PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILPOLICIES AND GUIDELINES

DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2004

A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP GERALD A. GETTELFINGERBISHOP OF EVANSVILLE

“There are a variety of gifts, but always the same Spirit.There are different ministries, but always the same Lord;working in all sorts of different ways in different people, itis the same God who is working in all of them. The particularway in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a goodpurpose.” (1 Cor. 12:4-7)

Our Diocese has maintained parish pastoral councils in most parishes over the pastyears. I am grateful for the generosity and creativity of those who have worked together todevelop Councils which exercise an important role in energizing and unifying our parishes.I appreciate the effort of all the parishioners who share their wisdom and insights for thegood of the parish. I affirm our Pastors and Pastoral Life Coordinators for their efforts toconsult regularly with Council members in arriving at pastoral decisions.

At this time, we are embarking on some new developments in order to encourage afuller utilization of the variety of gifts within the parish. At the 1993 Diocesan Synod, aftermonths of study and consultation, Synod delegates made the following recommendationwhich I ratified:

THE 1993 PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES (MODIFIEDACCORDING TO DELEGATE RECOMMENDATIONS RECEIVED IN JULY-AUGUST,1993) WILL BE THE STANDARD WORKING DOCUMENT FOR THE DIOCESE; INJANUARY 1996, THE FINAL VERSION WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE BISHOPFOR PROMULGATION.

The publication of LET THE SPIRIT SPEAK: PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL POLICIESAND GUIDELINES will be a valuable resource for parish leaders, providing a workablemodel for collaborative decision making and furthering Jesus’ mission through the work ofthe parish. I request that each parish study this document as the basis for the renewal oftheir Council or as a guide for establishing councils in parishes where they do not current-ly exist.

I envision the Parish Pastoral Council as a leadership community which unites inprayer, is open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, listens, studies, and works to recommendthe plans that will enable the parish to fully respond to what God asks of us in these times.Care must be taken to form the relationships that enable honest and effective work.

A second goal for Parish Pastoral Councils was also recommended and ratified by me;namely,

THE DIOCESE IN COLLABORATION WITH PARISH LEADERS WILL DESIGN ANDIMPLEMENT TRAINING FOR PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS,PASTORS/PASTORAL LIFE COORDINATORS AND OTHER LEADERS.

To this end, I have asked the Chancellor to offer inservice formation and educationopportunities and provide additional resource materials to assist parish communities inCouncil formation.

We are all invited to recognize that Christ calls us as a people to share His mission.When we pray and work with each other collaboratively through the ministry of the ParishPastoral Council, we can effectively make the mission and ministry of Jesus a reality today.Let us live with this hope!

Parish Pastoral Council Policies and Guidelines 1

Catholic Diocese of Evansville

Mission Statement

1993

We are Church.

We are alive with the Spirit.

We celebrate the presence of Christ

in Word and Sacrament.

We accept the responsibility to live in union

with God and one another.

We are determined to share our faith.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE


SYNOD GOALS AFFECTINGPARISH PLANNING

LIVING THE FAITHGOAL 1.1:CULTIVATE AMONG ALL CATHOLICS A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SACRA-MENTS OF INITIATION (BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, EUCHARIST) AND THE COMMIT-MENT FLOWING THEREFROM.

GOAL 1.2:FOSTER AMONG ALL CATHOLICS THE REALIZATION THAT CATECHETICAL FORMATIONINCORPORATES THE TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS OF WORD, WORSHIP, COMMUNITY ANDSERVICE AT ALL AGE LEVELS.

GOAL 1.3:ESTABLISH THE DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE AS A TOTAL STEWARDSHIP DIOCESE.

GOAL 1.4:DEVELOP PROCESSES TO DEEPEN FAITH AND PRAYER, AND TO ENCOURAGE ON-GOING CONVERSION OF INDIVIDUALS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE CATHOLIC COM-MUNITY.

GOAL 1.5:FOSTER AN AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OFCATHOLIC BISHOPS’ VISION: “A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE IN CHURCH AND SOCIETY”(1988) AND ITS 1990 PLANNING DOCUMENT.

GOAL 1.6:PROMOTE CHURCH TEACHING THAT PARENTS/GUARDIANS, IN REQUESTING BAPTISMFOR THEIR CHILDREN, HOLD THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CHILDREN’SFAITH FORMATION.

GOAL 1.6A:REAFFIRM THE IMPORTANCE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONPROGRAMS TO ASSIST PARENTS IN THE FAITH FORMATION OF THEIR CHILDREN.

GOAL 1.7:ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAN BISHOPS “TO GIVE HIGH PRIORITY TOADULT FORMATION AS THE CHIEF FORM OF CATECHESIS AT ALL LEVELS OF THECHURCH.”

GOAL 1.8:PROMOTE “A VISION OF YOUTH MINISTRY” WHICH WELCOMES AND FOSTERS THEACTIVE ROLE OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS IN THE LIFE, MISSION, AND WORK OFTHE FAITH COMMUNITY.

GOAL 1.9:SUPPORT CAMPUS MINISTRY AS A VITAL MINISTRY TO ALL WHO ARE INVOLVED INHIGHER EDUCATION.

4 Parish Pastoral Council Policies and Guidelines

FOCUS ON LAY LEADERSHIP GOAL 2.1THE DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE WILL CALL FORTH AND EMPOWER LAY LEADERSHIP TOSERVE AND PROMOTE THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH.

GOAL 2.2THE DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE WILL RESEARCH, DEVELOP, AND IMPLEMENT A LEAD-ERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROCESS WHICH TRAINS AND SUPPORTS LEADERS FOR MIN-ISTRY IN CHURCH LIFE.

GOAL 2.3

THE DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE AND SEEK OUT PER-SONS WITH A VOCATION TO RELIGIOUS AND ORDAINED MINISTRY.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL GUIDELINES TOWARDS A DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLANGOAL 5.1:EVERY PARISH IN THE DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE IS TO HAVE A PARISH PASTORALCOUNCIL APPROPRIATE TO THE PARISH.

GOAL 5.2:THE DIOCESE IN COLLABORATION WITH PARISH LEADERS WILL DESIGN AND IMPLE-MENT TRAINING FOR PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS, PASTORS/PASTORALLIFE COORDINATORS AND OTHER LEADERS.

GOAL 5.3:THE 1993 PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES (MODIFIEDACCORDING TO DELEGATE RECOMMENDATIONS RECEIVED IN JULY-AUGUST, 1993)WILL BE THE STANDARD WORKING DOCUMENT IN THE DIOCESE; IN JANUARY 1996,THE FINAL VERSION WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE BISHOP FOR PROMULGATION.

POLICY ON THE FORMULATION OF DIOCESAN POLICIESGOAL 6.1:INITIATION OF POLICY MATTERS

ALL DIOCESAN POLICY MATTERS WILL ORIGINATE IN THE FOLLOWING WAY: POLICY MATTERS MAY BE SUGGESTED FOR CONSIDERATION BY ANY PERSON ORGROUP IN THE DIOCESE. SUGGESTIONS MAY BE PRESENTED THROUGH/OR INITIAT-ED BY PASTORS, PASTORAL LIFE COORDINATORS, PARISH STAFF, PARISH PASTORALCOUNCILS, DEANERY GROUPS, DIOCESAN STAFF OR ANY OF THE VARIOUS DIOCESANADVISORY BODIES, AND THE BISHOP. SUGGESTIONS MUST BE PRESENTED TO THEDIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IN WRITING AND IN A PRE-SCRIBED FORMAT.

GOAL 6.2:REGULAR POLICY REVIEW

THE DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL SHALL REVIEW DIOCESAN POLICIES ON A REGU-LAR BASIS. THE DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL SHALL REVIEW IMMEDIATELY ANYDIOCESAN POLICY AFFECTED BY NEWLY ENACTED ECCLESIAL LAW TO ENSURE COM-PLIANCE. THE DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL SHALL REVIEW IMMEDIATELY ANYDIOCESAN POLICY AFFECTED BY NEWLY ENACTED CIVIL LAW TO ENSURE COMPLI-ANCE, PROVIDED SUCH LAW IS NOT IN CONFLICT WITH CATHOLIC FAITH ANDMORALS.


DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLEPARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

PREFACEAs prescribed by the Second Vatican Council and set forth inthe Code of Canon Law:

. . .a pastoral council is to be established ineach parish; the pastor presides over it, andthrough it the Christian faithful along withthose who share in the pastoral care of theparish in virtue of their office give theirhelp in fostering pastoral activity.(Canon 536.1).

Parish Pastoral Councils are providing an increasingly impor-tant role in parish life in building Christian Community.

In the pages which follow, a model for all Parish PastoralCouncils for the Diocese of Evansville will be set forth. Theintent and purpose of this document will be to provide overallguidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils while allowing forappropriate individuality within parishes.

Parish Pastoral Councils are vital ministries themselves andserve in a consultative role to their respective Pastors andPastoral Life Coordinators. Their roles are to advise on thevision and direction for the parish, to establish pastoral prior-ities, and to ensure the implementation of those priorities. Infulfilling their mission, Parish Pastoral Councils serve primar-ily as planning and visionary resources and only secondarilyin executive or administrative capacities. The Parish PastoralCouncil “process” is one of decision-making by consensusunlike an organization run on democratic principles withclearly delineated methods for decision-making, authority andcontrol.

While there is clearly a need for organizational structureincluding a constitution and bylaws OR guidelines, ParishPastoral Councils are called to perform their ministries in anatmosphere of prayerful consideration and discernment seek-ing to reach decisions by consensus. The Parish PastoralCouncil itself is a shared ministry of service as well as a visi-ble example of cooperation and trust. The patience and loveshown by Council members for each other should be a sign ofChrist’s presence in the community.

Given the ever-expanding role of Parish Pastoral Councils,the number and kinds of issues to be addressed are consider-able. Providing resources for and ensuring the implementa-tion of various ministries can take on many forms dependingupon the needs, interests, direction and leadership of theparish. Examples of ministries for which Parish PastoralCouncils must take a key accountability for providing are:


Faith Formation/Education, Spiritual Life/Worship, CatholicSocial Mission/Community Outreach, and Administration/Finance. There must be a constant focus on the part of theCouncil on the overall direction of the parish in fulfilling itsmission. The Parish Pastoral Council must continuallyassess the future needs of the parish and provide the leader-ship, resources, enthusiasm, support, encouragement, andvisionary thinking and planning which is so very critical forthe parish mission to be attained, for Christian Community tobe built in the larger sphere of the Catholic Church, and tobring about Christian conversion in the world.

In this document, practical guidelines will be offered for theestablishment and effective functioning of Parish PastoralCouncils. For some Parish Pastoral Councils, the processdescribed herein may be very familiar; many of the expecta-tions quite possibly are already being met. For others, con-siderable, significant change may be required. As parishleadership, Pastors and Pastoral Life Coordinators are chal-lenged to be prepared to take the bold steps required to bringabout these changes.

To seek God’s will, to listen attentively to everyone’s point ofview, to seek wisdom through prayer and discernment, and tostrive for consensus may appear initially to be an exhausting,unnecessary and painstakingly slow process. The model andencouragement for such an approach to functioning effective-ly as a Parish Pastoral Council is Jesus Christ. As describedin 1 Peter 4: 8-11:

Above all, let your love for one another be constant,for love covers a multitude of sins. Be mutuallyhospitable without complaining. As generous dis-tributors of God’s manifold grace, put your giftsat the service of one another, each in the measurereceived. The one who speaks is to deliver God’smessage. The one who serves is to do it with the strength provided by God. Thus in all of you, Godis to be glorified through Jesus Christ: to Him beglory and dominion throughout the ages. Amen.


I. DIOCESAN POLICIES FOR PARISHPASTORAL COUNCILS

Canon 536.1 states: After the diocesan bishop has listened tothe presbyteral council and if he judges it opportune, aPastoral Council is to be established in each parish; thePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator presides over it, and throughit the Christian faithful along with those who share in thepastoral care of the parish in virtue of their office give theirhelp in fostering pastoral activity.

Accordingly, the Diocesan Bishop herewith establishes that:

EVERY PARISH IN THE DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE IS TOHAVE A PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL APPROPRIATE TOTHE PARISH.

To that end, respecting the diversity among parishes, the fol-lowing NORMS for Parish Pastoral Councils are intended topromote a better understanding of the general nature andpurpose of Parish Pastoral Councils and to ensure the basicelements common to all Parish Pastoral Councils in theDiocese of Evansville:

The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body whichshares a serious pastoral responsibility with thePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator and makes appropriaterecommendations for the effectiveness of parish life.

The Parish Pastoral Council shares responsibility for thespiritual development of the parish community and plansways to carry out the mission of the Church.

The Parish Pastoral Council’s recommendations will deal withpastoral plans and policies.

The parish Pastoral Council will not deal with acts ofadministration.

The Parish Pastoral Council is to reach conclusions by aprocess of prayerful discernment and consensus, whilerespecting the canonical authority of the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator as well as civil and church law, and diocesanpolicy.

The Finance/Administration Commission (Council), and allcommissions, committees and organizations are to be part ofthe structure of the Parish Pastoral Council.

The Parish Pastoral Council is to understand and support therelationship of the parish to the Diocese.

The Parish Pastoral Council is to have a formal and visiblestructure with regular meetings, presided over by thePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator,and an established agenda.

Policy

Implementation

Norm 1

Norm 2

Norm 3

Norm 4

Norm 5

Norm 6

Norm 7

Norm 8


Parish Pastoral Council members, except for those who are onthe Council by reason of their office, are to be determined inan appropriate manner which involves participation of theparish community.

Members of the Parish Pastoral Council, except for those whoserve by reason of office, shall have a limited term.

Reports on Parish Pastoral Council actions are to be sharedregularly with the parish community.

Any reorganization of the Parish Pastoral Council is to followthe Diocesan Policies and Guidelines for Parish PastoralCouncils.

A Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator may not dissolve a ParishPastoral Council without the approval of the Bishop.

The Parish Pastoral Council, with the assistance of theDiocese, is to provide an annual orientation and continuousformation for its members.

A current copy of the local Parish Pastoral Council Guidelinesor Constitutions and By-Laws is to be on file in the Chancery.Parishes are to review and evaluate their documents everythree to five years.

Norm 9

Norm 10

Norm 11

Norm 12

Norm 13

Norm 14

Norm 15


II. MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

A. MISSION OF PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

The Parish Pastoral Council, as a consultative body to thePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator, is:

• to provide recommendations for parish priorities,directions, and policies through pastoral planning;

• to promote communications and understandingamong parish organizations and between the parish,the Diocese, and the universal church; and

• to form community as a sign and witness of unity for the larger parish community.

In forming community as a sign and witness, council mem-bers are challenged to ongoing renewal through prayer, study,listening, and dialogue. In developing and recommending pri-orities and directions for the parish, the council strives forfull participation by parishioners in its mission by inviting allto have a voice. The council encourages communication andunderstanding by facilitating dialogue among parish leader-ship and organizations.

Jesus calls Parish Pastoral Council members

Mission of ParishPastoral Councils

To PROCLAIM the Word of the Gospel through

as a community through

for the community through

the Gifts and Talents of theWhole Community through

EVANGELIZATIONFORMATION/EDUCATION

LITURGICALCELEBRATIONS/DEVOTIONSOTHER PUBLIC PRAYER

SERVICE

COLLABORATIVEMINISTRYSTEWARDSHIP

To WORSHIP

To CARE

To SHARE


B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

In carrying out its primary functions, the Parish Pastoral Council should attempt to:

the faith dimension of the com-munity

by articulating the commonmission and developingawareness and dialogue.

by providing leadership,inviting broad participationministry, involving the laitymore intimately in parishlife and in witnessing theirfaith in all circumstancesand situations.

by providing opportunitiesfor councilors to deepentheir relationship withChrist both as individualsand as a community.

by providing opportunities tothe parish for spiritualgrowth for all parishioners.

ENABLE ANDCREATE

SETS VISION for the parish community

to the parish community

by leading a process toarticulate the parish’s mis-sion in a statement whichreflects the mission of Jesusand is relevant to theunique circumstances ofthe parish.

through discerning God’swill for the community,assessing needs, developingpriorities and engaging inplanning.

GIVESDIRECTION

The Parish Pastoral Council carries out its purpose through the following functions:


UNIFY the parish community

the parish to the Diocese andUniversal Church and peopleof the parish to one another

the Parish Community

the council’s faith dimension

by promoting communica-tions and understanding andin some instances coordinat-ing activities and events.

CONNECT

ENERGIZE

BUILD ANDRENEW

III. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Understanding of the critical priorities for a parish is a strug-gle which most Parish Pastoral Councils face. Advisors whohave been studying and working with Parish PastoralCouncils in the United States have tried to describe the idealParish Pastoral Council. The traits they have identified arerooted in the consultative and pastoral nature of ParishPastoral Councils, as provided by The Code of Canon Law (Cf.canons 228, 536, 537).

Thus, a Parish Pastoral Council embodies these attributes:prayerful, pastoral, representative, discerning, prophetic,enabling, and collaborative.

As men and women of faith, Council members are also menand women of prayer. They know how important it is to cen-ter their lives in Christ and shape them through Christ’sexample in the Gospel. Prayer helps persons know whereGod is in their lives. A Parish Pastoral Council needs to praytogether, so that as a leadership group they may draw closerto one another and those whom they serve. Through prayer,Council members come to understand and appreciate moredeeply their ministry - and come to understand the ways inwhich the parish is being called to serve.

Parish Pastoral Council members, along with the Pastor andPastoral Life Coordinator and staff, are asked to help provideways to meet the needs of the community. Together, Counciland other parish members are to be concerned with the bestway to live out the mission and ministry of the parish. Thisasks members to listen carefully and attentively to what oth-ers are saying. Ministering to others is the responsibility ofeveryone. To be pastoral is to be caring.

To be representative means that Council members act in thebest interests of the whole parish. Each member of theCouncil needs to rise above committee or other group loyal-ties if the Council is to assist the pastoral staff in discerninghow best to meet parish needs and how to challenge parish-ioners to live fuller lives in Christ. Each Council member isencouraged to speak up for those who may not be represent-ed on the Council. Being representative means to take seri-ously being the “one bread, one body,” which is Christ.

Discernment, put simply, is detecting the movement of theHoly Spirit in one’s life, family, and community. The Councilneeds to be discerning because it is God’s Spirit that leadsthem forward in the work of building the Reign of God.Discernment is possible when Council members listenprayerfully to the Holy Spirit as they are making recommen-dations and decisions. Matters of major pastoral concern forthe parish community are subject matter for discernment.

