GUIDELINES, POLICIES &

BEST PRACTICES
FOR
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

DIOCESE OF OWENSBORO

November 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page ............................................................................................................................ 1

Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ 2

Letter from Bishop Medley ................................................................................................ 3

Policy Regarding Parish Pastoral Councils ........................................................................ 4

Guidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils:

I. Theology .................................................................................................................... 5

II. Purpose of a Parish Pastoral Council ......................................................................... 6

III. Functions of the Parish Pastoral Council ................................................................... 6

IV. The Pastor and the Parish Pastoral Council ............................................................... 7

V. Membership................................................................................................................ 8

VI. Election Procedures .................................................................................................. 10

VII. Terms of Office ........................................................................................................ 12

VIII. Meetings ................................................................................................................... 13

IX. Officers ..................................................................................................................... 15

X. Committees. ............................................................................................................. 16

XI. Guidelines for Committees ...................................................................................... 21

A. Worship ................................................................... 21
B. Spiritual Life ............................................................ 22
C. Finance..................................................................... 23
D. Education/Faith Formation ...................................... 25
E. Social Justice............................................................ 27
F. Family Life ............................................................... 29
G. Hispanic Ministry .................................................... 30

Appendix I: Constitution and By-Laws, A Model........................................................... 31

Appendix II: (Examples of “How to” Mission Statement, PPC Agenda, etc.) ................ 36

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Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15). This
command of Christ has inspired countless men and women throughout the Church’s history to
give themselves to the work of spreading the Good News. The Second Vatican Council has
repeated and renewed this mandate of the Lord, calling all members of the Church to involve
themselves in witnessing to the Gospel.

As part of its renewal to the Church, the Council called for a number of new structures to
promote active involvement and collaboration in the mission of the Church. After the Council, a
new structure was proposed by the Church to call forth in an orderly fashion the insights and
cooperation of persons at the level of the local community. That structure is the parish pastoral
council.

One of the greatest models of collaboration within the Diocese of Owensboro continues to be the
parish pastoral council. For many years in our diocese, pastors and their councils have worked
together to create and implement a vision of ongoing renewal within each parish.

All of us can look toward the future with hope that parish pastoral councils will continue to work
collaboratively with pastors and parish staff members to bring greater vitality and vibrancy to
parish life. To bring this hope to fruition, I encourage all pastors to remain committed to the
development of parish pastoral councils, consulting with them to address the varied aspects of
parish life. I also encourage the laity to continue to step forward to lend their gifts and talents to
the ongoing development of parish pastoral councils and the building up of their parish
communities as communities of prayer and worship, communities of faith and service.

My hope is that these Guidelines, Policies & Best Practices for Parish Pastoral Councils will
assist pastors and parishioners alike in revitalizing and utilizing this consultative structure for a
more fervent and vibrant experience of God’s love poured out in his Church.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend William F. Medley

Bishop for the Diocese of Owensboro

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 POLICIES REGARDING PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS
DIOCESE OF OWENSBORO

1. Parish Pastoral Council - Every parish must have a Parish Pastoral Council. (c. 536;
Diocesan Policy / Parish / Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish Finance Councils #1)

2. Finance Council - Every parish must have a Finance Council as a coordinating committee
of the Parish Pastoral Council or as a subcommittee of the Parish Administration
Committee, governed by the norms on pages 23 & 24 of this document. (c. 537; Diocesan
Policy / Parish / Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish Finance Councils #2)

3. A pastor may not disband the Parish Pastoral Council or the Finance Council without the
permission of the bishop. (Diocesan Policy / Parish / Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish
Finance Councils #3)

4. At least two-thirds of the membership must be lay -- 75% must be elected.

(Diocesan Policy / Parish / Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish Finance Councils #4)

5. Members must be registered and active members of the parish. (Diocesan Policy / Parish /
Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish Finance Councils #5)

6. Each Parish Pastoral Council must have its own statutes (constitution and by-laws).
(Diocesan Policy / Parish / Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish Finance Councils #6)

7. Members are to be elected/appointed for particular term, determined by the parish statutes.
(Diocesan Policy / Parish / Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish Finance Councils #7)

8. Meetings will be held at least quarterly and minutes kept on file in parish archives.
(Diocesan Policy / Parish / Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish Finance Councils #8)

9. In addition to the Finance Council or Committee (Subcommittee), there must be at least

three other coordinating committees: Worship, Education/Faith Formation, Social
Concerns. There may be a need in some parishes for a specific coordinating committee to
focus attention on the needs of new immigrant and ethnic communities and assist with
communication with the other parish committees. The committees may be called by the
above names or they may be called by similar names (e.g. Administration instead of
Finance). (Diocesan Policy / Parish / Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish Finance Councils
#9)

10. The School Board will function as a sub-committee of the Education/Faith Formation
Committee. (Diocesan Policy / Parish / Parish Pastoral Councils & Parish Finance
Councils #10)

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 GUIDELINES, POLICIES & BEST PRACTICES FOR PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

I. THEOLOGY
In the years since the Second Vatican Council, the Church continues to become aware of itself
as the People of God, a community in which all the baptized share in the mission and ministry
which Jesus entrusted to the Apostles and through them to the entire Church.

This understanding has its scriptural foundation in the writings of St. Paul who reminds us
"now you together are Christ's body" (I Cor. 12:27). The Second Vatican Council further
articulated this vision when it stated: "the faithful are by baptism made one body with Christ
and are established among the People of God. They are in their own way made sharers in the
priestly, prophetic, and kingly functions of Christ" (LG 31).

When the revised Code of Canon law was promulgated in 1983, it sought to reflect the
decrees of the council and to structure the various institutes of the Church according to this
communal vision. Thus, canon 204 restates LG #31 and canon 216 articulates the rights of all
the faithful to cooperate in the building up of the Body of Christ. "All the Christian faithful,
since they participate in the mission of the Church, have the right to promote or to sustain
apostolic action by their own undertakings in accord with each one's state and condition…”

All the faithful, laity, priests, religious and bishops work together exercising their baptismal
call in "true equality with regard to dignity... in accord with each one's own condition and
function" (canon 208). This co-responsibility for the Church's mission is manifested on many
different levels in the Church. On the parish level the Parish Pastoral Council is perhaps the
best structure to enable shared ministry to occur. Such a council affords a structure through
which the members of the local Church can plan together and cooperate with one another in
proclaiming the Gospel and building up the body of Christ.

The canonical foundation for the Parish Pastoral Council is found in Book II of the code, "The
People of God", which has many canons stating the right of all members of the Church to
participate in the Church's mission and to express their needs and opinions (e.g. canon 212).
Canon 536 specifically legislates regarding this Parish Pastoral Council. "After the diocesan
bishop has listened to the Presbyteral Council and if he judges it opportune, a Pastoral
Council is to be established in each parish; the pastor presides over it, and through it the
Christian faithful along with those who share in the pastoral care of the parish in virtue of
their office give their help in fostering pastoral activity."

Canon 536 further explains the nature of the Parish Pastoral Council in its relationship to the
pastor of the parish. While the Parish Pastoral Council is not merely a rubber stamp for the
pastor, neither is it a final decision making body. Rather, its purpose is to investigate, and to
study pastoral matters and to propose practical conclusions as recommendations to the pastor.
The second paragraph of the canon states: "this Parish Pastoral Council possesses a
consultative vote only and is governed by norms determined by the diocesan bishop."

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II. PURPOSE OF A PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
The purpose of a Parish Pastoral Council is dictated by the name itself. The Council must be
genuinely pastoral, playing a role in the overall pastoral ministry of the parish. In years past,
some Parish Pastoral Councils have primarily focused on administrative and fiscal ministries.
While these are important components of parish life, the mission of the Parish Pastoral
Council is much broader. The Parish Pastoral Council is to be the coordinating and unifying
structure of the parish community that should make it possible for all the faithful to participate
in the mission of the parish. Evangelization and hospitality form the base of all parish unity.
“Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity.
She exists in order to evangelize." (EN #14, 1975) "The priority of every parish community
is evangelization...." (John Paul II, March 20, 2004). "If we understand that the love of God
is the fundamental issue of our lives, then our perspective changes." (Benedict XVI, January
29, 2006)

The Parish Pastoral Council is more than a group of advisors to the pastor, more than
representatives of various groups or factions within the parish, and more than the decision
makers of the community. Members of the Parish Pastoral Council are called to become
effective parish leaders who are attentive to current cultural realities and have a sense of
ministry flowing from an on-going spirituality. These leaders are challenged to be inclusive
of all members and to develop a sense of parish Church within the broader context of the
diocesan and universal Church.

The primary responsibilities of the Parish Pastoral Council are:

A. Setting an example of unity and cooperation as the People of God to both the parish
and the larger community of the Church and society.
B. Serving as an instrument for sharing the mission of Jesus, proclaiming His Gospel,
building His community, celebrating His liturgy and serving His people.
C. Providing direction for the local Catholic community based on the mission of Jesus
and the presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within the parish.
D. Assisting the pastor with his mission of teaching, sanctifying and governing the
parish.

III. FUNCTIONS OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

The essential function of the Parish Pastoral Council is to lead the parish as it strives to
be faithful to the mission given it by Jesus. To this end, the Parish Pastoral Council will:
A. Develop a general parish Mission Statement (why the parish exists, what the parish is
called to be, how this parish will respond to that call here and now, cf. Appendix II,
GPBPPPC).
B. Engage in annual stewardship education/formation as an organized process, which
involves each household of the parish, of assessing needs, identifying resources and
establishing goals and objectives for the parish as well as priorities in service to the
parish mission.
C. Coordinate parish efforts to implement the identified goals, objectives and priorities.

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 D. Identify and encourage the gifts and talents of all parish members and to be especially
mindful of those who may be overlooked.
E. Engage in prayer and study in discernment of God's will.
F. Promote meaningful dialogue and decision-making by consensus among the pastor,
parish staff and all others in parish leadership.
G. Implement diocesan policy and directives relating to parish life and mission.

The Parish Pastoral Council, as organizational stewards, will:

• evaluate its progress over the past year;
• assess needs;
• identify resources;
• establish goals and objectives for the parish; and
• periodically report to the parish.

Each parish household, as personal stewards, will be asked to go through the same
process of evaluating the past year, assess needs, identify resources, and establish goals
of parish participation in the coming year.

IV. THE PASTOR AND THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

(Note: Modifications of the work of the Parish Pastoral Council should be addressed in
the constitution and by-laws developed in individual and in clustered parishes.)

The pastor is the person who participates in the pastoral ministry of the bishop in a
particular parish. According to canon 519 "the pastor is the proper shepherd of the parish
entrusted to him, exercising pastoral care in the community entrusted to him under the
authority of the diocesan bishop in whose ministry of Christ he has been called to share;
in accord with the norm of law he carries out for his community the duties of teaching,
sanctifying and governing, with the cooperation of other presbyters or deacons and the
assistance of lay members of the Christian faithful."

Although the primary responsibility for pastoral care is the pastor's, this responsibility is
not exclusively his. Canon law and other ecclesial documents call for him to enable
others and to elicit their cooperation in fulfilling the pastoral obligations within a parish.
Even though the pastor is the ultimate decision-maker within the parish, he is not the only
minister and he can only make decisions effectively if he is in close communication with
the people in his parish.

The Parish Pastoral Council is a unique body through which the pastoral life within a
parish is coordinated. Although canon law makes it clear that the primary responsibility
is the pastor's and that the Parish Pastoral Council serves as a consultative body to him,
the relationship between the pastor and his Council is one of collaboration and shared
responsibility rather than one of adversity or of power.

Because of the consultative nature of the Council, the pastor is not technically a member
of the Council, although he participates in all meetings and deliberations. Even though

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 he is not bound by the decisions of his Council, a process of consensus eliminates the
need for a veto. In fact, it can be said that consensus is not achieved without the pastor's
approval. Working together, the pastor and the Council form a community of leadership
in service to the mission of Christ in the larger parish and Church. Such leadership
requires an atmosphere of trust and mutual love and respect among the members of the
Council and between the pastor and the Council members.

The pastor and the Parish Pastoral Council are called to work together in a spirit of love,
trust and collaboration. Together they are to form a community of faith, prayerfully
discerning the direction of the Holy Spirit as they seek to meet the pastoral needs of their
parish. Some problems experienced by pastoral Councils can be avoided if everyone
clearly understands the nature of the Council and the role of the pastor. At the same time,
tension can be eliminated or exacerbated by the pastor's particular style of leadership.
Usually, it is not the decision itself that is problematic, but rather the process by which a
decision is reached, announced or implemented.

Disbanding the Council

Before any pastor may disband the Parish Pastoral Council, he and a representative group
of the Parish Pastoral Council (not necessarily at the same time) must present the reasons
to the Bishop and receive permission for this action. When such permission is given, a
new Council must be established within a year.

Transfer of the Pastor

Since diocesan policy requires the existence of a Parish Pastoral Council in each parish, a
pastor who is transferred into a new parish may only disband the Parish Pastoral Council
according to the prescription of the previous paragraph. The new pastor should meet
frequently with the Parish Pastoral Council in order to gain a sense of the history of the
parish, as well as to get a feel for current pastoral activities and concerns.

V. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Parish Pastoral Council will vary according to the size, need, and
cultural reality of the parish. Of these, at least two-thirds should be lay members of the
parish. Generally between seven and eighteen members are recommended. All Catholics
who are registered and active members of the parish are eligible for membership on the
Council according to the constitution and by-laws or policy of the Pastoral Council.
Parish staff members may serve in an advisory capacity or as ex officio members of the
Parish Pastoral Council without the right to vote.

A. General membership on the Parish Pastoral Council includes:

1. Elected from the parish membership – 75%, (or those selected by lot, Page 11,
GPBPPPC) preserving an equal balance of men and women
2. An unrepresented segment of the parish, not to exceed 25% of the total
membership (e.g. youth, ethnic group, etc.) to be appointed

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 3. The parish statutes may direct that Parish Pastoral Council members serve as
liaisons to each of the coordinating committees (or that a member of the
committee, selected by the committee, serve on the Parish Pastoral Council).

In view of the above, each parish should decide upon membership selection. All
members of the Council should participate in the consensus process, always mindful
of the unique role of the pastor.

