1. To become involved in the life and the spirit of the parish (especially programs of renewal and spiritual growth)
2. To determine parish needs and establish parish priorities and goals.
3. To encourage increased parishioner involvement.
4. The Parish Pastoral Council does not implement.  It supplies direction, evaluates assets and sets priorities.

Recommended Operating Procedure For Parish Pastoral Councils:

1. To determine and elect their own officers.
2. To meet at least ten times a year
3. To limit the duration of the meetings to two hours.
4. To make public minutes of council meetings and communicate meeting highlights to the parish community.
5. To expect members to attend regularly.  Consideration should be given to having a provision in the constitution by-laws addressing the issue of unexcused absences.
6. To annually conduct a day of renewal as well as a parish assembly.  Such an open meeting provides a means for communication and dialogue for the entire community.
7. To annually provide a report to the parish community; an overview of its activities and deliberations.
8. To establish a committee structure.
9. Consider the establishment of an executive committee.
10. To have a written constitution/covenant.
11. To participate in long range pastoral planning.
12. To provide an opportunity for non-council membership participation.

Membership:

The Parish Pastoral Council, which is described by Canon Law as an advisory body, is regulated by norms laid down by the Bishop.

The Code of Canon Law provides that the pastor holds a presiding role in the council.  This does not mean that the pastor must act as president or chairman.  Representation on the council should reflect the various groups and communities in the parish, including age, ethnic, geographic and interest groups.  Certainly both men and women should participate fully in council membership and leadership.

The Code of Canon Law mandates the establishment of a Finance Council in each parish.  This council may exist either as a separate parish entity or as a committee of the Parish Pastoral Council.  In the former instance, consideration should be given to the inclusion of finance committee representation  on the Parish Pastoral Council.  In the later instance, it is recommended that separate rules of the membership be established considering the fact that this committee functions as the financial advisor to the pastor and should logically be staffed by personnel with financial expertise.  Appointment of all the members by the pastor would not be out of order.

Each council member should have a set term of office.  It is recommended that this be for a period of three years.  The terms of members should be staggered so that a certain percentage of new members comes on the council each year.  It is recommended that the provisions in the parish constitution for eligibility for additional terms of office should be the same as for appointed and elected members:  all members, both appointed and elected, should serve for a specified term of office with equal opportunity for renewal of the term.  Parishes are encouraged to annually install their council members at liturgical function.

Role of Members:

The role of a Parish Pastoral Council member as a pastoral planner is varied and demanding.  It involves, in one degree or another, all of the following:

1. Discerning needs.
2. Establishing goals and priorities
3. Discovering talent
4. Providing a vehicle for dialogue
5. Fostering parish unity
6. Gathering together the ministries of the Church
7. Spreading the Gospel
8. Encouraging the lay apostolate.
9. Fostering a climate of mutual support and accountability.

Committee Responsibilities Include:

1. Developing a deeper understanding of the Mission of the Church in their area of concern
2. Further identifying issues within their respective areas
3. Recommending and implementing parish goals through programming
4. Remaining accountable to the Parish Pastoral Council
5. Submitting plans for their committee's activities in a written report.
6. Seeking out talents among the parishioners and enabling their fuller participation in the Mission of the Church.
7. Providing education for their committee members in their specific areas of concern.
8. Evaluating, on a continuing basis, their own programs and plans.  Each specific committee develops these responsibilities as they relate to that committee's area of concern.

Click Here to See Appendix A-Parish Pastoral Council Committees and Committee Roles.
Click Here to See Appendix B - Sample Agenda For A Council Meeting