What is the Parish Pastoral Council?

The operative word is 'Pastoral'. This is an elected group of parishioners representing the four faith communities of Holy Rosary, St Patrick's, St Mary's and St James'. It is a consultative body, working with the Pastoral Team in areas relating to pastoral activity of the Parish. Within the Parish Pastoral Plan the Parish Pastoral Council has the specific responsibility for "Community Building".

Why have Parish Pastoral Councils?

One of the outcomes of the Second Vatican Council (1960's) was the promotion of the Parish Pastoral Councils as part of the movement towards shared responsibility and shared service. Parish Pastoral Councils are a practical expression of the reality that by reason of our Baptism, every one of us is equal in dignity and responsibility when it comes to living and communicating the love and values of Christ in our world. This can be understood as promoting the Mission of the Church, which is the task of all of us, not just our Church leaders.

The Vatican II's Document on the Laity #26 states: The purpose of Parish Pastoral Councils is to assist the Church's apostolic work

• In the field of making the Gospel known and people holy, and
• In charitable, social and other spheres

What is the role of the Parish Pastoral Council?

The Parish Pastoral Council's role is to :

• Promote the Church's mission to live and communicate the love and values of Christ in the world around us
• Share in the responsibility for the ongoing life and development of the parish community, working together with parishioners to provide support for their efforts to live as followers of Christ.
• and then let go

In what ways are Parish Pastoral Councils implementing their role?

• Listening and gathering information about the hopes, ideas, needs and concerns of parishioners
• Generating responses to the identified issues
• Encouraging and supporting the continuing good work of existing groups within the parish
• Providing opportunities for parishioners to grow in their relationship with God and with each other
• Supporting and encouraging parishioners in their continuing efforts to be a Christian influence in the wider community
• Planning for the future of the parish by setting realistic and achievable short-term and longterm pastoral goals for the parish community within the framework of diocesan priorities
• Overseeing the implementation of these pastoral goals
• Contributing towards making parish decisions that reflect the values of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church
• Providing support for their Pastor, working collaboratively with him and with each other

How long is the term of membership?

In general, the term of membership tends to be for two (2) years with the option of serving a second consecutive term, before standing down for at least one term.

How many people are usually members?

The recommended size for an effective Parish Pastoral Council is approximately 12 members. The Parish Priest must be a member. Usually the Parish Team and parishioners make up the total. Sometimes, there may be one or two ex-officio members e.g. The Catholic School Principal and a member of the Finance Committee.

What qualities are required of pastoral councillors?

• Commitment to Christ and the Church, with a parish community perspective
• Openness to listen and evaluate
• Willingness to work in a team
• Positive and hopeful outlook
• Respect for the efforts of others
• Sufficient time and energy
• Reliability in attendance and tasks undertaken
• Readiness to include others in action
• Loyalty to the Pastor and to one another
• Willingness to serve for a time