A Parish PastoralCouncil is PRAYERFUL

A Parish PastoralCouncil is PASTORAL

A Parish PastoralCouncil is

REPRESENTATIVE


To be prophetic means to see and to have a vision of who thePeople of God are called to be. To be prophetic also means tohave a keen sense of God’s justice for the poor, the disadvan-taged, and the marginalized.

Vatican II helped the understanding that an essential part ofthe Church’s mission is the search for justice in the world.Like Old Testament prophets, Council members need to bringup questions of justice and constantly ask how the parishcommunity is living out God’s Word. Is the parish being awitness to God’s justice for the poor, the homeless, the unem-ployed, the abused, and those without hope? Is the Councilcontinually challenging the whole parish —themselves, otherparishioners, the staff, the Diocese, and the whole Church —to live out Gospel justice?

Each Parish Pastoral Council member is called to grow inChrist’s life and to invite others into the journey. Christ asksus to participate in the teaching, healing, preaching, and wor-shiping ministry. When others are encouraged to use theirgifts to help build the community of faith and take part in thebuilding up of the Church, this is said to be enabling.Council members are offered the opportunity to work withvolunteers.

“Collaboration” essentially means “working together,” and itgoes beyond just the tasks of being an effective ParishPastoral Council. The word should also describe the relation-ship between Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator and Council,the Council and staff, the parish and the diocese. The workof Christ requires that everyone who serves through leader-ship should pursue common goals and values that arise outof the Gospel.

A Parish PastoralCouncil is PROPHETIC

A Parish PastoralCouncil is ENABLING

A Parish PastoralCouncil is

COLLABORATIVE


IV. DEVELOPMENT OF A FORMAL AND VISIBLE STRUCTURE

These Guidelines emphasize faith-filled leadership and chal-lenge Parish Pastoral Council members to become persons ofvision, willing to pray and reflect together, to grow andchange, and to collaborate in shaping the life of the parish.

How a parish develops the specific details will be decided byeach parish. No matter how the structure is developed, it isessential that it can be done with due respect for the gifts,talents, and understandings of the people involved.

The Mission of the parish is the mission of Jesus. Becauseeach parish is unique, the People of God need to reflect on theMission of Jesus and apply it to their local circumstances.The following questions may be of help in developing a ParishMission Statement:

1. Who are we as a faith community?2. What is the message of Jesus in our lives?3. How do we respond to the dynamism of the living Spirit

in our lives, in our family, in our communityand in the broader world?

The response of the people of your parish to these questionsis the Mission Statement for both the parish and the ParishPastoral Council. The Parish Mission Statement is stated atthe beginning of the Constitution or Guidelines.

The Parish Pastoral Council will be concerned with the totalstewardship of the parish, including time, talent, and trea-sure, in carrying out its mission in unity with the Diocese anduniversal Church. This particular assembly of the People ofGod is called the Parish Pastoral Council of (name of parish).Its goals are to respond to the movement of the Spirit withinthe parish; to work for a unified mission among its members;and to help parish leadership plan, coordinate, and evaluatethe pastoral goals of the parish.

A. To provide an open, honest, and representative forum forfull and free discussion of pastoral matters so thatconsensus among the parish community may be achieved.

B. To act as representatives of the parish community,making known their needs and aspirations.

C. To assist the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator informulating and implementing policies.

D. To assist the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator to planand set pastoral goals and priorities in response to theexpressed needs and aspirations of the parishcommunity.

E. To call upon appropriate parish committees, ministrygroups and organizations to implement pastoral goals andpriorities.

2. GOALS ANDOBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVES

1. THE MISSIONSTATEMENT OF THE

PARISH


F. To coordinate and evaluate the direction of all parishorganizations in light of the goals and prioritiesdecided upon.

G. To provide Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator with aCouncil consensus regarding the annual parish budgetprepared by the Finance/Administration Commission(Council), in light of the stated goals and priorities.

H. To seek consensus of the Council on contemporaryreligious, ethical and social justice issues and form aunited voice with the Bishop and Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator in speaking about them in the public forum.

I. To collaborate with the Diocesan Pastoral Council byinitiating and/or supporting positive action for thecommon good of the Church, i.e.: participating in theRegional and Diocesan Assembly, etc. (included in lightof potential future developments)

J. To initiate and support, with the Bishop andPastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator, positive action for thecommon good of the Church, other religious bodies andthe broader community.

The Parish Pastoral Council is consultative to the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator as provided for in Canon 536.1.

The Parish Pastoral Council receives its formal mandate fromthe Bishop. The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator shareshis/her responsibility for achieving the pastoral mission ofthe parish in accord with Diocesan policies.

The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator, with the Parish PastoralCouncil, has the responsibility for the administration and theministry of the parish. This responsibility is given by theBishop of Evansville and the Canon Law of the Church.

Although a member of the Council, the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator has, by reason of office, the unique responsibilityand authority to ratify all that is done by the Council. In rareinstances, and for serious reasons, the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator may reach a decision which is different from theCouncil and may ask the Council to reconsider its action.

In this instance, the Council will review its action and thepastoral reasons for the disagreement at its next regularmeeting. If the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator and theCouncil cannot resolve differences in such serious matters,the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator with the CouncilChairperson may seek to resolve the issue by referring thematter to the Bishop of Evansville.

The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator of the parish, because ofhis/her role of pastoral leadership, presides over the ParishPastoral Council.

3. SCOPE OFAUTHORITY

4. MEMBERS


There are three types of members on the Council: ex officio,appointed and selected. Service on the Council is a specialministry to the parish. Parish Council members need tounderstand themselves as ministers of service to the parishcommunity. Members are (1) baptized and confirmed RomanCatholics in good standing in the Church; (2) persons whosupport and enable parish life; (3) persons willing to partici-pate in ongoing formation; (4) people of prayer trying tounderstand and live God’s will.

The term of membership will be for three years, with each termbeginning on August 1. Members may serve no more than twoconsecutive terms. Provision should be made for rotation ofterms so that there are new members joining the Council eachyear, with some experienced members remaining.

The nature of the discussions and actions taken by the ParishPastoral Council calls for faithful attendance at all regularmeetings. If a member has two consecutive unexcusedabsences, his/her continuation on the Council is to bereviewed by the Executive Committee.

Professional staff persons may serve the Council as resourcepersons only. They may give reports to the Council regardingstatus and needs of specific areas of service. They do not par-ticipate in decisions.

The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator of the parish serves asPresident of the Parish Pastoral Council, a separate and dis-tinct office from the Chairperson (see Glossary: President).

The Council will have a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson andSecretary. These officers will be selected by the Council priorto June 1 and serve for a term of one year beginning August1. They may be selected for a second term.

The Executive Committee consists of, but is not necessarilylimited to, the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator, theChairperson, the Vice-Chairperson and the Secretary.

These officers will be selected by the Council prior to June 1and serve for a term of one year beginning August 1. Theymay be selected for a second term.

- Sets the agenda prior to the regular Parish PastoralCouncil Meeting.

- Directs the Council Secretary to provide copies of theagenda, resolutions for action, minutes of theprevious regular Council meeting and Committeereports to the Council members at least 3 days priorto the next meeting.

- Requests Committee budgets for the parish FinanceCommission (Council).

- Evaluates the quality of Council meetings regardingenvironment, participation, process and content.

- Approves and facilitates group planning, coordination andcohesion of the Council.

The ExecutiveCommittee (optional)

5. OFFICERS

ExecutiveCommittee: Roles and

Responsibilities


- Plans and coordinates all special meetings of the Council: spiritual, social and educational.Special or ad hoc Committees of the Council may beappointed as needed, including a Selection Committeewith a written charge including beginning andending dates.

A Special Committee shall:1. Gather information.2. Recommend ways to address matters referred to it by

the Parish Pastoral Council.3. Automatically cease to exist on presentation of its

final report to the Council.

- Participates in Council discussions and decisions.- Serves as a member of the Executive Committee if

applicable.- May call Special Meetings as deemed necessary.- Gives a “Pastor’s Report” at each meeting, including

relevant internal or Diocesan developments affectingthe parish.

- Is an “ex officio” member of any or all Standing andSpecial Committees of the Parish Pastoral Council.

- Ratifies or declines to ratify all decisions of the Councilin writing.

- Officially promulgates all ratified actions of the Council.

- Conducts all regular and special meetings of the ParishCouncil.

- Conducts Executive Committee meetings if applicable.- Participates as an individual in Council discussions and

decisions.- Makes special appointments as authorized by the

Constitution.- May be an “ex officio” member of any or all

Commissions and Special Committees of the ParishPastoral Council.

- Contacts members who have two consecutive unexcusedabsences and informs the Executive Committee of theirstatus.

- Assumes the duties of the Chairperson in his/her absence.

- Serves as a member of the Executive Committee ifapplicable.

- Participates as an individual in Council discussions anddecisions.

- Makes special appointments as authorized by theConstitution.

- Maintains an attendance record of all Councilmembership, noting those absent and bringing to theChairperson’s attention those members missing.

- Keeps an accurate record of all minutes of the Council atthe regular and special meetings or sessions.

OFFICERS: Roles andResponsibilities

President —Pastor/Pastoral

Life Coordinator

Vice-Chairperson

Council Secretary

Chairperson


- Publishes the minutes of the Parish Pastoral Councilmeetings and provides secretarial assistance to theCouncil as deemed appropriate.

- Participates as an individual in Council discussions anddecisions, if elected as a member of the Council.

