Pastoral Council

Pastoral Council

The documents of the Second Vatican Council affirmed that all members of the People of God are called to participate in the threefold ministry of Christ and the Church according to their particular gifts, their state of life, and their office. One of the ways through which the people accept a greater responsibility for the pastoral work of the local church is through participation in a parish's councils and commissions.

While canon law clearly lays responsibility for (and authority over) the teaching, governing and sanctifying work of a parish upon the pastor, he relies upon the advice and assistance of parishioners in accomplishing this work, especially via the parish finance and pastoral councils. (Actually, this responsibility and authority belong to the Bishop, who delegates certain aspects to the pastor.)
 
Canon 536 from the Code of Canon Law states "If the diocesan bishop judges it opportune after he has heard the presbyteral council, a pastoral council is to be established 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. A pastoral council possesses a consultative vote only and is governed by the norms established by the diocesan bishop."

Members of the Pastoral Council include: