The Parish Pastoral Councils Purpose.

The Parish Pastoral Council exists as a consultative body to help the clergy consider pastoral and other works and to propose and co-ordinate practical measures for implementing them.

This stems from: “Christ’s faithful are at liberty to make known their needs, especially their spiritual needs, and their wishes to the pastors of the Church” (Canon 212#2) and, “They have the right…the duty, in keeping with their knowledge, competence and position, to manifest to the sacred pastors their views on matters which concern the good of the Church.” (Canon 212#3).

The Parish Pastoral Council: investigates pastoral matters, reflects on them, and reaches practical conclusions that are recommended to the parish priest. Some examples of topics the Parish Pastoral Council have dealt with are organising parish pilgrimages to Rome, Walsingham, Holding a Dog Show for all the parish & local community to enjoy. All these events have been wonderful.

The Parish Pastoral Council does not have jurisdiction over liturgical matters (Canon 528#2). The parish priest has the final decision over all matters the Parish Pastoral Council considers (Canon 536#2).

Meeting Dates

Parish Pastoral Council meetings take place four times a year, with the subsequent dates to be agreed at the end of each meeting and published in the minutes.

Meeting Format/ Agenda

The meeting format/agenda will be along the format of:

• Opening Prayer
• Update on previous meeting’s minutes and update on actions
• Discussion of new items
• Any other Business discussion
• Closing prayer

Meeting Minutes

The Parish Pastoral Council chairperson / secretary will record minutes from each meeting these will be made available on this website as soon as possible after the Meeting.