Could you please explain what is the intended purpose of a parish pastoral council? How is it meant to be elected and governed and to function? Are there criteria of eligibility for membership?
The Code of Canon Law has only one canon on parish pastoral councils: “If, after consulting the council of priests, the diocesan Bishop considers it opportune, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish. In this council, which is presided over by the parish priest, Christ’s faithful, together with those who by virtue of their office are engaged in pastoral care in the parish, give their help in fostering pastoral action. The pastoral council has only a consultative vote, and it is regulated by the norms laid down by the diocesan Bishop” (Can. 536).
As is clear in this canon, parish councils are required only if the diocesan bishop so indicates, and the role of the council is to assist the priest in caring for the parish. It is the parish priest who presides over the council, and the council’s vote is consultative, meaning that the council makes recommendations which the parish priest is free to accept or not. Each diocese will have its own norms for the organisation of the councils.
While these councils are called pastoral councils, meaning that they are to assist the priest in matters involving the care of souls and evangelisation, usually they assist in other matters as well. These may include the upkeep of the property and buildings, organisation of parish fetes and dinners, alterations to the church and its furnishings, etc.
It should be understood that everything to do with the finances of the parish is the responsibility of the parish finance committee, which every parish is to have (cf. Can. 537).
Among the pastoral matters for which the council may assist the parish priest are the times for Masses and confessions, Eucharistic adoration, choice of music, parish missions and retreats, preparation of children for the sacraments, adult faith formation programs, preparation of couples for marriage, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, activities for youth, etc.
As to the makeup of the council, the parish priest and any assistant priests are ex-officio members. Some members may be chosen by the parish priest himself, and others are to be elected by the parishioners. While each diocese will have its own norms, usually the members of the council should be Catholics who are active members of the parish and who have a desire and ability to serve in this way.
They should be able to work constructively and cooperatively with the priests and the others on the council, offering their personal views while respecting the views of others. It goes without saying that their lives should be consistent with the moral teachings of the church.
Often members may be drawn from the various groups and ministries in the parish: Legion of Mary, St Vincent de Paul Society, Sacramental Program Coordinators, RCIA workers, catechists, youth workers, representatives of the parish school, etc. They might also represent some of the different ethnic groups among the parishioners. At the same time, the council should be kept to a workable number of members, usually no more than ten.
Membership of the parish council is not a matter of honour or prestige, but rather of service. Members are chosen on the basis of their particular skills and expertise, and they must have the ability and willingness to devote the time required for this role.
Potential members are nominated from among parishioners at large. In a way that is public to all, nominations are called for, and elections are then held. All parishioners are invited to attend and to vote. Members are usually elected for a set term by a democratic ballot. While the parish priest presides over the meetings, the council members elect their own office bearers, usually at least a chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary.