Parish Pastoral Council
Parish Pastoral Council
Because it is a community of the Christian faithful, it is essential that the parish structures serve the community in carrying out the mission of the Church: to proclaim the Gospel, to form community, to worship and to serve especially those in need. The parish organizational structures must never be simply needs in themselves, but should always work to promote the mission of the parish, the diocesan Church and the universal Church.
As detailed in the Parish By-Laws, every parish in the Diocese of Rochester is to have a Parish Pastoral Council (“The Council”). The Pastoral Council is a consultative body to the pastor (or pastoral administrator).
The specific purposes of the Pastoral Council are:
- to develop a common vision and purpose, actively advocate for the poor and the powerless, and to extend Christian commitment to the surrounding neighborhoods and communities;
- to orchestrate a statement of mission for the parish community and become the reference point for activity in the parish;
- to provide recommendations for parish priorities, directions and policies through pastoral planning for worship, evangelization, outreach, stewardship, etc.;
- to promote communication, understanding, and collaboration among parish organizations and between the parish, the bishop, the diocese and the universal Church.
Pastoral leadership is a ministry of service. Pastoral leadership and authority cannot be separated from the action of service which builds up community and empowers its members to reach their full individual stature.