ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL NORMS

 “If the diocesan bishop judges it opportune after he has heard the presbyteral (Priests’) council, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish, over which the pastor* presides and in which the Christian faithful, together with those who share in pastoral care by virtue of their office in the parish, assist in fostering pastoral activity (Code of Canon Law, c. 536.1).

A pastoral council possesses a consultative vote only and is governed by the norms established by the diocesan bishop (c. 536.2).” This consultative body is called a Parish Pastoral Council. *Wherever the word “pastor” appears, read also “administrator” or “parish director.”

PURPOSE 1.1

The Council shall be a vehicle for the parish to fulfill the pastoral mission of Jesus and the Church in a specific part of the Archdiocese. It does this by developing Catholic identity, promoting evangelization, and fostering stewardship.

1.2 The Council shall strive to build a community of disciples who recognize their baptismal calls to lives of holiness, witness and service.

1.3 The Council shall engage in a continuous process of pastoral planning, which takes into account the needs and priorities of its parishioners, the Archdiocese, the broader community, and the world.

RANGE OF RESPONSIBILITY

2.1 The Council shall be the consultative and planning body in regards to pastoral activity except to the extent limited by faith and morals, church or civil law or archdiocesan policy. The Council possesses a consultative vote only.

2.2 In any case where the pastor judges an action of the Council to be outside the limits set forth in #2.1, the pastor may withhold implementation, providing the Council with a rationale. The Council may appeal to the Office of the Archbishop or one appointed by him for clarification or arbitration. Any decision regarding the appeal will be final.

2.3 In any case where any member of the Council interprets an action of the Council to be outside the limits set forth in #2.1, the member shall present the interpretation no later than the next meeting of the Council and ask for reconsideration. If reconsideration fails to resolve the matter, any Council member may then take the matter to the Office of the Archbishop or one appointed by him, for clarification or arbitration. Any decision resulting from such an appeal shall be final.

Office for Planning and Councils 1 Updated 9/10/13 Approved May 10, 2012

The members of the Parish Pastoral Council are selected for a three-year term in May of each year by the Prayerful Selection Process (Discernment).  Their term begins on the third Tuesday of June.  Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. throughout the year in the CFC.  All parish members are invited to attend.