A. Ex-officio members:

1. The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator, AssociatePastor(s).

2. Attend all Council meetings and participate asindividuals in Council discussion and decisions.

B. Appointed Commission representatives selected/discernedin any one of the following ways:

1. Chairperson appointed by the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator; or,

2. The Chairperson or another member of the Commissionserved selected/discerned by and from themembers of the Commission.

C. Selected Parish Pastoral Council Members discerned inany one of the following ways:

1. Discerned according to size of parish: e.g., onerepresentative for a designated number offamilies, persons or envelope holders; or,

2. Discerned by geographic area of population density;or,

3. Discerned to provide true representation of allsegments and groups of the parish; or,

4. Selected by and from the parish at-large by aplurality vote of the parish members.

Selected/discerned members of the Parish Pastoral Councilmay serve their terms in one of the following ways:

1. One three year term followed by at least one year offcouncil; or,

2. Two successive terms of three years each followed byat least three years off council; or,

3. Two successive terms of two years each.

Premature termination of Council Membership: It is theParish Pastoral Council’s responsibility to see that its mem-bers fulfill their duties fully and completely. Provision for apremature termination of Council membership (e.g., in thecase of a member’s habitual absence from Council meetingsor moving, etc.) should be included in the Council guidelines.

These Guidelines for Roles and Responsibilities are intendedas a model. Some parishes use few bylaws, while others pre-

6. SELECTION OFCOUNCIL MEMBERS

A Parish PastoralCouncil includes:

7. TERMS OF OFFICE

8. COMMISSIONS

Guidelines For Roles andResponsibilities


fer a detailed description of roles and responsibilities. Whilethese roles and responsibilities may vary from parish toparish, an understanding of them contributes to the successof ministry both on the Parish Pastoral Council and withinthe parish.

- are the working bodies of the Parish Pastoral Councilthrough which the pastoral goals of the parish areimplemented.

- provide a means of wider representation and participationin the life and mission of the Church.

- maintain communication on three levels by:1. Acting as an authentic and representative voice of

the Council and the people of God.2. Providing open and honest dialogue regarding parish

and committee affairs.3. Collaborating with other committees and

organizations for the common good of theparish community.

- provide the channel through which the people of theparish can make requests and/or observations.

- maintain communication with the Diocesan Officethat directly pertains to the ministry of theCommission.

- encourage active participation of all parishioners in the service of the Lord.

- should cover the following areas: Faith Formation/Education, Spiritual Life/Worship, Catholic SocialMission/Community Outreach, andFinance/Administration.

Each parish will determine the Commissions that will bestserve the needs of their respective parish community. TheseCommissions and their descriptions are to be included in theguidelines or constitution and by-laws of the particularParish Pastoral Council. Some of the more essentialCommissions and their responsibilities are included in thisdocument.

The Parish Pastoral Council is challenged to develop andmaintain a ministerial balance in its structuring ofCommissions. The Commission structure should emphasizeand reflect the Mission of the parish and the entire scope ofpastoral concerns:

To proclaim the Word of the Gospel To worship as a community To care for the community through serviceTo share gifts and talents of the whole community as

stewards

Commissions


To ensure stability and clear communication between parish-es and the Diocese, each parish will strive for at least fourbasic Commissions:

Faith Formation/EducationSpiritual Life/WorshipCatholic Social Mission/Community OutreachFinance/Administration

Some larger parishes may have additional Commissions, suchas Communications and Parish Activities. Because parishesin the Diocese of Evansville vary in size and make-up, eachParish Pastoral Council should implement these guidelines tofit its specific needs. Whatever number of Commissions areestablished beyond the basic four, it is important to foster asense of cooperation among all Commissions.

The Commissions function as channels through which theCouncil implements parish mission goals, objectives and pro-grams. Through Commissions the planned pastoral ministriesof the parish are implemented.

A Commission may need to establish various committees.For example, the Catholic Social Mission/CommunityOutreach might have two committees: one concerned withdirect service to persons in need, and the other addressingjustice and peace education in the parish. The Finance/Administration Commission might have one committee con-cerned with parish finances and the annual budget, andanother committee concerned with buildings, grounds andmaintenance of the parish facilities.

For continuity in the parish, all organizations, committees,and sub-committees are to affiliate with one or more of theParish Pastoral Council Commissions without jeopardy totheir individual autonomy. This will help groups to worktogether and share resources. All existing organizations andgroups adhere to the policies of the Parish Pastoral Council inmatters which affect the parish.

This Commission is to address the educational mission of theentire parish community: adults, young persons, and chil-dren. Passing on our faith tradition is of great importance.The commission may recommend the development of newprograms, updating of current ministries and programs, andadoption of policies which enhance the educational mission ofthe Church. The School Board is an integral part of theParish Pastoral Council and functions as a part of thisCommission. (Note: Work on the School Boards will take placeafter the Synod to allow in-put from parish schools and con-solidated schools.)This approach assures that all members of the parish areserved educationally, according to their needs, at a particulartime in their lives.

RECOMMENDEDRESPONSIBILITIES

FaithFormation/Education

Commission


Since this Commission is concerned for the development ofquality learning for all persons in the parish, under the lightof faith and the Gospel precepts, close collaboration with allgroups concerned with faith formation is recommended.

Some Areas of responsibility:Adult Religious EducationCatholic SchoolsReligious EducationSpecial Education (SPRED)Youth MinistryYoung Adult MinistryCampus Ministry

For assistance, information, and resources, contact theDiocesan Offices for:

SchoolsReligious EducationYouth and Young Adult MinistryCampus MinistryMissions

This Commission is to initiate and coordinate the ParishPastoral Council’s ministry of helping persons grow in faith.This Commission gives special attention to how the parishcommunity worships and celebrates the Liturgy, how thecommunity welcomes new members, and how family life isstrengthened in the parish.

Since this Commission is concerned with spiritual formationfor all persons in the parish, under the light of faith and theGospel precepts, close collaboration with the FaithFormation/Education Commission is necessary.

Areas of Responsibility:Adult Faith DevelopmentEcumenismEvangelizationFamily LifeLiturgy and WorshipRite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)Small Christian CommunitiesVocationsParish Community SpiritSingle Adults

For assistance, information, and resources, contact theDiocesan Offices for:

VocationsFamily LifeWorship and RCIA Steering CommitteeReligious EducationStewardship and DevelopmentMissions

Spiritual Life/WorshipCommission


This Commission is responsible for the areas of social con-cern and justice. The purpose of this commission is toinvolve parishioners in social justice issues within the parishcommunity and in the larger world community and to seekout and serve the needs of the elderly, the homeless, the hun-gry, the forgotten, and the victims of discrimination.Education is very important in this work because awarenessand knowledge must precede effective involvement.

Areas of responsibility:Human Services (Direct Service)St. Vincent de PaulPeace and Justice (Social Action)Health Care MinistryDay Care for Infants/Young Children

For assistance, information, and resources, contact:Catholic Charities BureauMission OfficeSocial Action or Social Services office in your cityCounty AgenciesSt. Vincent de PaulDetention MinistryBoy and Girl ScoutsHealth Care CommissionMinistry to the DeafRural Life

The Finance/Administration Commission is a Commission ofthe Parish Pastoral Council in accordance with Canon 537.Its primary function is to assist the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator in the preparation of the yearly budget for reviewand approval by the Parish Pastoral Council.

This Commission is to sustain the mission and the ongoingdevelopment of the parish community by providing the neces-sary administrative and financial skills. Working closely withthe Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator, who is accountable forthe administration of the parish, this Commission concernsitself with all parish resources, the Catholic ParishesCampaign, the annual parish budget, parish support, and theeffective use and maintenance of parish facilities. The collab-oration of this Commission with the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator, the parish staff, and the Parish Pastoral Councilis intended to free the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator forhis/her role of spiritual leadership.

Areas of responsibility:Buildings and GroundsFinancePreparation of the annual parish budget

For assistance, information, and resources, contact theDiocesan Offices of:

Stewardship and DevelopmentTreasurerChancery

See Appendix C for further information.

Finance/AdministrationCommission (Council)

(Cf. Appendix C)

Catholic SocialMission/Community

Outreach Commission


Parish Pastoral Councils have internal concerns affectingtheir work. They also need research and information on cur-rent and future matters which are not part of a committeeresponsibility. Such needs require an Ad Hoc or special com-mittee appointed by the Executive Committee or aCommission Chairperson. Such Ad Hoc committees will begiven a very specific charge in writing which includes begin-ning and ending dates for a project.

A Selection Committee consisting of three to five membersmay be appointed by the Council from Council membership.A Chairperson of the Selection Committee is a member of theParish Pastoral Council who is not seeking nomination at thetime. Council members who are seeking to continue serviceshould not be on the Selection Committee. The SelectionCommittee shall be responsible for all matters concerningParish Pastoral Council nominations and selection/discern-ment.

Three selection methods or a combination are recommended:1) Council members may be nominated from the parish com-munity and voted upon by same, or 2) the discernmentprocess may be used to select new Council members from theparish at-large, or 3) parishioners who are willing to serve onthe Parish Pastoral Council may submit their names, a photoand brief biography at the time that the Parish PastoralCouncil selection is announced. Of the three methods, dis-cernment is preferred.

The “called by name” process is an example of parish-widediscernment. This is a process where on a given Sunday,members of the congregation identify and name persons whoare felt to be good candidates to represent the parish commu-nity on the Council. It is helpful if those who are namingpossible candidates also include two or three qualities thatthey recognize in the person they are recommending. ASelection Committee contacts those recommended and sharesthe qualities mentioned. After some reflection recommendeesare asked their willingness to serve on the Council. All thosewho are willing are called together for a group experience ofsharing gifts and willingness to serve. A Selection Committeefacilitates and listens to the candidates. All pray together forwisdom and discernment of God’s will for the parish commu-nity. A Selection Committee meets following this session anddraws up a list of potential Council members to present to theentire Council. The Council recommends new members tothe Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator.

This process eliminates many of the drawbacks of other typesof selection processes. For one, this method eliminates theproblem of having a loser. It also eliminates the problem thatmany people will not “run” for the Parish Pastoral Counciland the ones who do might have a personal agenda that maynot be in the best interests of the parish.

Special Committees

9. PROCESS FORMEMBERSHIP


When done correctly in prayerful discernment, the personappointed by the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator will notnecessarily be the most popular, the smartest, the most out-going or the most active volunteer. Rather, he/she will be theperson who parishioners think can best lead them and reflectthe concerns of the whole parish.

Vacancies on the Parish Pastoral Council should be filled byreplacements to serve unexpired terms. Vacancies can befilled in any one of the following ways:

1. The next nominee in the last discernment may be askedto complete the unexpired term; or,

2. A special selection may be held to fill the vacancy; or,3. Appointment by a consensus of the Parish Pastoral

Council from the parish at large; or,4. In the case of the Chairperson of the Council, the

Vice-Chairperson may fill the position; or,5. A new Chairperson may be discerned by the Council; or,6. In the case of a Committee representative, appointed at

the recommendation of the Committee represented.

The Parish Pastoral Council will have regular meetings. TheCouncil will normally meet monthly. An ExecutiveCommittee will set the place, date and time of the meetings.Special meetings may be called by the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator and/or the Chairperson. Parish PastoralCouncils may also choose to meet quarterly for a longer peri-od of time.

In order for decisions/actions of a Council meeting to be con-sidered official, the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator with amajority of members (50% or more) must be present for thediscussion and deliberation.

A Parish Pastoral Council Meeting typically includes:

Prayer and Reflection: It is important to make prayer anintegral part of the Council gathering. It is notjust the “opening prayer” to get to the business athand; rather it is a time to deepen relationships withChrist, to apply the Gospel to the work of theCouncil, to discern directions for parish ministry,and to grow together in faith. Sufficient time should beprovided for this kind of prayer. Responsibility forpreparing the prayer and reflection should berotated among the Council members.

Action Items: Since planning is important to parishleadership, the Council discusses pastoral issues, concerns and questions related to parish pastoralgoals. The agenda is to be sent in advance of the meeting.

Reports: Committee reports on programs, activities andprojects are reviewed. It is best if these are given tothe Council in writing in advance of the meeting anddealt with only after action items are agreed upon.

11. MEETINGS

10. FILLING VACANCIES


Formation: In addition to initial orientation, Councilmembers need ongoing formation to further understandthe Council’s work and areas of responsibility. Theeducational part of the meeting can be varied andinteresting. Study and discussion might include a partof the “Parish Pastoral Council Policies and Guidelines”,a Church document, Small Christian Communitystudy guides, a guest speaker or a video tape. Formation may also be planned at other times.

Public Forum: The Parish Pastoral Council meeting is to be open for anyone to attend. A time may beincluded, at the discretion of the Chairperson, forguests to address the Council on issues of concern tothe parish provided the Chairperson has been notified inadvance. The Council listens, but does not discuss thematter until a future meeting.

Review of the Meeting: Each member is asked to givehis/her impressions of the meeting. This is asimple type of evaluation.

The Parish Pastoral Council should strive for the greatestdegree of consensus on all its recommendations.

Consensus is a group process in which each Council memberexpresses his/her wisdom on a matter proposed for decision.The process is characterized by each member of the Councillistening carefully to all the other members with an attitude ofopenness to the individual member’s unique perspective onthe subject of the discussion.

CONSENSUS DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN TOTALAGREEMENT. It is a decision which everyone on the Councilcan gracefully accept and support. The Chairperson deter-mines whether there is true consensus reached, or whetherfurther clarification and discussion is needed to reach con-sensus.

Within its consultative role, the Council is ultimately respon-sible for the action of any Parish Pastoral CouncilCommissions. Following the principle of subsidiarity and toavoid a review process on each decision, the Council shallestablish a process to review and approve the annual goals,objectives and programs of the Commissions, possibly withmodifications, as reflective of the Parish Mission Statement.The Commission will then be free to operate on matters with-in its plan. Departures from the plan, or matters not includ-ed when the plan was developed, are subject to review by theCouncil.

12. PARISHPASTORAL COUNCIL

CONSULTATIVEPROCESS


Amendments to the Constitution or Guidelines may be intro-duced by the Council members at a regular meeting of theCouncil; however, the amendment is to be submitted in writ-ing. Consensus on amendments shall not take place until thenext regular meeting of the Council. Each amendment to theconstitution will require a consensus of the Council in orderto be adopted.

The parish community will be informed of any changes in theConstitution and the rationale for such changes will beshared with them.

13. AMENDMENTS



Model I: P

arish

Pasto

ral C

ouncil C

om

missio

ns a

nd R

ela

ted G

roups

Paris

hPasto

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Spiritu

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missio

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per p

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choice

Faith

Form

atio

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tion

Com

missio

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Cath

olic

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n/

Com

munity

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ach

Com

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RC

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Relig

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Sch

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Board

Ste

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Fin

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Parish

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Food

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CPC

Build

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unds

Note 1

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gelization

and

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erspectiv

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rainin

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is goal.

Note 2

: Th

e Com

mittees an

d S

ub-co

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ittees (smaller circles) are o

nly

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as exam

ples. T

here m

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Cem

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Vocatio

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Model II: P

aris

h P

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ral C

ouncil C

om

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sio

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Paris

hPasto

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Fin

ance

/A

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choice

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Form

atio

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tion

Com

missio

n

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olic

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l Missio

n/

Com

munity

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ach

Com

missio

n

Note 1

: It is assum

ed th

at Evan

gelization

and

a Fam

ily P

erspectiv

e will p

ermeate ev

ery C

om

missio

n/C

om

mittee. T

rainin

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elp realize th

is goal.


Model III: P

arish

with

out S

chool —

Pasto

ral C

ouncil C

om

missio

ns a

nd R

elated

Gro

ups

Paris

hPasto

ral

Council Spiritu

al L

ife/

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om

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Fin

ance

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tion

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missio

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per p

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tion

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missio

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olic

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l Missio

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Com

munity

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ach

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missio

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RC

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Spiritu

al

Life

Relig

ious

Ed

Parish

Deve

lop-

ment

Food

Pantry

Parish

Endow

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ent

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Build

ings

and

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unds

Ste

ward

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rgy

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RED

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Note 1

: It is assum

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gelization

and

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ily P

erspectiv

e will p

ermeate ev

ery C

om

missio

n/C

om

mittee. T

rainin

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is goal.

Note 2

: Th

e Com

mittees an

d S

ub-co

mm

ittees (smaller circles) are o

nly

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etery

Vocatio

ns

V. APPENDICES

Discernment is to seek understanding and insight andcome to know the will of God in a particular situation. It isan attempt to detect the movement of the Holy Spirit so as tocarry out the mission of the Church in accord with Churchteaching.

An attitude of discernment is important in the governanceof the Church. To remain true to God’s will requires listeningto the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent to the People of God asGuide and Comforter. Listening involves a certain willingnessto surrender one’s own good for the good of the whole; one’sown will for God’s will. We pray “Thy will be done on earth asit is in heaven.”

A discerning parish continually asks the questions: Dothe oppressed have a voice here? Do the unborn have a voicehere? Is this in accord with the Church teaching? Is this inaccord with Jesus’ teaching? Do the poor and outcast have avoice here? Do the generations who follow have a voice here?A great deal of discernment must be done before any majordecisions are made to determine the needs and wants of thecommunity in light of the teachings of the Church.Discernment takes quality time.

The discernment process is to be used in the functioningof the Parish Pastoral Council. Praying for discernmentbefore each meeting is important because it sets the tone ofthe meeting. It is the members’ responsibility to discern theneeds and wants of the parish community especially remem-bering the needs of those who have no voice. The process ofdiscernment requires the Council members to be adaptable,open to a spirit of compromise, and be willing to change theirminds. This process is especially helpful when there is amajor parish change to be decided or a plan of action to beinitiated. In the discernment process, Council members areencouraged to express their opinion as to how they interpretthe answer in light of the discerning process. Each personhas unique gifts which need to be used if the Council is to bea discerning body.

Discernment has several benefits:

* Community building* Sense of solidarity* Faith orientation* Everyone wins

Discernment may be hindered if personal agendas are notput aside and if time is not allotted for prayer, study, andreflection around the issue.

APPENDIX A

DISCERNMENT


Sometimes in the middle of a meeting, a pause for prayerfor discernment might be appropriate. This process is helpfulwhen there is division or an impasse among the Councilmembers. A time out period for seeking God’s will about aparticular issue will often times result in a compromise and anew way of looking at the problem. The Parish PastoralCouncil is challenged to be an example to the parish thateven though they have differing opinions they can, throughprayerful discernment and an appreciation of each other’sgifts, make decisions which are compatible with God’s will forthe parish.

The process of discernment, initially learned on a commu-nity or parish level and practiced in the Parish PastoralCouncil and Commission meetings, can be of great help to thefaithful on a personal or family level. Praying and seekingGod’s will through the discernment process should be carriedout at all levels of the community’s faith life.


