Parish Pastoral Council

Role

The role of a parish pastoral council is defined in the Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law. It is an advisory body which is modeled on the equivalent council at the diocesan level.

"A pastoral council is composed of members of Christ’s faithful who are in full communion with the catholic Church ... selected in such a way that the council truly reflects the entire portion of the people of God which constitutes the [parish], taking account of ... [the variety of] social conditions and professions" (Code of Canon Law, §512). "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. The pastoral council has only a consultative vote, and it is regulated by the norms laid down by the diocesan Bishop." (§536)

As just quoted, the pastoral council consists of two types of members: "Christ's faithful" (appointed members) "together with those who by virtue of their office are engaged in the pastoral care of the parish" (ex officio members).

Ex Officio Members

Ex officio members serve on the council by virtue of another position they hold. They are either:

• Lay trustees of the parish (which, in the Diocese of Davenport, are required to be on the council ex officio)
• Persons who assist the pastor in his pastoral work

Appointed Members

In addition to the ex officio members, the pastor appoints members to serve.

Parish Finance Council

The Parish Finance Council advises the pastor on financial matters and performs auditing tasks within the scope of diocesan norms.

Lay Trustees

Each parish in our diocese has two lay trustees. Both trustees sit on the Pastoral Council ex officio, and at least one must be on the Finance Council.