Parish Council

The council is a consultative body that the Pastor can prayerfully reflect with and ask for assistance to guide the overall care and ministry of the parish and the enhancement of its mission. With the Pastor, the Council sets the mission and direction of the parish.

The bishops who gathered in Rome from 1962 – 1965 at the Second Vatican Council (SVC) discussed the possibility of a variety of councils.  As they envisioned the laity more involved in shared responsibility for the church, the bishops opened up new avenues for the lay voice to be heard.  The 1985 revised Code of Canon Law, which flowed from the SVC, reflected the fundamental communion of the Church (“communio”) and fostered the mission of all the people of God.  Therefore, in accordance with Canons #511-514 and 536, each Catholic parish is highly encouraged to constitute a Pastoral or Parish Council, which is established solely by the appointed pastor in accordance with Canon #511.

 

Mission Statement:

As a parish-level consultative body, the Pastoral Council assists the pastor in fostering the pastoral activities of the parish by promoting the life of the Gospel among the people of God.

 

Purpose:  

While not possessing any directive or administrative functions, the Pastoral Council is designed to assist the pastor in matters relating to the pastoral needs and activities of the parish; to consider them; and to formulate and recommend practical conclusions concerning them to the pastor for his review and decision. 

 

Responsibilities: 

 

The Pastoral Council shall:

 

1. Assist the pastor in fostering pastoral activity, in matters relating to the pastoral needs and activities of the parish, which include (but are not limited to):

   1. Pastoral planning, in an advisory or consultative manner (e.g., examining pastoral works, considering or studying them; and proposing its recommended conclusions) to the Pastor.  Such planning activities routinely include:  the missionary, catechetical, and apostolic undertakings within the parish.  (Canon #511 and 536)

   2. The promotion of doctrinal formation and the sacramental life of the faithful.  (ibid)

2. Function under the authority, direction, and discretion of the pastor; who presides over it.

3. Convene regularly, at the frequency and direction of the pastor; however as a minimum, at least once a year.  (Canon #514)

4. Be viewed and function as a consultative body to the pastor, rather than a sole decision making or deliberative body.

5. Collaborate with the parish’s established finance council and any sub-committees (designed and established by the Pastoral Council, if/as needed, and with the approval of the Pastor), in unique or specialty areas beyond the scope or abilities of this body) to provide the Pastor with the best possible recommendation(s). 

6. In collaboration with the Finance Council, create, implement, and oversee/ monitor the parish’s short and long-range planning goals and objectives; always keeping the best-interest of the parish, central to their ministry works.

7. Be comprised (as a minimum):

   1. Of people drawn from the Christian faith community, who are in full communion with the Catholic Church, in accordance with Canons #205 and 512, who represent the people, concerns, and interests of the parish (e.g., English and Spanish-speaking, etc.).  The overall council membership will be comprised of representatives, who collectively represent the different communities within the parish’s jurisdictional boundaries; social conditions and professions; distinctive ethnic, cultural or language components; and their role(s) in the apostolate.

   2. Of parishioners for a set period of time (Canon 513), according to the prescripts issued by the Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs or the Pastor of Ave Maria Catholic Church (whichever is most stringent).  At the Ave Maria Catholic Church, Parish Finance Council members (excluding ex-officio) are to be appointed for fixed terms (e.g., 3-year terms) with the members’ term expiration dates staggered each year.  (Canon 513) Note:  There is no limit on the number of terms that a member can serve on the Pastoral Council.  Following these initial appointments, members may be re-appointed to an additional 3-year term, at the sole discretion of the pastor.  Members of the Pastoral Council may resign from their positions or they can be removed before the expiration of their term by the Pastor for grave cause.

   3. Of members outstanding and firm in their faith, good morals, and prudence.  

8. In accordance with Canon #512, members on the Pastoral Council can be consider-ed canonical office holders (Canon #145); the norms of appointment to office should be observed once the determination of membership has been made.  Therefore, at the Ave Maria Catholic Church, the pastor shall appoint all members of the Pastoral Council in writing, with their ministry term expiration date.

9. Shall be formed in accordance with published diocesan and parish policies and the Church’s Canon Law.  While the establishment of a Pastoral Council is at the dis-cretion of the pastor, so also is the determination of the size of the council (e.g., membership numbers).

10. Consider including at least one member from the parish’s Finance Council and the Ave Maria School or Home School Association (HSA); to provide a direct communication link and interface between the respective parish and school operational and financial consultative bodies.

11. Because its serves in a close relationship with the pastor, when the Office of Pastor is vacant, the Pastoral Council will cease to exist. 

12. Consider the selection and nomination of a member to be the lay leader (President) of the Pastoral Council to the Pastor.  The Pastor will review and approve the nomination at his discretion.  In his presiding over the Pastoral Council, the Pastor need not chair its meetings; this remains the role and function of the Council President.  (Canon 536) 

13. Ensure that there is a timely and accurate, historical record of its meeting agendas and minutes.  These will be provided to the Pastor for his review and retention in parish files.

14. Ensure that its activities are regarded as Confidential.  Note:  The Pastor alone has the authority to make council matters public himself or through his delegate (e.g., the Pastoral Council President or staff member).  The vehicles for such material release can include, for example:  the parish bulletin, the issuance of annual reports, pulpit announcements, etc. 

15. Refrain from meeting without the Pastor in attendance; unless the Pastor specifically requests or directs such meeting to the President.  (Canon #536)

Changes to and/or additions to the Pastoral Council mission, purpose, and responsibilities will be at the sole discretion of the Pastor (whether verbally or in writing).  Resolutions to issues regarding the Pastoral Council’s mission statement, purpose, and responsibilities will be resolved by the Pastor.