1) A proposal is submitted in writing well in advance of themeeting at which it will be discussed so that materials canbe distributed to Council members who can read and for-mulate an opinion before the meeting. Backgroundmaterials, data and other information shouldaccompany a proposal.

Or, present proposal at the meeting, with backgroundmaterial,data and other pertinent information.

2) Council members listen to the proposal with the supportingdocuments. No questions or discussions should take placeuntil presentation is complete. (Council members shouldnote questions or points for discussion).

3) Opinions of members are expressed. If the Chairpersonsenses agreement then the question may be asked, e.g. “Dowe have a consensus that _____________?”(restate proposal).If not, then have a brief prayer/reflection for a commitmentto group decision-making, then move on to the discussion.

4) Members of the Council strive to seek common groundrather than compete with each other’s opinions. TheCouncil’s task becomes taking what appears to be conflictand turning it into an advantage. The Chairperson’sresponsibility is to “manage” the process so all membersare heard and an atmosphere of cooperation prevails.

5) If after all opinions are initially offered and consensus isnot reached, then alternate proposals can be offered. Inthis step of communal dialogue, the group searches out themost acceptable solution. All ideas need to be given fairconsideration.

6) The Chairperson identifies all points of agreements or dis-agreements as members share pros, cons, problems,insights and options. Each of these should move the grouptoward a decision. Debate or repetition of already-statedpositions is not discouraged since the SPIRIT may be pre-sent in a single voice.

*Note that members are expected to disagree on occasion,but that does not give them the right to become disagree-able, argumentative or unkind. On the other hand, openand honest communication is necessary to develop consen-sus and one should not “agree” with the majority just toavoid conflict. It may become necessary to enter intoprayer and remain in touch with the Holy Spirit.

7) After all members have had an opportunity to express theirwisdom and options, then a common conclusion can bemade.

APPENDIX B

GUIDELINES FORCONSENSUS/

DISCERNMENT


When the Chairperson feels the group has reached a levelof agreement and support, he/she articulates the consen-sus that is present, and presents the decision that hasbeen shaped and reshaped by the group.

. If the Chairperson feels that substantial disagreement stillexists, then a decision may be postponed. Further informa-tion may be needed. Important questions to move the dis-cussion to a conclusion could be: “Can everyone live withthis decision?” “What is preventing you from supportingthis decision?”

8) When the Chairperson confirms that a consensus has beenreached, the decision needs to be restated for affirmationby the group and recorded in the minutes. No further dis-cussion is allowed at this point. A prayer of thanksgivingis appropriate.


Attention to the right use of the Church’s goods is arequirement of justice and an indispensable aid in furtheringthe Church’s mission. The parish resources which supportparish life represent the contributions of parishioners andother sources in the community. Aside from the legal liabilityinvolved, there is an accountability and responsibility theparish owes its people. The parish needs to be true tothat trust and to maintain credibility with parishionersand society.

The Parish Finance/Administration Commission is a con-sultative body which unites laity and clergy in a communityof prayer, leadership, service, and financial planning. AllCouncilors work together as they seek to listen to the HolySpirit in discerning what is best for the parish in the light ofthe Gospel, the Church’s teaching, the parish pastoral plan,and the experiences and needs of parishioners and the sur-rounding community. The Commission can fulfill its role byencouraging a climate in which people can feel free to speakthe truth with love and openness.

The Commission’s recommendations deal with financialplans and policies and not with ordinary matters of day-to-day administration. This is an important distinction.

A financial policy or plan:• sets a basic direction and selects the best strategies to pro-

mote this direction;• provides a guide for future actions, particularly in areas

that impact upon parish finances;• provides clear direction while allowing room for creative,

flexible action by those who will implement policies.

In order to be effective in their work, the members of theFinance/Administration Commission need to have completeaccess to all records and documents relating to the financialstatus of the parish and its activities, always respecting theconfidential nature of individual records.

Ordinary administration includes the implementation ofplans and policies, parish programming, and personnel mat-ters. Decisions relating to ordinary administration are theresponsibility of the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator or thestaff, committee or other persons designated by thePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator. These decisions include thedevelopment and use of ordinary administrative plans, struc-tures and procedures, which are distinct from the broaderfinancial policies and plans addressed by the ParishFinance/Administration Commission.

Every parish of the Diocese of Evansville is to have aFinance/Administration Commission (Council).

APPENDIX C

FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION

COMMISSION NORMSAND GUIDELINES

ParishFinance/Administration

Commission Norms

NORM 1


The Parish Finance/Administration Commission is a consul-tative body which makes recommendations to thePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator.

The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator is to preside over theParish Finance/Administration Commission.

The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator is to consult the ParishFinance/Administration Commission on matters of majorfinancial concern.

The purpose of the Finance/Administration Commission is toaid the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator in the administrationof parish goods.

The members of the Parish Finance/AdministrationCommission are to include persons with skills in finance,administration, and law.

The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator is to appoint the mem-bers of the Parish Finance/Administration Commission.

Members of the Parish Finance/Administration Commissionshall have a limited term.

Like other Commissions, the Parish Finance/AdministrationCommission is to develop cooperative relationships with theParish Pastoral Council and other groups in the parish.

The Parish Finance/Administration Commission may formcommittees to help implement objectives approved by theParish Pastoral Council.

In the recently revised Code of Canon Law, the Church isrequiring each parish to organize a Parish Finance Council.In Canon #537, the Code offers the following instructions:

“In each parish there is to be a finance council to helpthe parish priest in the administration of the goods ofthe parish.

It is ruled by universal law and by the norms laid downby the Diocesan Bishop,

and it is comprised of members of the Faithful selectedaccording to these norms.”

In keeping with the directives of the revised Code of CanonLaw, the Diocese presents the following policies for the orga-nization and operation of the Parish Finance Commission(Council). In the Diocese of Evansville, this is a group with adistinct function which serves in a cooperative relationshipwith the Parish Pastoral Council. Both Councils are con-cerned with the life and mission of the parish. The ParishFinance Council will be called Finance/AdministrationCommission in order to illustrate the integration of all thecommissions with the Parish Pastoral Council.

1. The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator represents the parishin all juridic affairs in accord with Diocesan Norms andsees that the goods of the parish are administered in

NORM 2

NORM 3

NORM 4

NORM 5

NORM 6

NORM 7

NORM 8

NORM 9

NORM 10

A. GENERAL FUNCTIONS


accord with Canons 1281-1288 (Canon 532). ThePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator is ultimately responsiblefor all legal, business, and administrative matters of theparish.

2. As an area of mission or standing Commission of theParish Pastoral Council, the Finance/AdministrationCommission (Council) shall offer its technical expertise onthe administration of parish finances and all materialgoods belonging to the parish.

3. The Commission is to aid and advise the Pastor/PastoralLife Coordinator concerning the administration of parishgoods within the limits of the Code of Canon Law and thedirectives of the Bishop.

4. For acts of extraordinary administration (expenditures inexcess of $10,000) the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinatorneeds to consult the Council and to obtain the consent ofthe Bishop.

5. The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator is responsible for thefinal approval of Commission recommendations concern-ing financial plans and policies, any consultation withother persons or groups deemed necessary, and for theimplementation by parishioners and parish staff. Whilemaintaining a presiding role, the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator may also delegate another staff member towork with the Commission based upon their experienceand skills with administration and finance matters.

1. The membership of the Commission is to consist of at leastthree members in addition to the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator. The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator shallappoint these members following consultation with theParish Pastoral Council. The chairperson of theCommission is a member of the Parish Pastoral Council.The members should possess a working knowledge offinancial affairs.

It is the ordinary practice to have parishioners serve asmembers of the Commission. In some cases, however,because of the skills they offer, Finance/AdministrationCouncilors may be Catholics from other parishes or per-sons of other faith traditions. For parishes with a school,at least one member of the Commission is to be a personknowledgeable in the area of school finance. ThePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator presides over theFinance/Administration Commission.

When considering candidates for the Commission, theparish leadership is to be sensitive to potential conflicts ofinterest. In the event that a conflict should later arise fora member of the Finance/Administration Commission,dialogue should take place as to the appropriate mannerof handling the situation. In all cases, the Pastor/PastoralLife Coordinator has the final responsibility for definingthe controls around the apparent conflict of interest.

B. MEMBERSHIP


2. Members of the Finance/Administration Commission areto be appointed for three (3) year terms with at least onemember’s term expiring each year. Thus, if four membersare initially appointed to the Commission, one memberwould require a one (1) year appointment, a second mem-ber would require a two (2) year appointment and a thirdmember would be appointed for a three (3) year term. Thefourth member could be appointed for one, two or threeyears but preferably would receive a three year appoint-ment.

Following these initial appointments, succeeding memberswould be named to three (3) year terms. Members may beappointed for one additional three (3) year term.

The responsibilities of the Parish Finance/Administrationcommission shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1. The Commission shall meet no less than four (4) times ayear or more frequently if required.

2. The Commission shall assist the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator in the preparation of a yearly budget ofincome and expenditures for the review and approval ofthe Parish Pastoral Council. This budget is to be pre-pared prior to the beginning of each fiscal year in accordwith Diocesan fiscal policies.

3. The Commission will integrate the budget planning withthe goal-setting process of the Parish Pastoral Council toinsure that financial resources and parish goals are com-patible.

4. The Commission shall review the parish income andexpense report no less than twice a year and recommendways to maintain or increase revenues to meet parishand diocesan goals and priorities.

5. The Commission shall assist the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator in the preparation of an annual financialreport of income and expenditures for dissemination tothe parishioners. This financial statement shall be dis-tributed to the parishioners no later than 90 days follow-ing the close of each fiscal year. The Code of CanonLaw, Canon 1284, requires an annual report.

6. An annual financial report following the format and timelimits provided by the Diocesan Treasurer, shall be sub-mitted by the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator overhis/her signature and the signature of at least two otherCommission members.

7. The Commission will establish a program of job classifica-tion and salary administration for all employees and helpto develop a personnel policy which includes work agree-ments for all employees. Diocesan guidelines for positiondescriptions, salaries, personnel policies and work agree-ments will be available from the Chancery.

C. SPECIFIC DUTIES


8. The Commission will review all contracts over $4,000.00between the parish and outside parties before they aresigned. Contracts can be signed only by thePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator (except for those thatmust be signed by the Bishop of the Diocese)

9. The Commission will review and maintain security proce-dures for handling money (counting, transporting,cash-on-hand).

10. The Commission will be familiar with current policiesissued from the Diocesan Treasurer or Legal Counsel.

11. The Commission will provide consultation on financialfeasibility and projected resources to support the plan-ning projects of the Parish Pastoral Council and otherparish groups.

12. The Commission shall also assist the Pastor/Pastoral LifeCoordinator in assuring that the following fiscal func-tions are performed:• Timely debt payments• Timely interest payments• Investment of surplus funds with Deposit and

Loan Fund of the Diocese• Assure adequate revenue

- Acquaints all members with the Commission scope ofconcern.

- Informs the Parish Pastoral Council of the Commissionmembership after consultation with the ExecutiveCommittee, when applicable.

- Calls meetings of the Commission as circumstancesdictate.

- Conducts all Commission meetings and prepares anagenda for such meetings.

- Appoints a Commission recorder who shall take minutesof each meeting and notify members of all meetings.

- Designates sub-committees as needed, subject to Council review.

- Plans, with the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator and theParish Pastoral Council, annual objectives, plans andprograms, and reports to the Council.

- Submits the Commission’s annual budget in accordwith the agreed upon parish planning timetable.

- Gives periodic reports (in writing) to the Councilregarding Commission plans and programs.

- Submits an annual report (in writing) to the Council withrecommendations for future Commission directions andefforts.

- The Commission Chairperson can be selected in any oneof the following ways:

1. Selected/discerned by the Commission members andapproved by the Parish Pastoral Council; or,

2. Appointed by consensus of the Parish PastoralCouncil; or,

3. Appointed by the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator.

The CommissionChairperson


The following process is advised in restructuring an existingParish Pastoral Council.

The Parish Council members study LET THE SPIRITSPEAK: PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL POLICIES ANDGUIDELINES and attend related inservice sessions. As abody, they pray and reflect on ways to begin to integrate theNorms into Council processes by January 15, 1995. Integraterefers to all aspects of Council life, including orientation,nomination, selection of members and officers. The Councilmay need to modify some elements of its structure and meth-ods of operation in order to bring the Council into accord withthe Diocesan Norms. An Ad Hoc committee may be formed todraw up local Parish Pastoral Council guidelines. After con-sultation with the parish community, and approval by thePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator, these guidelines may besent to the Chancery. The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinatorappoints a three-five member Steering Committee. TheSteering Committee develops into a community as they con-tinue through the formation process. Prayer together andopportunities for spiritual growth, both personal and commu-nal are fundamental to the process. Development of skills forgroup processes are modeled throughout the formation of theParish Pastoral Council.

The following process may be used in forming a new ParishPastoral Council.

1. A Proposal to Form a Pastoral Council is announcedpublicly. All interested parishioners, including representa-tives from parish organizations and all staff members, areinvited to attend an initial Parish Assembly. Some catech-esis on the nature of the Church and its mission in thespirit of Vatican II is offered. The role of the baptized insharing in the mission of Jesus is explained. Parishionersare invited to name their hopes and expectations for aPastoral Council. Those who are interested are encour-aged to attend several sessions of discussion and instruc-tion on the nature, purpose, and specific functions ofParish Pastoral Council.

2. A Training Program of four to eight sessions is offered forall who are able to attend. The Media Center hasresources available for these sessions upon request.Teams will be trained during 1994 to assist parishes withon-site or area workshops.

APPENDIX D

RESTRUCTURING ANEXISTING PARISH

PASTORAL COUNCIL ORFORMING A NEW

PARISH PASTORALCOUNCIL

RESTRUCTURING ANEXISTING PARISH

PASTORAL COUNCIL

FORMING A NEWPARISH PASTORAL

COUNCIL


3. At the end of the Training Program, ten to fifteen per-sons from those who attended the sessions are discernedfor the Steering Committee. Steering Committee membersare to have the following traits:

• willingness to spend time praying and reflecting withothers;

• time, enthusiasm, and interest for forming the PastoralCouncil;

• concern for the interests and pastoral needs of the parishas a whole, rather than just representing the interests ofa particular group in the parish;

• capability of working harmoniously with others;• patience to tolerate the slow process involved in forma-

tion of the Council;• willingness to make a commitment to a 12 to 24-month

process.

4. The Steering Committee, approved by thePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator and including represen-tatives of the entire parish (clergy, laity, and religious) isformed. At a Sunday liturgy, the names are announcedand parishioners are asked to pray for the members of theSteering Committee. The Steering Committee then beginsa process of communal spiritual formation leading to thedevelopment of a Pastoral Council. The SteeringCommittee develops the Council by:

• meeting regularly to pray and to build communitytogether,

• reading, studying and reflecting upon LET THE SPIRITSPEAK and the theology of shared responsibility,

• studying the parish situation to discern its needs,• communicating with the parish at large about plans for

the Council,• discerning the best form of Council for the parish, by fol-

lowing these six steps:

- Preparation of a Parish Mission Statement,

- Discerning the role of the Parish Pastoral Council,its function in the parish and its relationship to the pastor, the staff and parish organizationsand groups,

- Discovering various options for the Parish PastoralCouncil structure along with advantages anddisadvantages for a particular structure within theparish,

- Deciding on the best structure and defining theleadership role of the Council,

- Setting details for membership, nominations,selection and timeline to begin operations.


5. Initial Guidelines for the Parish Pastoral Council aredeveloped and presented to the whole parish upon com-pletion of the Steering Committee process and approval bythe Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator. These initial guide-lines are sent to the Chancery.

6. Charter Members of the Parish Pastoral Council arecalled forth by the Steering Committee. These membersmay include a few Steering Committee members togetherwith others gifted with the talents best suited for the workof the Commission and who represent the interests andpastoral needs of the parish community. The new ParishPastoral Council uses the initial guidelines for at least ayear. The guidelines are evaluated and amended whereneeded on a regular basis.

—Adapted from materials from the Archdiocese of Cleveland.


ARTICLE I. Definition - Mission Statement

ARTICLE II. Purpose and Mandate

ARTICLE III. MembershipSection A. Who Serves on the CouncilSection B. Eligibility

ARTICLE IV. Commissions ( See Models I, II, III)Section A. Faith Formation/EducationSection B. Spiritual Life/WorshipSection C. Catholic Social Mission/Community OutreachSection D. Finance/Administration

ARTICLE V. Selection ProcessSection A. TenureSection B. Selection of At-Large RepresentativesSection C. VacanciesSection D. AttendanceSection E. Removal

ARTICLE VI. Discernment Process/Voting

ARTICLE VII. OfficersSection A. SelectionSection B. Executive CommitteeSection C. Officer Duties

1. Chairperson2. Vice-Chairperson3. Secretary

ARTICLE VIII. DutiesSection A. At-Large RepresentativesSection B. Commission RepresentativesSection C. Selection Committee

ARTICLE IX. MeetingsSection A. Regular MeetingsSection B. Special MeetingsSection C. Executive MeetingsSection D. Quorum

ARTICLE X. ProceduresSection A. Conduct of BusinessSection B. Introduction of ProposalsSection C. Form of ProposalsSection D. Repeal

ARTICLE XI. Amendments

APPENDIX E

PARISH PASTORALCOUNCIL

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS FORMAT

(GUIDELINES)


Due process is a series of steps that can be put into motion toresolve conflict involving the exercise of authority in thechurch. In the event the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator andParish Pastoral Council have a major disagreement over a sig-nificant matter of policy or procedure which cannot beresolved through prayerful dialogue, the due process proce-dure may be initiated.

When the due process procedure is initiated, a conciliator isappointed by the Bishop to help the interested parties reachagreement. It is a slow, deliberate approach to problem solv-ing which is begun when both parties show some willingnessto negotiate a compromise.

Generally, due process is only begun as a last resort. If theParish Pastoral Council decides to initiate due process, it cando so after two-thirds of the Council members present at aCouncil meeting agree to follow this procedure. (To initiatedue process, the Council may contact the Chancery at 424-5536 or 1-800-637-1731, and ask for assistance.)

APPENDIX F

RESOLUTION OFIMPASSE SITUATION

DUE PROCESS


ACCOUNTABILITY - Holding a person, committee or organi-zation responsible for achieving or fulfilling tasks within agiven job description.

AD HOC COMMITTEE - A temporary group that is given aspecific task and timeline. When the goals have beenachieved this committee goes out of existence.

ASSEMBLY - A gathering of the parish community for pur-poses of sharing information and for consultation.

ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION - Determining performanceagainst written position/job description.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR/PAROCHIAL VICAR - A parochialvicar must be a priest and is always appointed by the Bishop.His duties are assigned and carried out under the authorityof the pastor. The parochial vicar has no specific duties prop-er to his role. He generally shares in all the sacramental,pastoral and administrative tasks of the parish(es) to whichhe is assigned (Canon 545).

BISHOP - The Catholic Church is comprised of many “partic-ular churches” (dioceses), each of which is under the care ofan individual bishop. He is the authentic teacher of the Faithin his diocese; he is the center of unity; and he is among “thestewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor 4:1) for the faithfulunder his care.

CHAIRPERSON - A person selected by the Parish PastoralCouncil membership to conduct the meetings of the ParishPastoral Council, its Commissions, and Committees and rep-resent the membership as designated in the Constitution andBylaws or Guidelines.

CODE OF CANON LAW - Law enacted and promulgated bythe Pope for the orderly and pastoral administration and gov-ernment of the Church. The revised Code, effective November27, 1983, consists of 1752 canons in seven books.

COLLABORATION - To work together as a joint effort.Similar to collegiality as expressed in the relationship of thePope and bishops.

COLLEGIAL - Quality of authority or power shared equallyamong colleagues; union apparent in the mutual relationsamong members of a group as they assume responsibility forthe common good.

COMMISSION - A group which develops policy in a particulararea of need and concern, then recommends this policy forapproval to the Parish Pastoral Council and those who willimplement it.

APPENDIX G

GLOSSARY OFPARISH PASTORAL

COUNCIL TERMS


COMMITTEE - A group of persons chosen to consider, inves-tigate, report or implement policy decisions which have beenapproved.

CONSENSUS - A process of decision making in which themembers of a group work to reach substantial, though notnecessarily unanimous, commitment on an issue. Withoutcompromising any strong conviction or needs, consensusresults in a decision that all members of the group can acceptand uphold.

CONSULTATION - A process of shared decision-making.Canon 127 establishes the seriousness of the consultativeprocess. According to this Canon, if church law requires con-sultation, then the group to be consulted must be legitimatelyconvoked. At least a majority of the members must be con-sulted. If consultation is required with certain persons orindividuals, the Pastor is required to listen to such personsand ordinarily not act contrary to their advice, especially ifconsensus is achieved.

CONSULTATIVE/ADVISORY - The coming to decision togeth-er, to deliberate together as Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinatorand Council, respecting the appointed leader’s unique role.The advisory role of the Council calls for an informed, educat-ed opinion on the part of each Council member.

COUNCIL - An assembly of persons summoned or convenedfor consultation, deliberation, or advice.

COUNCILOR - A member of the Council.

DEANERY - A geographic grouping of parishes designed tofacilitate communication. Deanery meetings enable the parishpriests, pastoral life coordinators and representatives to voicethe needs and concerns of the people throughout the diocese.The 73 parishes in the Evansville Diocese are grouped intoseven deaneries.

DIOCESE - A geographic area of the Church, governed by aBishop, embracing a number of parish communities.

DISCERNMENT - A process which promotes a community’sability to seek the will of God in the life of the community.Communal discernment is related to consensus and adds thefollowing dimensions to the consensus process: prayerfulreflection, gathering of evidence, discussion of positive andnegative factors of proposed alternative plans of action andconfirmation by the group.

EVALUATION - The conclusion which results from a processof measuring and judging progress according to acceptedstandards.

EVANGELIZATION - The conversion of individuals and soci-ety by the divine power of the Gospel itself (On Evangelizationin the Modern World, 18.)


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - The Executive Committee of theParish Pastoral Council is usually made up of the officers inaddition to the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator. Its responsi-bilities are enumerated in the Parish Pastoral CouncilGuidelines or Constitution and By-Laws.

GOAL - Statement of a desired result or end which reflectsthe overall purpose and is related to a major area of concern.Goals should be written in specific and challenging terms sothat they are recognizable when they are reached.

GUIDELINE - a statement of procedure which clarifies how aPolicy or Norms are to be applied and observed.

MINISTRY - A service rendered in the name of the Churchand for the sake of its mission. Ministry is rooted in baptismand confirmation.

MISSION STATEMENT - A concise statement of the group’spurpose and reason for existence. It helps the group identifyitself and set goals. It responds to the questions: “Who arewe?” “What do we value?” and “What do we seek to become asa parish community?”

NORM - An individual rule of action; a standard of conductthat must or should be followed. Norms help to implementpolicy and make policy real.

OBJECTIVE - A specific short-term result needed to obtain along-range goal. Besides describing a result, an objectiveshould also specify what is to be done, for whom, when andhow, and at what cost. A sub-goal to be accomplished in oneyear or less.

PARISH - That unit of God’s family which fulfills within itscommunity the Universal Mission of the Church: proclaimingthe Word, celebrating the Liturgy, serving God’s people, andbuilding community, under the authority of the bishop. Mostparishes are territorial, embracing all of the faithful in a cer-tain area of the diocese.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL - The principal assemblywhich assists the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator in discern-ing how the parish can best carry out the Pastoral Mission ofthe Church. The Parish Pastoral Council is regulated by theCode of Canon law, as well as by Norms issued by the Bishopof Evansville. The Council possesses consultative vote. ThePastoral Council looks to the Finance Council for soundfinancial guidance and planning regarding the resourcesneeded to implement parish plans, programs and policies.

PARTICIPATIVE - Sharing in, taking part in. Participativedecision-making means the leader is in open dialogue duringthe various consultations so that there is a mutual shaping ofeach others thinking in the process.


PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP - Leadership which calls forthinvolvement and ownership from those sharing responsibilityas plans, issues and problems are addressed.

PASTOR - An ordained priest who is charged with the pas-toral care of people committed to his care. This care includesthe following areas: worship, education, pastoral service, andadministration. The pastor exercises pastoral care in thecommunity entrusted to him under the authority of the dioce-san bishop (c. 519).

PASTORAL LIFE COORDINATOR - A lay person, vowed reli-gious, or deacon who has participation in the exercise of thepastoral care of a parish entrusted to him or her and whoseprovision of pastoral care is supervised by the priest modera-tor (c.517.2).

PASTORAL PLANNING - Pastoral Planning is a prayerful andparticipative process by which parishioners define themselvesas a community, identify their common purpose, vision, goalsand priorities, and then devise ways to accomplish their pas-toral plan. It answers the questions: “What are we going todo?” and “How are we going to do it?”

PASTORAL STAFF - The group responsible for collaboratingwith the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator in primarily servingthe spiritual needs of persons by implementing the pastoralplan and policies of the parish. Usually this term refers topaid staff; but it may also refer to volunteers when appropri-ate.

PLANNING - A process of assessing needs, establishing goalsand objectives and determining the means and resources toachieve a desired outcome.

POLICY - A guide for future actions in a particular area ofparish life. Policy deals with broad commitments to goals forthe parish community along with objectives and strategies toreach these goals which articulate values and principles ofthe organization. Policies provide direction for present andfuture decisions.

PRESIDENT - The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator who con-venes the Council in the name of the parish. ThePastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator presides over the ParishPastoral Council by virtue of office. A chairperson conductsthe meetings and the Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator fullyparticipates in the deliberations, planning and policy develop-ment. The Pastor/Pastoral Life Coordinator is responsible forthe final approval of Council recommendations as well as forthe implementation.

PRIORITY - A preferential ranking of specific pastoral needsor goals. Groups usually do not have enough resources torespond to all needs or carry out all goals; therefore, theyhave to decide which needs and goals are highest preferencesat a given time.


REPRESENTATION - Refers to the manner in which mem-bers of the parish are somehow involved in the PastoralCouncil. Members may be discerned, elected, or appointed.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY - The theological principle whichsays that each member of the Church has the right and dutyto assist the Church, offering time and talent so that its mis-sion among all the people will be effective. Shared responsi-bility is based on the communion that is the nature of theChurch and the mission which Christ entrusted to thatChurch. Communion is not the work of one, but the bondingtogether of all. The Church’s mission is not entrusted only toa few, but is the responsibility of all the People of God.Shared responsibility means that God’s truth, which providesthe guidance for the Church, comes not only through theleaders but also through the people. In order for the Churchto have the fullness of God’s light and guidance, the peoplemust be consulted. In our time, the Parish Pastoral Councilis one of the primary structures in the Church for makingshared responsibility a practical reality.

STEWARDSHIP - The use of resources (time, talent, and trea-sure) based on the premise that all creation is a gift of Godand ultimately belongs to God.

STRATEGY - One step, task, or specific action to assist inachieving an objective. A group of strategies designed toachieve an objective is called a plan of action or a group ofobjectives to achieve a long-range goal to implement the over-all pastoral plan.

SUBSIDIARITY - A principle of authority whereby decisionsare entrusted to the appropriate body and not assumed by ahigher authority. Issues are dealt with and policies estab-lished at the lowest proper level of responsibility and compe-tency. A judgment which can be made at the subcommitteelevel should not be made by the Commission/Committee towhich the Subcommittee is related; a judgment that canresponsibly be made by the Commission/Committee shouldnot be made by the Parish Pastoral Council.

TASK FORCE - A group or committee, usually of experts orspecialists, formed for analyzing, investigating, or solving aspecific problem. It is temporary in nature, i.e. “Ad hoc”.

TEAM - A number of persons associated in some joint actionor cooperative effort.


Documents

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES