appointed by the pastor

The number of council members should consist of not less than 6, or more than 15 members. Councillors are to be chosen so as to truly reflect the wisdom of the parish community.

Serving on the council is a ministry to the whole parish.  When considering membership on the council, the following criteria should be kept in mind.  Potential candidates should be:

· of proven faith,

· with sound morals,

· demonstrating the gifts of wisdom and prudence,

· willing to commit their time, talent and wisdom in a consultative and collaborative manner.

Council members should have the ability to study and reflect prayerfully, and to recognize and respect the viewpoints of others.