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What is a Pastoral Council?
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In the parish, often times the Pastoral Council (commonly referred to as the “Parish Council”) is confused with the Finance Council. In fact, they are two very distinct groups. The Finance Council, which deals with financial matters of the parish, is required by Canon Law, while having a Parish Council (which does not directly deal with the finances) is not required by the law.
Canon 636§1 from The Code of Canon Law states: "If the diocesan bishop judges it opportun after he has heard from the Presbyteral Council, a Pastoral Council it boe estbalished in each parish, over which the pastor presides and in which the Christian faithful, together with those who share in pastoral care, by virtue of their office in the parish, assist in fostering pastoral activity."
§ 2. A Pastoral Council posseses a consultative vote only and is governed by the norms established by the diocesan bishop. A “consultative vote” means that each member of the Pastoral Council may vote on a particular issue which concerns the parish, in order to share their opinion, However, after listening to each member, the pastor may still choose to disagree with them and his decision stands. This may sound harsh, but it is in keeping with the theological implications of the Church’s understanding of the pastor as the leader of the parish. This understanding is founded in the true purpose of having a parish which is to foster the spiritual well-being of the parishioners and according to the law of the Church, it has to be under the care and control of an ordained priest (Canons 515§1 and 521§1).More practically, the Pastoral Council enables the pastor to obtain the input of members of his parish. They are his “eyes and ears” of the parish community (which have been duly elected by the same) and share their own perspective on various issues which affect the parish. Nonetheless, while they can offer him their advice and opinions, the council members cannot tell him what to do. The priest is not just one member of the council; he is the head and sole deciding agent.
Here at Saint Joseph Church, it is the personal philosophy of our pastor to engage as many people in this ministry. Therefore, he has reinstituted the Pastoral Council, which has not been in existence for many years. Open to other’s opinions and views, consultative in his approach in making decisions, are all hallmarks of his administrative style. Often times he has spoken and written that: "his door, his email and his mind is always open." -
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