PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

ASSEMBLY OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD November 7, 2020

Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, 1559 Brunswick St., Suite 101, Halifax, NS www.halifaxyarmouth.org OUTLINE

• Church Teaching on Parish Pastoral Councils • Ecclesiology Underlying Parish Pastoral Councils • Reflection on Consultation • The Role of the Parish Pastoral Council • Membership of the Parish Pastoral Council GATHERING OF EXPERIENCE

A. What words describe your most positive experiences of parish pastoral councils?

B. What words describe your most challenging experiences of parish pastoral councils? Church Teaching on Parish Pastoral Councils CHURCH TEACHING ON PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• Second Vatican Council: references to diocesan pastoral councils • The Second Vatican Council makes references to pastoral councils in dioceses: CD, no. 27, AG, no. 30 and PO, no. 7 (in a footnote referring back to CD, no. 27). • Christus Dominus, Decree on the Pastoral Office on Bishops in the Church: “It is greatly desired that in each diocese a pastoral council will be established over which the diocesan bishop himself will preside and in which specially chosen clergy, religious and lay people will participate. The duty of this council will be to investigate and weigh pastoral undertakings and to formulate practical conclusions regarding them” (no. 27). CHURCH TEACHING ON PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• Second Vatican Council: references to diocesan pastoral councils • Ad Gentes, Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity: “It is the bishop's role, as the ruler and center of unity in the diocesan apostolate, to promote missionary activity, to direct it and to coordinate it but always in such a way that the zeal and spontaneity of those who share in the work may be preserved and fostered. [...] To improve coordination, let the bishop set up, insofar as possible, a pastoral council, in which clergy, religious, and laity may have a part, through the medium of selected delegates” (no. 30). CHURCH TEACHING ON PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• Post-Conciliar Developments • 1966: Paul VI’s addressed the implementation of diocesan pastoral councils highlighting their consultative nature and their role in relation to pastoral work (Ecclesiae sanctae, Aug 6, 1966). • 1973: The Sacred Congregation of the Clergy, in its circular letter on pastoral councils, Omnes christifideles (January 25, 1973), notes that there is nothing to prevent the establishment of parochial or regional councils of the same nature and function as diocesan pastoral councils (no. 12). • 1973: Sacred Congregation for Bishops, Directory on the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops, February 22, 1973: “The bishop can order that in every parish, parish pastoral councils be set up.” CHURCH TEACHING ON PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• 1983 Code of Canon Law • The 1917 Code of Canon Law did not mention a parish pastoral council, but the 1983 Code does: • Canon 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. CHURCH TEACHING ON PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• In the evolution of this canon, several issues are apparent: • the adjective “pastoral” was added to underscore its competence, which does not extend to governance, to the administration of temporal goods, etc.; • Acknowledge the relationship or connection with the parish finance council; • the pastoral council does not serve the community by directly coordinating pastoral activities, like a staff meeting where representatives report on activities. The specific mission of the pastoral council is to do pastoral planning in the community. Ecclesiology Underlying Parish Pastoral Councils ECCLESIOLOGY UNDERLYING PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS • Vatican II emphasized the relationships among bishops, priests and laity. The relationship between a pastor and his parishioners is expressed in many ways, including in the working together through a parish pastoral council. • Lumen gentium, 1964: The lay faithful “are in their own way made sharers in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly functions of Christ; and they carry out for their own part the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and in the world” (no. 31). • Presbyterorum Ordinis, 1965: “Priests must sincerely acknowledge and promote the dignity of the laity and the part proper to them in the mission of the Church” (no. 9). • Vatican II envisioned the close cooperation of the laity in the pastoral work of the parish. ECCLESIOLOGY UNDERLYING PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• 1975 Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, no.14: Mission of the Church • "We wish to confirm once more that the task of evangelizing all people constitutes the essential mission of the Church." It is a task and mission which the vast and profound changes of present-day society make all the more urgent. • Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize, that is to say, in order to preach and teach, to be the channel of the gift of grace, to reconcile sinners with God, and to perpetuate Christ's sacrifice in the Mass, which is the memorial of His death and glorious resurrection.” ECCLESIOLOGY UNDERLYING PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, December 30, 1988 • Diocesan Pastoral Councils could be the principle form of collaboration, dialogue, and discernment as well. • The ecclesial community finds its most immediate and visible expression in the parish.... The parish is founded on a theological reality, because it is a Eucharistic community...a community of faith and an organic community. • Ministries and charisms, being diverse and complementary, are all necessary for the Church to grow, each in its own way. ECCLESIOLOGY UNDERLYING PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• 1995 International Symposium Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez states that “the first priority of the new evangelization, which pertains to the entire People of God and which calls out for a new ardor, new methods and a new expression, demands that the priest be radically and integrally immersed in the mystery of Christ, with a new pastoral style characterized by a profound communion with the pope, the bishops, other priests, and a fruitful collaboration with the laity.” • 2001 Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, Novo Millennio Ineunte described this profound communion as a spirituality of communion, which must flow into external structures, including the Pastoral Council ECCLESIOLOGY UNDERLYING PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• Pope Benedict XVI, August 10, 2012 lay people must be considered “persons truly ‘co-responsible’ for the being and activity of the Church.” • 2013: Pope Francis recalled, “How necessary pastoral councils are! A Bishop cannot guide a Diocese without pastoral councils. A Parish Priest cannot guide without pastoral councils” • I never tire of repeating those words of Benedict XVI which take us to the very heart of the Gospel: “Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.” (Evangelii Gaudium 7) ECCLESIOLOGY UNDERLYING PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. (Evangelii Gaudium 3) ECCLESIOLOGY UNDERLYING PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

