I recently had to shift my paradigm for our Pastoral Council, and I would like to explain that in today’s note.
What is a Pastoral Council?
Pastoral Councils are primarily a diocesan entity, though can. 536 expands them to parishes.
Can. 511 In each diocese, in so far as pastoral circumstances suggest, a pastoral council is to be established. Its function, under the authority of the Bishop, is to study and weigh those matters which concern the pastoral works in the diocese, and to propose practical conclusions concerning them.
Can. 512 §1 A pastoral council is composed of members of Christ’s faithful who are in full communion with the catholic Church: clerics, members of institutes of consecrated life, and especially lay people. They are designated in the manner determined by the diocesan Bishop.
§2 The members of Christ’s faithful assigned to the pastoral council are to be selected in such a way that the council truly reflects the entire portion of the people of God which constitutes the diocese, taking account of the different regions of the diocese, of social conditions and professions, and of the part played in the apostolate by the members, whether individually or in association with others.
§3 Only those members of Christ’s faithful who are outstanding in firm faith, high moral standards and prudence are to be assigned to the pastoral council.
Can. 513 §1 The pastoral council is appointed for a determinate period, in accordance with the provisions of the statutes drawn up by the Bishop.
§2 When the see is vacant, the pastoral council lapses.
Can. 514 §1 The pastoral council has only a consultative vote. It is for the diocesan Bishop alone to convene it, according to the needs of the apostolate, and to preside over it. He alone has the right to make public the matters dealt with in the council.
§2 It is to be convened at least once a year.
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Can. 536 §1 If, after consulting the council of priests, the diocesan Bishop considers it opportune, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish. In this council, which is presided over by the parish priest, Christ’s faithful, together with those who by virtue of their office are engaged in pastoral care in the parish, give their help in fostering pastoral action.
§2 The pastoral council has only a consultative vote, and it is regulated by the norms laid down by the diocesan Bishop.
The Archdiocese of Seattle’s norms for parish Pastoral Councils can be found here, starting on page 21.
How have I been using our Pastoral Council?
Because the Pastoral Council exists to advise the pastor, each pastor ends up using them in a way that is most helpful to him. Fr. Scott, for example, used the Pastoral Council (at least partially) as a clearing house for all of the other parish committees, where information from all corners of the parish could be consolidated and discussed.
I generally treat Pastoral Councils like debating societies. I learn best when I am talking something out with someone in the context of a debate, because it forces me to question my assumptions and make sure my reasoning is sound. So, for my first four years at Assumption, I chose people for our Council that had disagreed with me in a way that I found helpful. I thought it was important to hear from these people regularly, to make sure I did not fall into tunnel vision or group think. I also established a dynamic where it was clear that our meetings were a personal conversation between me and the members.
How am I changing our Pastoral Council?
All that said, with the possibility of a change in pastors due to Partners in the Gospel, I have asked the Pastoral Council to change its focus and serve as a locus of stability and leadership during a potential transition. Which is to say, if I am not the pastor, then the Pastoral Council should no longer be catered to my personal needs. Instead, what our community is going to need is a Pastoral Council that understands the history, needs, and recent initiatives of the parish, so that these can be carried forward into a new parish family and, potentially, for a new pastor. There will be a lot of discussions about the future of our parish and our programs over the next three years and, while the Partners process does foresee a lot of broad consultation with all parishioners, there also need to be small consultative bodies that can advise the pastor more efficiently. The parish staff is certainly one, but the Pastoral Council is another helpful voice which has more freedom since it is not on the payroll.
In order to strengthen them in this role, I have also asked the Pastoral Council to be more out-front during the Partners process, so that parishioners are more comfortable going to them with thoughts and suggestions.
To that end:
- I have asked Kelsey Harrington to serve as the chair of our Pastoral Council this year, so that they have more autonomy and cohesion as a group, apart from my direct leadership.
- I have asked the Pastoral Council to lead the listening sessions for Partners in the Gospel happening in the next few weeks.
Members of the Pastoral Council
At present, the Pastoral Council has 8 members: Kelsey Harrington (chair), Bill Attebury, Rik Dalvit, Sue Ungern, John Purdie, Marie Gonzalez, David Strutz, and Rowan Marsh.
An Additional Need – Recorders and Facilitators
Even though the Pastoral Council will be running the upcoming listening sessions, they still very much need your help! Every small group table needs a facilitator and a recorder. A facilitator keeps time and gently brings comments to a close when individual time is up. A recorder types as many of the comments, verbatim, as possible.
If you are willing to serve as a facilitator, please let us know when you come to the listening session. If you are willing to serve as a recorder, please bring your laptop to the listening session.
Fr. Moore 