Parish (Pastoral) Councils

I have been asked to respond to a question raised by one of our readers concerning parish councils.
I wrote this short article some years ago. I think it sheds light on the topic.


Is every parish required to have a parish (pastoral) council?

In the Church there exists a number of organisms meant to assist in the building up of the Body of Christ on a diocesan and parochial level. Two such consultative bodies that come to mind are the Council of Priests and the  Parish (Pastoral) Council. The Second Vatican Council called for a more collaborative structure whereby the pastors of the Church could call upon the faithful for more direct input in co-ordinating the pastoral mission of the Church. It is important to keep in mind that these bodies are only consultative bodies, not deliberative. Their key task is to propose, advise, suggest, recommend, discuss, consider what best will enhance the over-all pastoral mission of the diocese and/or the parish.

Canon law addresses the subject of the pastoral council in Canon 536. It states in two paragraphs the following: “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” (#1). “The pastoral council has only a consultative vote, and it is regulated by the norms laid down by the diocesan Bishop” (#2).
A parish (pastoral) council is not mandatory by law. The Code of Canon Law refers the matter to the diocesan Bishop. If he sees fit, and after consulting the Council of Priests, then a pastoral council (both on a diocesan and parish level) can be established.

The parish (pastoral) council serves a vital role in a diocese and parish. Unfortunately, in many ways it has been reduced to organizing fund-raising projects and concerning itself with many financial matters. These are best left to where they belong, the Finance Council. The pastoral council is charged with fostering pastoral action. This is best done  by encouraging and affirming all aspects of parish life, but especially the spiritual and evangelizing role of the diocesan (parish) community.