• 2020, June 29: Congregation for the Clergy: The theological significance of the Pastoral Council is inscribed in the constitutive reality of the Church, that is, in her being “the Body of Christ”, that generates a “spirituality of communion”. In the Christian community, in fact, the diversity of charisms and ministries that derive from incorporation into Christ and from the gift of the Holy Spirit.... Every member of the faithful is created for the building up of the whole Body and, at the same time, the whole People of God, in the reciprocal co-responsibility of its members, participates in the mission of the Church, that is, discerning in history the signs of the presence of God and becoming witnesses of His Kingdom. Reflection on Consultation REFLECTION ON CONSULTATION

• While everyone knows that parish pastoral councils have only a consultative vote, not everyone knows how many forms consultation can take. • By widening the understanding of consultation, both councils and pastors can deepen their relations with one another and the relations among council members. • The following are some of the many forms consultation can take. REFLECTION ON CONSULTATION

• Elements necessary for Consultation: • bringing people together, not merely contacting them by phone; • fully informing members of the facts of the situation; • encouraging a full and free discussion and an honest exchange of views; • each member sincerely expressing his or her judgement; • the priest normally following the consensus expressed by the group; while not obliged to follow a unanimous recommendation, the priest not acting contrary to that opinion without an overriding reason; priest gives reasons when consensus is not followed; • observing the confidentiality of the process when necessary. REFLECTION ON CONSULTATION

1. Legal Approach: focus is on councils are “consultative only.” 2. Authoritative Council: councils can have authority in “giving direction” to parishes. 3. Consensus Approach: pastors and councilors engaged in a search for a decision that will express and confirm their unity. 4. Pastor as Ratifier: pastor promotes consensus and ratifies it. 5. Consultation as Policy-Making : Where consensus exists, one can well say that the council “makes” policy and plays an executive role. 6. Disfunctional Consultation: On the part of the Pastor or On the part of the Council REFLECTION ON CONSULTATION

• Combining Models of Consultation • The council needs to feel its own power and exercise its own authority. The pastor who gives his council the task of studying an issue and making recommendations about it, and who accepts its recommendations, is acknowledging the council’s authority. Or the pastor may “consult” by participating as a member in the search for consensus, or he may also serve as a ratifier of it. In the latter case, he takes an active role of promoting consensus, and he decides when consensus is reached. THE ROLE OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL THE ROLE OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

• The Code of Canon Law provides for the formation of Parish Pastoral Councils in Canon 536: §1 In every parish of the diocese, a Pastoral Council shall be established, if the diocesan Bishop, after consulting with the Council of Priests, so decides. The pastor presides over the Pastoral Council. The Pastoral Council is composed of members of the congregation together with those of the parish staff who have pastoral care by reason of their office. The Pastoral Council assists in promoting pastoral action in the parish. §2 The pastoral council has only a consultative vote, and it is regulated by the norms laid down by the diocesan Bishop. THE ROLE OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

• The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body, pastoral in nature, because it strives to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit among God's people in the parish. • A Parish Pastoral Council gives its help to the pastor in fostering pastoral activity; it investigates, under the authority of the pastor, all those things which pertain to pastoral works to study them, and to recommend practical conclusions about them. • It is essential that Council meetings occur in the context of prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit, so that at all times the common good will prevail. THE ROLE OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

• Specifically, the Parish Pastoral Council's purpose is to enhance the process of: • pastoral planning: strategic, longer term pastoral planning focused on formation, mission and building the community of faith (3-5 years out) • developing pastoral programs • improving pastoral services • evaluating the pastoral effectiveness of various programs and services THE ROLE OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Pastoral Planning might consider: • missionary, catechetical and apostolic undertakings within the parish; • the promotion of doctrinal formation and the sacramental life of the faithful; • pastoral activities to help the priests in the various social and territorial areas of the diocese; • public opinion on matters pertaining to the Church as it is more likely to be fostered in the present time. THE ROLE OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

• The Pastoral Council serves in an advisory role to the pastor. • The recommendations of the Pastoral Council are to be taken seriously when grounded in prayer, discernment and communal wisdom. THE ROLE OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Role of the pastor • Presides over the Parish Pastoral Council. • Gives final approval of Council recommendations concerning pastoral planning, programs, and services for the parish, as well as for their implementation. • Normally follows the recommendations of the Parish Pastoral Council, unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. If there is such a reason, the pastor should share this with the Council. THE ROLE OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

• Acknowledge the relationship among the Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Council and the Parish Leadership Team • The Leadership Team meets with the Pastor on a weekly basis to deal with leading and managing the parish • The practical wisdom of the pastoral council leads to pastoral action, while the finance council deals with financial reports, budgets, etc., • But pastoral issues have a financial dimension, and financial matters may have to be guided by pastoral initiatives. MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL • The process used for identifying new council members will vary from parish to parish, but ought to include some opportunity for parishioners to participate. • The entire process needs to be permeated with private and public prayer to the Holy Spirit. The intention should be included in the prayers of intercession at each Mass. • Ordinarily, the composition of the Council should be a balance between members: • nominated and elected by the parish at large • appointed by the pastor MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL • Is the pastor a member of the parish pastoral council? The council assists the person in charge; the council is established to advise the pastor (parish life coordinator). Thus, he is not a member of the council; his role is to preside. • What about those who by virtue of their office, e.g., associate pastors, religious, and laity who are charged with pastoral work belong to the pastoral council (depending on number, some of these might be ex officio) • Permanent Deacons should have their part in pastoral councils (Paul VI, motu proprio, Sacrum diaconatus ordinem, June 18, 1967, no. 24) MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL • Members of the parish pastoral council must be in full communion with the Catholic Church and possess proven faith, good morals, and outstanding prudence; • they are to reflect the entire portion of the People of God within the parish: the diverse regions, social conditions, professions, apostolates; some members who are members of institutes of consecrated life, and some who are lay persons. • Diocesan norms could determine how members are chosen: designated, i.e., through election or appointment; ex officio designation; or through discernment. MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

• The Parish Pastoral Council should consist of not less than 6, or more than 15 members.

• Councilors are to be chosen so as to truly reflect the wisdom of the parish community.

• When parishioners understand the Council ministry and have an opportunity to discern which parishioners are suited for it, they can contribute enormously to the selection of councilors. MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Qualities, Skills and Characteristics of Members • Be persons of prayer, who are prayerful, open to personal growth in holiness. The Council must spend time in prayer and reflection. • Able to discern the pastoral and spiritual needs of the parish. • Able to be visionary; Able to bring a broader, more challenging vision to parish life. • Able to representative of the whole parish, not one group. MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Qualities, Skills and Characteristics of Members • Able to make decisions through prayerful consensus. • Able to provide the vision, and planning for the parish. • Able to collaborate with the pastor, parish committees and ministry groups, and the parishioners. MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL A Potential Member should be: • A person who practices their faith and is a good example to the community. • A person who is willing to pray personally and with others. • A person who offers their gifts for the good of the parish and not for power. • A person who is a good listener and can be an agent of change. • A person who is approachable and able to empower others. MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

A Potential Member should be: • A person who invites the gifts of all the parishioners for the good of the parish. • A person who can collaborate with the pastor, the council members, members of committees and ministry groups, and the parishioners. • A person with the ability to study and reflect prayerfully, and to recognize and respect the viewpoints of others. MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Formation or training needed to serve: • Parish Pastoral Council members are expected to participate in an ongoing formation process. • Ongoing formation at the parish level may include an annual evening of recollection and other prayer experiences. • In addition, the Archdiocese could also offer regular presentations on pastoral planning, goal-setting, visioning, conflict resolution and discernment. MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Formation or training needed to serve; Members need to be aware of the essential elements of parish life:

• Worship Word

• Service Community

• Leadership Stewardship

• Sacraments MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Formation or training needed to serve; Members need to be aware of the focus of the Archdiocese: • Mission • Proclaim Christ to Others by having a tool for evangelization • Minister to Those in Need by providing dedicated service to the most vulnerable • Rely on the Holy Spirit in all pastoral ministries, vision, mission, though the discernment of the charisms and gifts of parishioners MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Formation or training needed to serve; Members need to be aware of the focus of the Archdiocese: • Community • Foster Sacramental Life by celebrating reverent liturgies • Foster Community Life by promoting and supporting small communities for faith sharing • Create Systems & Structures that uses a team approach that follows a consistent vision for the parish MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Formation or training needed to serve; Members need to be aware of the focus of the Archdiocese: • Formation • Make disciples through an ongoing process to help people, of all ages, grow in the life of Christ and develop skills in evangelization • Call to Service by identifying areas of strength and giving people opportunities to serve in those areas through their respective vocation. • Promote Leadership by identifying and forming leaders at every level of parish life ELEMENT THIS HAS BEEN A STRENGTH FOR US WE NEED TO GROW IN THIS AREA

Liturgy/Prayer

Word/Scripture

Service

Community

Evangelization

Leadership

Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure

Sacraments QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

A. Share your positive experiences of pastoral councils.

B. Share your challenging experiences of pastoral councils.

C. What questions do you have regarding this presentation or your discussion? CLOSING PRAYER Leader: Lord Jesus, You walk beside your people. Response: May we recognize you as you accompany us. Leader: Lord, You raise up those who are bent low. Response: May we pray for those held down by the grindings of life and the indifference of the world.

Leader: Lord, You feed the hungry Response: May we assist all who long for bread and the means to provide it.

Leader: Lord, You call us to be missionary disciples as we consider a pastoral plan for our parish. Response: May we have the vision to reach out to all, especially those who are never noticed.

Leader: Lord, You invite us to follow you, especially as we participate in the Parish Pastoral Council. Response: May we have the courage and faith to take up our cross and be open to new life. • Our Father & Blessing