What a Pastoral Council Is and Is Not

Consultative not Legislative

The law specifies the council’s “consultative” role. It is an advisory body on pastoral matters. This means it is not a legislative body, casting ballots on issues expecting “majority rule.” Rather, the council seeks consensus from the group, which the pastor views as a reflection of the parish. That consensus is very important but the law places the burden of decision-making on the pastor. The council is there to ensure that pastoral decisions are not made in a vacuum.

Constructive not Destructive

A council should be a pastor’s sounding board for positive and constructive advice. It is not a forum for personal complaints. Everyone has personal preferences. The council must be positive in its outlook and keep the broader good of the parish in mind. Negativity can be, and is usually counter productive.

Pastoral not Financial

The focus of the council’s work is pastoral, that is, concerned about five essential elements of our community: Evangelization, Worship, Community, Service, and Stewardship. This is to say, its role does not extend to matters pertaining to budget, facilities, or to the work of the school board. This does not mean however, that these groups are mutually exclusive. There are times they must interact. An initiative proposed by the council, for example, will have its financial aspect; it may impact the school or affect our facilities.

Practical not Theoretical

The council’s work must bear fruit in concrete ways. It is not merely a “think tank” for discussion only. Once discussion takes place, a decision must be made or a policy established.

A Pastor’s Expectations of Members

• Attend all meetings 
• Contribute to deliberations
• Support the Council through Prayer
• Are good stewards of their time, talent, treasure
• Are honest and sincere
• Respect confidentiality (we are not a secret society, but prudent)
• Are imaginative