It is important that a Parish Pastoral Council represent all the people of all ages and
ethnicity of the parish and of all states in life. The challenge to Pastoral Councils is to
live this representative role in the Christian sense and not only in a limited, political
sense. While pastoral councils may use election procedures like those of a political
democracy, all council members must represent and be concerned for every person in
the parish community. Christian concern must be unbounded; it cannot be limited by
constituencies or by boundaries.

B. Qualifications: Each parish should develop clear criteria to determine eligibility for
voting and for candidacy.

Furthering the mission of the Church and the faith development of the parish
community requires attention to the entire community of the geographic area of the
parish boundaries and beyond. Persons called to the important work of ministry as
Parish Pastoral Council members should evidence the following:

1. Willingness to participate in an orientation process to the Pastoral Council

2. Awareness of their personal call to holiness
3. Clear understanding of their role in the Church and evidence of their past
involvement in parish or Church life
4. Willingness to acquaint themselves with their responsibilities as outlined in
the teachings of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
(United States Catholic Catechism for Adults)
5. Understanding of the parish as a worshiping community and a center for
spiritual growth and apostolic formation where people become enabled to
serve one another and the needs of the Church and world community
6. Understanding that God has entrusted all people, gifts and resources to our
care for specific purposes. All efforts of administration and ministry should
flow through these basic concepts of Christian stewardship.
7. Willingness to work with the pastor, who is the leader of the parish
community, and with the other members of the Council in setting direction for
the parish
8. Willingness to work with the entire parish community rather than advocating
only one point of view
9. Willingness to be held accountable for active involvement and leadership in
parish life and development
10. Recognition of the relationship of the parish to the diocesan and universal
Church and the necessity of open and ongoing communication between the

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 parish and the larger Church, especially through the parish participation in and
representation on the local Deanery Council

(The above criteria set a standard that all the members must take seriously and hope to
meet to a significant degree. Although no one Council member will be able to meet all
the criteria, all should be present in the Council as a whole.)

C. Responsibilities

1. Active involvement in personal and communal spiritual renewal

2. Participation in the regular meetings of the Council
3. Participation in diocesan ministry formation programs
4. Participation in an annual goal-setting session and in the evaluation sessions
5. Representation of and communication with parishioners, and coordinating
committees
6. Study and preparation for each meeting
7. Trust, openness and honesty in learning to work toward consensus

It is the role of the Parish Pastoral Council to draw together the general policies and
goals of the parish. Their implementation, however, is the responsibility of the
various committees. The committees, with the parish staff, are the working arms of
the Parish Pastoral Council. The vitality and effectiveness of the entire Council
depends upon the work of the committees.

Commitment to the parish community is an important commitment and places

demands on every Council member.

VI. ELECTION PROCEDURES

A. Parish-Wide Election by Nomination and Ballot is conducted according to the
constitution and by-laws of the Parish Pastoral Council, which should include the
guidelines for the election committee.

For parishes that use the nomination and election process in determining the members
of the Parish Pastoral Council, it is recommended that an election committee serve as
an ad hoc committee of the Parish Pastoral Council. Its membership should include,
but not be restricted to, Parish Pastoral Council members.

This committee should work to insure free and open nominations and elections
calling forth leadership rather than conducting a strictly democratic process that can
become a popularity contest.

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 Functions of the election committee include:

• Publicizing the procedures and timeline for nominations and the qualifications
for candidates
• Seeking nominations from the parish-at-large for the Parish Pastoral Council
election
• Explaining to prospective candidates the purpose, functions, and work of the
Parish Pastoral Council and duties of its members
• Developing procedures whereby the members of the parish can become
acquainted with the candidates and their qualifications
• Insuring that all eligible members of the parish have the opportunity to vote in
accordance with the Parish Pastoral Council Constitution and By-Laws. This
task includes determining the time frame of the process and the form,
distribution, and collection of ballots
• Supervising the election, counting ballots, and certifying the results of the
election
• Notifying the candidates and informing the parish of the election results

B. Election by Discernment

1. Nomination by parish at large

2. Pastor writes a letter to all who have been nominated affirming their call by the
parishioners, asking them if they are willing to serve on the Parish Pastoral
Council in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws.
3. Those who participate in the formation process according to the Constitution and
By-Laws, then discern through prayer, reflection, and discussion the gifts of the
nominees vis-à-vis the needs of the parish and determine the actual membership
of the Parish Pastoral Council
4. Parish Pastoral Council is presented to the parish at the following weekend(s)
Masses.

C. Election By Lot - A possible procedure for the selection of Parish Pastoral Council
members is to choose them by drawing lots. The procedure might be as follows:

1. Each year parishioners would be invited to nominate candidates for the Council
who meet pre-determined qualifications. After the pastor and Council determine
that these nominees are eligible for membership their names are placed in a
receptacle along with other qualified candidates.
2. The length of the terms of office is determined.
3. The required number of members for the Council is chosen by lot at the time set
for the selection. To maintain a balance of women and men on the Council, the
names of the men are placed in one receptacle and the names of the women in
another. An equal number of names is then drawn from each receptacle.
4. The other names remain in the receptacle and become a source for choosing
committee members, filling vacancies or other leadership positions in the parish.

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 D. Election by Ministries

A fourth possible procedure for selecting Council members is called by some the
"Pastoral Council of Ministries." This model presupposes that there are active
ministry groups or committees in the parish

1. In this procedure and model, each member of the Parish Pastoral Council will
have served on some specific ministry committee for at least a year before being
selected for the Council.
2. At yearly meetings the members of each ministry committee (or alternately, all
the people involved in a particular area of ministry) nominate several committee
members as candidates for the Council.
3. The ministry committee then elects (or chooses by lot) one of the nominees to
serve on the Parish Pastoral Council for a specific term determined by the
particular statutes of the Parish Pastoral Council.
4. In this structure the Parish Pastoral Council coordinates and links together the
various areas of ministry in the parish: worship, education/faith formation, social
justice, stewardship, administration, special needs, etc.

VII. TERMS OF OFFICE

For some parishes, staggering the terms of membership of the Parish Pastoral Council
helps to insure continuity on the Council. In this case, the parish may choose to have
terms of either two or three years with no more than two successive terms. For some
parishes, choosing a completely new Council best serves the needs of the parish. In this
case, a single three-year or four-year term tends to work well.

Vacancies on the Parish Pastoral Council, when they occur, should be filled as directed
by the Parish Pastoral Council Constitution and By-Laws. The constitution and by-laws
should specify how the position would be filled (e.g. drawing by lot, appointment, etc).
In the case of vacancy in the office of chairperson of the Council, the vice-chairperson
ordinarily fills the position until the next regular election of officers. The constitution and
by-laws of the Parish Pastoral Council should specify whether the person completing an
unexpired term may be elected for a full term at the following election.

It is the responsibility of the pastor with the Parish Pastoral Council to provide adequate
orientation and formation for all members of the Parish Pastoral Council.

It is the Parish Pastoral Council’s responsibility to see that its members fulfill their
obligations faithfully. In this regard, the Council statutes or by-laws should empower the
Council to terminate a member’s term under certain circumstances: for instance chronic
absence from Council meetings.

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VIII. MEETINGS

A. Format

An effective Parish Pastoral Council meeting is the result of careful preparation and
efficient procedures. Most of the Council work takes place in the coordinating
committees in advance of regularly scheduled meetings. Members and committees
charged with a particular responsibility should thoroughly research that topic or area
of concern, and summarize all data into a clear concise, written report. These being
done, Parish Pastoral Council meetings can then adopt the following format:

1. A well planned agenda, published in advance, affording members the

opportunity to be adequately prepared on all issues to be considered
2. Ample time for prayer, with reflection on the Scriptures and on the mission of
the Council at the beginning of each meeting to set the tone for a productive
meeting of followers of Jesus
3. Meaningful discussion on each topic on the agenda, with all relative
comments brought forth, and the result being a general consensus on each
issue, rather than divided votes and disappointed minorities
4. Completion of the meeting within a reasonable length of time, with all
Council members leaving with a positive attitude about the Council in general,
its mission, and its accomplishments. (Ordinarily a Parish Pastoral Council
meeting should be able to conclude the business at hand in an hour and a half
and not exceed two hours in length.)

B. Meeting Procedures (Consensus)

1. The Parish Pastoral Council as the parish leadership community has the basic
task of setting policies, goals and vision for the parish. In this regard, most
Parish Pastoral Councils are striving to adopt a consensual process in their
decision-making. Consensus is a general agreement on an over-all direction,
rather than agreement on administrative decisions or program planning. It is
often easier to achieve general agreement on broad directions than it is to
achieve it on practical decisions
2. In the consensual process, no one who is important to the implementation of
the decision should be left out. In this regard, the pastor's participation in the
process and his acceptance of the decision of the group are essential. Every
one of the members has an opportunity for input and everyone's input is taken
seriously. It is possible that the insight of one person can be the key to the
solution. It is also possible that hearing all the exponents of a given position
will be more effective than hearing only one. An even more important
concern is in returning to the faith perspective to assure that the Council is
consistent with its basic identity as a ministerial community of faith. While it
would be valuable to have as many decisions as possible arrived at by
consensus, it is particularly important in regard to sensitive issues that may
have a great effect on the parish.

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 3. Parliamentary decision-making, where the majority rules, has its inadequacies.
One of the greatest is the possible alienation of the losers. Such a procedure is
feasible where there is not a great deal at stake (minor decisions) or in
practical or administrative choices.

C. Types of Meetings

1. Regular Meetings - each Parish Pastoral Council should conduct business on a

regular (e.g. monthly) basis, with at least quarterly meeting mandated. The
importance of full attendance at each of these meetings should be strongly
emphasized.

2. Formation Meetings - Since it is vital that a Council be able to function as a

cohesive unit, an initial orientation session should be held (with all members
present) after each election in which one or more new members are added to
the Council. Ideally this meeting should be held in a "retreat" atmosphere to
aid in the separation from everyday concerns, and promote the proper spiritual
atmosphere. Suggested topics for the initial orientation meeting might
include:

a. Information regarding the purpose, functions, and structure of the Parish

Pastoral Council and its coordinating committees
b. A brief history of the past accomplishments and the growth of the local
Parish Pastoral Council
c. Materials needed by the members to carry out their responsibilities, e.g.
minutes, policies, working procedures, guidelines
d. A spiritual presentation that would focus on the commitment to doing the
Lord’s work in general, and Church/parish work in specific
e. A planned social gathering that will promote familiarity, friendships, etc.

3. Open Meeting - It is recommended that a single regular meeting of the Parish

Pastoral Council be designated as a special open meeting in which the entire
parish community is not only invited, but also encouraged to attend. The
agenda of said meeting should be published to the general parish at least two
weeks in advance. Regular business matters should be discussed at this
meeting, to provide the parish community with an understanding of the
regular workings of the Council. Additionally, a special format should
include a summary of recent accomplishments by the Council, as well as the
stated goals and objectives for the future

4. Committee Meetings - Committees will meet as deemed necessary to

accomplish specific work outside of regular Council sessions. Further
discussion on functions of specific committees is found in that section of this
manual.

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IX. OFFICERS
A. Chairperson
One individual, elected from the membership of the Council, serves as the
coordinator of all the various functions of the Council. The following is a suggested
list of responsibilities for the chairperson:
1. Plans the agenda for each business meeting, in cooperation with the Pastor.
Publishes the agenda to all members of Council and other interested persons
in advance (minimum one week) of each meeting
2. Chairs regular Council meetings, not through domination but, by patiently
assisting and guiding all discussion toward a goal of a general consensus
3. Appoints Ad Hoc committees, delegates responsibilities, encourages
cooperation with the pastor, pastoral staff and the Council (both in and out of
Council meetings) in accord with the guidelines of the Council
4. Encourages Council members, through the example of his/her own Christian
life, to become spiritual leaders in the parish community
5. Offers leadership to the Council in its task of discerning and serving the needs
of the parish community.

B. Vice Chairperson
The vice chairperson, elected from the membership of the Parish Pastoral Council, is
responsible for the following tasks:
1. Studies all responsibilities of the Chairperson as detailed previously, plus any
other qualities/attributes observed
2. Prepares to assume any or all of these responsibilities in the absence or
incapacity of the Chairperson
3. Works closely with the Chairperson in the planning and work of the Parish
Pastoral Council outside of regular Council meetings.

C. Secretary
The secretary is ordinarily elected from the membership of the Council (however, this
position may be an appointed one and as such, not technically a member of the
Council) and has the responsibility to fulfill the following duties:
1. Records the minutes of each regular Parish Pastoral Council meeting and sees
to it that the minutes are made available to the Parish Pastoral Council
members.
2. Requests written reports from all the committees to be included in the Parish
Pastoral Council minutes and parish file
3. Keeps a file of Parish Pastoral Council records, minutes, history, etc
4. Directs correspondence for the Parish Pastoral Council
5. Maintains a roster of members with their terms of office and records
attendance
6. Sends names, addresses and telephone numbers of Parish Pastoral Council
leadership and committee chairpersons to respective diocesan/committees.

15
 D. Executive Committee
Parish Pastoral Councils may find it beneficial to have an Executive Committee
composed of the pastor, chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary who will be
responsible for planning the agenda.

X. COMMITTEES
The structure of the Parish Pastoral Council flows from its call to mission
(evangelization), its functions, and its discerned areas of responsibility. This structure
includes a system of committees that are the working bodies of the Parish Pastoral
Council. These committees broaden the base for dialogue, for parishioner representation
and participation in the mission of the Church.

The designation of committees admits of several possibilities. In the interest of some

commonality which would enable parishes within the Diocese of Owensboro to share
across parish lines, these guidelines propose at least six areas of ministry development:
Worship, Spiritual Life, Education/Faith Formation, Social Justice, Family Life, and
Finance or Administration. (An additional need in many parishes in this 21st century is
the need for a committee to welcome all who come to the parish and to address the needs
and services for the new immigrants and ethnic groups present in the parish.)

A. Role

It is the role of the Parish Pastoral Council to draw together the general policies and
goals of the parish. Their implementation, however, is the responsibility of the
various committees. The committees, with the parish staff, are the working arms of
the Parish Pastoral Council. The vitality and effectiveness of the entire Council
depend upon the work of the committees.

The committees communicate with the Parish Pastoral Council on three levels in
order to accomplish the task they undertake.

1. The committees are channels through which the people of the parish make
requests and observations known to the Parish Pastoral Council. Therefore,
any subcommittee or organization or parishioner wishing to initiate a project
or make recommendations communicates with the appropriate committee.
That committee, if necessary, communicates with the Parish Pastoral Council.

2. The committees are to maintain consistent communication with the diocesan

offices that directly pertain to the area of responsibility (ministry) of the
particular committee. In turn, these offices provide guidelines, policies and
resources to the committees in all stages of their growth and development.

16
B. Function

The basic functions of the committees are identical to those of the Parish Pastoral
Council: spiritual formation, participative planning, fostering discipleship, policy
development and communication. The functions are focused on a specific ministry
within the parish community.

The main functions of the committees are derived from the Parish Pastoral Council
responsibilities and include:

1. Praying together for direction and guidance

2. Developing objectives to implement the overall parish goals as established by the
pastor with the Parish Pastoral Council
3. Listening to parishioners in identifying the needs of the parish community in its area
of responsibility, research feasible responses, and prepare proposals for the Parish
Pastoral Council
4. Communicating and working with the parish staff concerning the implementation of
the goals and direction of the committee
5. Preparing and presenting an annual budget to the Parish Pastoral Council
6. Designating times and criteria (cooperatively developed with the parish staff) for
evaluation of progress in goal achievement and program effectiveness
7. Maintaining communication with the parish community concerning policies,
programs and evaluation processes encouraging their active support and involvement
8. Maintaining communication with the respective diocesan offices for guidelines,
policies and resources and mail updated rosters of membership to these offices
9. Providing ongoing education and formation for Parish Pastoral Council members and
for the parish-at-large in its area of responsibility.

C. Membership

1. Numbers:

The Parish Pastoral Council will determine the minimum number of members needed
on each committee and will designate the manner of their selection. The work of
some committees may necessitate the formation of subcommittees (e.g.
EDUCATION/ FAITH FORMATION: pre-school, Parish School Board, religious
education, ongoing faith formation for adults, youth ministry, special needs). It is
advisable that a committee (or subcommittee) have not less than three or more than
fifteen members.

2. Representation:

Like the Council itself, the membership of each committee should, as far as possible,
be representative of the entire parish community with a balance of men and women.
The following criteria may be of assistance:

17
 a. All Catholics who are registered and active members of the parish are
eligible for membership on the coordinating committees. Representatives
from youth, senior citizens, minority and ethnic groups, persons with
disabilities, and persons touched by the work of the committee
b. Representatives from sub-committees and organizations whose ministry
relates to the work of the committee
c. The pastor or his representative from the pastoral staff.

D. Qualifications for committee membership should include:

1. Persons who are registered and active members of the parish or who bring
specific experience that is needed on the committee (e.g. cyber technology,
fiscal management, etc.)
2. Expertise and interest in the specific ministry of the committee
3. Understanding of the concept of shared responsibility
4. Understanding of the relationship of the work of the committees to the overall
goals of the Parish Pastoral Council and to that of the other committees as
well as the relationship to the pastor and pastoral staff
5. Willingness to search out the needs of the larger community in the area of
responsibility and respond realistically to these needs
6. Ability to work effectively with others and to seek consultation and advice
from competent persons and sources
7. Willingness to participate in ongoing education and continuing formation

E. Term of Office

The term of office is recommended as neither less than two nor more than three years
and renewable each year thereafter.

F. Chairperson

Each committee selects a chairperson who is responsible for the organization,

coordination and promotion of the work of the committee.

Committees need to be aware of one another’s activities because of their

interrelatedness in working for the common mission and vision of the parish.
Communication is strengthened through:

1. Representation from each committee on the Parish Pastoral Council (or having
members of the Council serve as a liaison to each committee
2. Making summary reports of issues discussed and proposals prepared by the
committee sent to the Parish Pastoral Council members for study with their
next agenda.
3. Meeting of committee chairpersons periodically to compare notes, particularly
before budget preparation.

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 COMMUNICATION FLOW CHART

Bishop

Priests’
Diocesan Council
Committees**

Priest
Deanery
Councils*

Parish
Pastoral
Councils

*Deanery Councils: Bowling Green, Central, Eastern, Fancy Farm, Hopkinsville, Owensboro East, Owensboro West, Paducah, The Lakes.
**Diocesan Committees: Social Justice, Finance, Family Life, Worship, Hispanic, Spiritual Life, Education/Faith Formation..

19
 ORGANIZATION CHART OF THE CONSULTATIVE BODIES OF THE PARISH

Bishop

Parochial Vicar Pastor

Parish Staff

Parish Pastoral Council

20
Finance Worship Education/Faith Spiritual Life Social Justice Family Life Hispanic
Committee Committee Formation Committee Committee Committee Committee (or
Committee another ethnic
group with
significant
presence in the
parish)
(Administration and (Liturgical life, (Catechesis, life-long (Ongoing spiritual (Deepening the (Family as Church (Comprehensive
stewardship of the prayer and worship education and faith growth and understanding of of the home, serve ministry, culturally
temporal goods of of the entire parish) formation of the development of the the Church, her parish by appropriate, to meet
the parish) parish flowing from entire parish) mission and social development of a spiritual, personal
Mission) teaching which family perspective and social needs.
leads to biblical in all programs and Collaborative in
Justice – everyone services) nature with other
and everything in committees)
right relationship)
XI. GUIDELINES FOR COMMITTEES
A. WORSHIP COMMITTEE
1. Role (Cf. Page 16, GPPPC)
The ministry of the Worship Committee focuses on the liturgical life of the parish
community and thus is concerned with the liturgical prayer and worship
dimension of parish life.
2. Function (Cf. Page 17, GPPPC)
The specific function of the Worship Committee includes the following:
a. Overseeing the preparation and coordination of Sunday liturgies (in all
languages) as the core of parish worship
b. Providing for the ongoing liturgical education/formation of the parish, with
special attention given to the education/formation of liturgy committee
members
c. Establishing short-term and long-term goals designed to encourage the
liturgical growth of the parish
d. Developing processes for the ongoing evaluation of liturgical celebrations and
their role in the life of the parish
e. Overseeing the preparation and coordination of other liturgical rites (e.g.
sacramental rites, weddings, funerals, Liturgy of the Hours, etc.)
f. Providing for the formation and coordination of all liturgical ministers
including ministers of the various language groups represented in the parish
g. Establishing a yearly liturgical budget and overseeing the disbursement of
monies within that budget framework
h. Coordinating the ministries of music and environment in order to provide
optimum celebration of the liturgical seasons
i. periodically evaluating the worship space and adjacent areas as related to the
needs of the presider, assembly, ministers and musicians including any in the
parish with physical limitations
j. Providing para-liturgical celebrations for the devotional needs of the parish
giving attention to the cultural expressions of new immigrant and ethnic groups
(e.g. Marian Devotions, Way of the Cross, processions, etc.)
k. Overseeing the purchase and maintenance of liturgical appointments, musical
instruments, etc.
3. Membership (Cf. Pages 17 & 18 GPPPC)
a. Representing the entire parish, membership should include a broad spectrum
of the parish community (age groups, education, ethnic backgrounds,
liturgical ministries, and life-styles)
b. Resource persons: liturgists, artists, writers, and musicians.

Each parish adapts its membership to its needs. It is important, however, that there be
persons responsible for the coordination of liturgy planning so that the liturgical
celebrations give evidence of balance, integration and smooth movement.
Resource: Office of Worship, McRaith Catholic Center, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301-2130;
270-683-1545; Fax 270-683-6883.

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 B. SPIRITUAL LIFE COMMITTEE

1. Role (Cf. Page 16, GPPPC)

This committee's ministry encompasses the spiritual growth of the parish community. It
is concerned with building community and the ongoing spiritual life and growth of the
parish community.

2. Function (Cf. Page 17, GPPPC)

a. Assessing the effectiveness of present programs and organizations in

deepening the spirituality of the parish; assist in the development of a
sense of mission which flows out of our baptismal commitment
b. Providing opportunity for the spiritual growth of leadership groups through
parish retreats and days of renewal and reflection
c. Developing support systems for spiritual formation of parishioners
d. Encouraging the development of Small Christian Communities within the larger
parish for study/prayer/reflection
e. Planning/promoting parish-wide retreats and programs of a spiritual nature
f. Inviting charismatic and ecumenical prayer groups to use parish facilities
and/or hold prayer services in conjunction with those planned by other groups
for greater understanding.

3. Membership (Cf. Pages 17 & 18, GPPPC)

Representing the entire parish, membership should include a broad spectrum of the
parish community (age groups, education, ethnic backgrounds, liturgical ministries,
and life-styles) and persons with interest and experience in a variety of approaches to
spiritual growth and a broad vision of what parish community can be:

a. Persons involved in retreat ministry (TEC, Cursillo, Koinonia, spiritual

direction, etc.)
b. Member or leader of a Small Christian Community
c. Representative of religious congregation (consecrated life)
d. Member of the parish charismatic community
e. Representative at large of the parish community

Resource: Office for Spiritual Life, Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center, Maple Mount, KY
42356; 270-229-0200; Fax: 270-229-0279; [email protected]; www.msjcenter.org

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C. FINANCE COMMITTEE (or SUBCOMMITTEE)
In the parish, the Christian faithful are gathered into one, under the leadership of the pastor,
to fulfill their role as participants in the 3-fold mission of Christ as priests, prophets and
kings. The kingly mission includes the assistance that they give to the pastor in the
administration of the temporal goods of the Church (Decree on the Apostolate of Laity #10).

In order to give form and stability to the assistance offered by the Christian faithful to their
pastor in the administration of the Church's temporal goods, the Code of Canon Law
requires that each parish in a diocese have a Parish Finance Council governed by universal
Church law and by norms given by the diocesan bishop. The particular law of the Diocese
of Owensboro mandates that the Finance Council operate as a committee of the Parish
Pastoral Council or as a subcommittee of the Administration Committee. Every parish
must have a Finance Council as a coordinating committee of the Parish Pastoral Council or
as a subcommittee of the Parish Administration Committee (Diocesan Policy Book 104:1,
#2) Individual parishes may find it feasible to have sub-committees in various areas of
administration. Such a decision is left to the discretion of the individual parish.

1. Role (Cf. Page 16, GPPPC)

The principal role of the Finance Committee is the provision of the administrative and
financial skills necessary to sustain the mission and ongoing development of the parish
community. Working closely with the pastor, who ultimately is responsible for the
administration of the parish, this committee concerns itself with parish material
resources, parish budget, parish financial support and the effective use and maintenance
of the parish facilities and properties.
The collaboration of this committee with the pastor and the parish staff is intended to
free the pastor for his role of spiritual leadership. This committee fosters and sustains
the spiritual growth of the parish community and the overall mission of the parish
community must guide its work. Within this framework, the members of the committee
study needs and establish priorities according to the goals and objectives established by
the Parish Pastoral Council.

2. Function (Cf. Page 17, GPPPC)

a. The Parish Finance Committee is a consultative body that helps the pastor to act
justly and prudently in the administration of the parish's temporal goods. Its work is
to be informed and inspired by the vision of the Church (exemplified in the teaching
of the Second Vatican Council) and to be in accord with the Code of Canon Law and
applicable civil laws.
b. The Parish Finance Committee will see that proper financial records are established
to record all parish assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses in accordance with a
chart of accounts approved by the Diocese of Owensboro. The finance committee
will prepare the annual parish financial report to be made to the diocesan bishop and
will provide the parish with regular reports on the financial status of the parish
c. The Parish Finance Committee will develop the parish budget for each year
according to the priorities and goals set by the Parish Pastoral Council and the
pastor. Unforeseen expenditures, not anticipated in the budget, should first be
reviewed by the Finance Committee.

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 d. Other areas of concern are the development of policies for the proper maintenance of
the buildings and grounds of the parish, long-range financial planning and the
generation of revenue.
e. In those parishes that operate a parish school, the finance committee has the same
overview of the school’s financial activity as it does over the financial operation of
the parish. Interparochial schools have a similar accountability to participating
parishes. Finance Committees have an overview of the interparochial schools'
financial activity.
f. The clear distinction between policy formation – the proper work of the Parish
Finance Committee – and administration – the proper work of the pastor and parish
staff, should be maintained. At the same time, members of the parish staff should
offer to the finance committee their knowledge and judgment regarding questions
under discussion.

3. Membership (Cf. Pages17 & 18, GPPPC)

a. Parishioners who understand the necessity of good judgment and skilled planning,
budgeting, maintenance, etc., in order to operate on a fixed income
b. Professionals who are knowledgeable about banking, business, investment
counseling, accounting, insurance (these need not be members of the committee but
designated as resource persons for advice)
c. Persons who understand that the way parish money is spent and parish facilities
utilized are theological statements about parish community priorities and spiritual
values

4. Relationship to the Parish Pastoral Council

a. In the Diocese of Owensboro the Parish Finance Committee is to be either one of the
coordinating committees of the Parish Pastoral Council or a subcommittee of the
Parish Administration Committee. This will ensure on-going communication
between the two consultative bodies that is essential so that the best use of the
parish's temporal goods can be made for the spiritual good of the parish.
b. The Finance Committee recommends fiscal policy for the parish but does not set
pastoral direction, which is the responsibility of the Parish Pastoral Council.
c. Care must be exercised so that the Parish Pastoral Council does not become
immersed in financial and administrative matters rather than specifically pastoral
concerns.
d. The Finance Committee should appoint one of its members to serve as an ex officio
member of the Parish Pastoral Council unless another form of representation is
chosen (cf. Page 12 #3, GPPPC).

5. Subcommittees
Where possible, it is suggested that the following be permanent subcommittees of the
Parish Finance/Administration Committee: the budget committee, the building and
grounds committee, and the cemetery committee (if the parish has its own cemetery).

Resources: Offices for Finance and Stewardship, McRaith Catholic Center, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY
42301; 270-683-1545; Fax 270-683-6883.

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D. EDUCATION/FAITH FORMATION COMMITTEE
1. Role (Cf. Page 16, GPPPC)
“At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus of
Nazareth, the only Son from the Father...who suffered and died for us and who now,
after rising, is living with us forever.” To catechize is “to reveal in the Person of Christ
the whole of God’s eternal design reaching fulfillment in that Person. It is to seek to
understand the meaning of Christ’s actions and words and of the signs worked by him.”
Catechesis aims at putting “people...in communion...with Jesus Christ: only He can lead
us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy
Trinity.” (CCC, 426)
The Education/Faith Formation Committee is responsible for determining the goals
and objectives to meet the faith formation needs of the entire parish community and for
monitoring and evaluating the programs designed to carry out these goals and
objectives.
2. Function (Cf. Page 17, GPPPC)
The specific function of the Education/Faith Formation Committee encompasses the
following:
a. Seeking a deeper appreciation of the truth that the goals of education/faith formation
programming in the parish is the promotion of the Gospel through growth in faith for
the entire community
b. Creating an awareness within the parish community of the responsibility of all the
faithful for the mission of the Church, the Diocesan Vision Statement and directional
elements for religious education/faith formation
c. Maintaining an active ministry of communications through print and other media to
facilitate better understanding between the people of the parish, the larger Church,
including diocesan and parish staff, and the local community
d. Formulating and implementing long-range goals and objectives for the entire parish
community through the use of the diocesan religious education/faith formation
evaluation process
e. Encouraging and promoting certification of catechists, youth ministers, and pastoral
associates involved in the lifelong faith formation of the parish
f. Collaborating with other Parish Pastoral Council committees in matters relating to
education/faith formation
g. Cooperating with and supporting the education/faith formation ministry of the parish
and to call for clearly defined job descriptions for these members (e.g. directors/
coordinators of religious education/faith formation, RCIA catechists, catechists,
youth ministers, pastoral associates, etc.)
h. Reviewing the annual budget prepared for the education/faith formation ministry of
the parish (see policies in the Handbook for Catechetical Leadership)
i. Knowing how to access the Offices of Catholic Schools, Communications, Religious
Education/Faith Formation, Youth Ministry and Hispanic Ministry as they relate to
the lifelong faith formation development of the parish
j. Becoming knowledgeable of the local public school system and facilitate parish
involvement in those education/faith formation matters of mutual concern.
k. Being informed about the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ position

25
 statement on Catholic schools published in 2005 and entitled "Renewing Our
Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third
Millennium."
3. Membership (Cf. Pages 17 & 18, GPPPC)
Membership on the Education/Faith Formation Committee should consist of persons
who have a sincere interest in pursuing their own education and faith formation and are
concerned about the teaching mission of the Church. Representing the entire parish,
membership should include a broad spectrum of the parish community (age groups,
education, ethnic backgrounds, liturgical ministries, and life-styles). It is recommended
that the membership be drawn from:
a. Representatives of parish education/faith formation - Catholic schools, childhood
religious education/faith formation programs, adult faith formation, youth ministry,
young adults, seniors, etc.
b. Representatives of parents of religious education/faith formation students and
Catholic school students (pre-school through high school)
c. Representatives of all age groups
d. Liaisons from relevant sub-committees, i.e. School Board
e. Persons, with talents, interests and knowledge of committee’s areas of responsibility.
f. Persons with writing ability, interests in photography or videography, publication
preparation, and an understanding of the community media serving the local media
market area of the parish
4. Relationship of the Parish School Board to the Parish Pastoral Council
Since the Education/Faith Formation Committee is concerned with the total Catholic
education/faith formation needs of the parish community, the Parish School Board acts
as a subcommittee of the Education/Faith Formation Committee in a parish that has its
own school.
In isolated cases it may be feasible for the existing Parish School Board to operate as
the Education/Faith Formation Committee of the Parish Pastoral Council. In that event,
the school board must extend its membership to be broadly representative of the parish
community and must expand its functions to address the education/faith formational
needs of all age groups for the entire parish community (birth through old age).
Interparochial School: a school that is supported by more than one parish is known
as an interparochial school. One priest appointed by the bishop will pastor this school.
There will be one school board comprised of members from all participating parishes.
The board will serve in an advisory capacity to the priest (known as the priest pastor).
The priest pastor will act in the name of all the pastors involved in the interparochial
school. The priest pastor will function in the same capacity as would the pastor in a
single parish school.
One member of each parish on the Interparochial School Board is to be an ex officio
member of the Education/Faith Formation Committee of his/her respective Parish
Pastoral Council. It is the responsibility of this person to communicate decisions,
policies and concerns of the interparochial school board to their respective
Education/Faith Formation Committee and vice versa.
Resources: Offices of Catholic Schools, Religious Education/(Faith Formation), Communications, & Youth & Young Adult
Ministry, McRaith Catholic Center, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro KY 43201; 270-683-1545; Fax 270-683-6883.

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E. SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE

1. Role (Cf. Page 16, GPPPC)

The Diocesan Mission Statement recognizes three areas of ministry as essential to

carrying out the mission of the Church: Education/Faith Formation, Worship, and Social
Justice.

This committee implements the U.S. bishops' call to the parish community, in their 1994
document Communities Of Salt And Light, to make Social Justice the mission of the
whole parish rather than the responsibility of a few. It assists the parish community to
bear witness to the truth as expressed by Pope John Paul II that 'faith working through
love' is the sign of authentic discipleship.

The Parish Social Justice Committee encourages the parish community to a deeper
understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, and provides resources for implementing this
teaching through strategies for effective action. This committee facilitates the parish
community to engage in its role of "seeking the kingdom of God by engaging in
temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s will" as stated in the Vatican II
document, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.

2. Function (Cf. Page 17, GPPPC)

The special functions of the Social Justice Committee include:

a. Assist the parish community in anchoring Social Justice in prayer and worship as its
fundamental direction, motivation, strength, and where it finds the depths of God’s
call to seek justice and pursue peace, thus to witness to the reign of God in their
midst.

b. Educate parishioners about the Church’s social teaching. In this Education/Faith

Formation, the committee teaches the parish community to understand justice as a
basic element of the Gospel of Jesus and leads them to see service to others as
essential to living out Jesus’ teachings.

c. Involve the parish community in identifying the human needs and social justice
issues in the parish, in the local community, in the state, in the nation, and in the
global community.

d. Mobilize the parish to respond to discovered needs by developing programs and/or

cooperating with existing agencies in: direct services (charity); advocacy for people
who are hurting or for change in public policy that effects peoples’ lives; and
empowerment of people to do something about their own needs and the injustices
they experience in this area, country, and in the rest of the world.

27
 3. Membership (Cf. Pages 17 & 18, GPPPC)

Membership on the Social Justice Committee should include a broad spectrum of the
parish community (age groups, education, ethnic backgrounds, liturgical ministries, and
life-styles) especially those interested in learning to work with people in need or
knowledgeable about helping others. These include but are not limited to:

a. Persons with a strong commitment to meet the human needs perceived in the local
community and the world at large

b. Representatives of groups concerned with direct services, advocacy and

empowerment of persons, such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of
Columbus, Legion of Mary, and other traditional parish organizations whose
purposes include charitable works and community building: i.e. visiting the sick,
the lonely, shut-ins, newcomers, abused spouses, senior citizens, ministry to those
in jails and prisons, JustFaith participants, and persons interested in charitable
works

c. Persons with experience in health care, social work, law, law enforcement,
immigrant assistance, and financial management

d. Persons who know the community well and may work in community services

e. JustFaith graduates, and those involved in volunteering in global solidarity

outreach.

Resources: Office of Social Concerns, McRaith Catholic Center, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301;
270-683-1545; Fax: 270-683-6883.

United States Catholic Conference of Bishops www.usccb.org

Catholic Campaign for Human Development www.usccb.org/cchd

Catholic Relief Services www.crs.org/

Catholic Charities USA/ Parish Social Ministry Section www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/

JustFaith Program www.justfaith.org/

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F. FAMILY LIFE COMMITTEE

1. Role (Cf. Page 16, GPPPC)

The Family Life Committee or the Family Life Advocate serves the parish by working to
develop a "family perspective" in all the parish ministries programs and services. It
helps to raise the level of sensitivity to family life issues and to promote awareness of
the family as the Church of the home.

2. Function (Cf. Page 17, GPPPC)

The specific functions of the Family Life Committee include the following:
a. Encouraging programs that strengthen family life particularly in preparation for
the Sacrament of Marriage
b. Including families of all descriptions in parish liturgies and activities
c. Helping families to understand and to perform their four essential tasks: to form
an intimate community of persons; to serve life; to participate in the development
of society; and to live out their mission as a believing and evangelizing
community in dialogue with God
d. Implementing the Bishops' Pastoral Plan for Family Ministry, addressing the
designated areas of family life: singles, engaged, married, parents, developing
families, hurting families and leadership families
e. Collaborating with parish staff and other Parish Pastoral Council committees in
regard to a family perspective
f. Helping build a relationship of mutual trust and support between parish Church
and home Church

3. Membership (Cf. Pages 17 & 18, GPPPC)

Membership on the Family Life Committee should include a broad spectrum of the
parish community (age groups, education, ethnic backgrounds, liturgical ministries, and
life-styles), especially those interested in promoting strong family life and promoting the
mission of the family in Church and in society:
a. Persons who believe in the vision of the family as the first Church
b. Persons interested in learning more about healthy family functioning
c. Individuals or couples who represent the various aspects of family life as
designated in the Bishops' Pastoral Plan for Family Ministry
d. Representatives of groups involved in ministry with families: Engaged Encounter,
Sponsor Couple, Natural Family Planning, Retrouvaille, Parenting
Education/Faith Formation, Single Life, Separated and Divorced Support Groups,
Bereavement Ministry, Black Catholic and other ethnic families.

Resource: Marriage & Family Life Office, McRaith Catholic Center, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301;
270-683-1545; Fax 270-683-6883.

29
G. HISPANIC MINISTRY COMMITTEE
Role (Cf. Page 16, GPPPC)
The Hispanic Ministry Committee seeks to promote unity in diversity and integrate the
Hispanic community into the parish in collaboration with each committee. It helps to
reach out to Hispanics in a culturally appropriate manner to meet their spiritual, personal
and social needs while encouraging Hispanic parishioners to share their gifts within the
wider parish community.

Function (Cf. Page 17, GPPPC)

The specific function of the Hispanic Ministry Committee includes the following:
1. Implementing the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry based on the parish’s
local reality, focusing on the New Evangelization within the four dimensions of
Hispanic Ministry: Formation, Missionary Option, Pastoral de Conjunto and Liturgy
and Prayer Life.
a. Pastoral de Conjunto – work in a spirit of communion in mission and
collaboration with the other committees and the entire parish.
b. Formation – work with the Education/Faith Formation Committee and Family
Life Committee in preparing Hispanic parishioners for receiving the
Sacraments and the education and faith formation needs of the Hispanic
community.
c. Missionary Option – work with the Social Justice Committee and Family Life
Committee in caring for the needs of the most vulnerable.
d. Liturgy and Prayer Life – work with the Worship Committee and Spiritual Life
Committee in the formation of liturgical ministers, the use of culturally
meaningful signs, symbols and devotions, and in the organization of retreats,
Small Christian Communities and charismatic movements.
2. Study the needs of the local Hispanic community and help set priorities, short-term and
long-term goals for Hispanic Ministry in the parish.
3. Create awareness among the entire parish community of our call to be united in our
diversity, helping to implement the Diocesan Unity in Diversity Plan.

Membership (Cf. Pages 17 & 18, GPPPC)

Membership on the Hispanic Ministry Committee should include a broad spectrum of

parishioners (country of origin, age groups, gender, education, liturgical ministries and
life-styles) who:
1. Understand the Church as united in our diversity and the goal of integration as opposed
to assimilation.
2. Are knowledgeable about Hispanic culture, language and spiritual practices.
3. Are willing to collaborate in a sense of pastoral de conjunto.
4. Can serve as liaisons to the other committees, which would most likely require an
ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish.
5. Represent any Small Christian Communities or movements active in the parish.
Resource: Office for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, McRaith Catholic Center, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro KY
42301; 270-683-1545; Fax: 270-683-6883; owensborodiocese.org/ministerio-hispano/.

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APPENDIX I: CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS, A MODEL

Article I. NAME

(This section simply states the name by which the Parish Pastoral Council is to be known.)

The name of this body shall be the Parish Pastoral Council of ___________________ Parish, in
________________________Kentucky, hereafter referred to as the Council.

Article II. PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS

(The basic purposes and functions of the Parish Pastoral Council are listed in this
section. It states the reason for the Council’s existence and what it shall do to
achieve its purposes.)
A. Purposes
B. Functions

Article III. POWERS

(This section describes the powers and authority of the Parish Pastoral Council and
the relationship of the Council to the Pastor's canonical authority.)
The Parish Pastoral Council receives its formal ecclesiastical legitimacy and mandate
in a specific parish from the pastor, who united with the Council as an indispensable
member, delegates the members of the Council to share with him the responsibility
for achieving the pastoral mission of the parish Church.

LIMITATIONS
The pastor, consistent with the Roman Catholic tradition, bears the final
responsibility for the total parish ministry. He cannot abdicate this responsibility
given to him by the bishop and the Canon Law of the Church. He is obliged to
exercise authority unique to his office by ratifying and implementing Council
decisions, or, in rare instances and for serious reasons, rejecting a Council
recommendation.

Article IV. MEMBERSHIP

(This section describes the membership of the Council, specifying the different types
of membership.)
A. Ex Officio - Representative Members (Optional)
1. Religious Representative: a member of the Religious Order serving the parish
either appointed by the Superior or elected by the members of the Religious
Order serving the parish; term: normally one year, with eligibility for a second
term
2. Organizational Representatives - either the president or an elected
representative of designated parish organizations; term: for the length of the
presidency, or, if elected as representative, one year, with eligibility for a
second term

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 B. Elected Members
1. Area or Section Representatives (optional) - a number of men and women
each elected by the parishioners of a designated or specific territorial area or
section of the parish. Term: normally two years, with eligibility for an
additional successive term OR
2. Parish-at-Large Representatives (optional): a number of men and women who
are elected by the total parish population; term: normally two years, with
eligibility for an additional term. OR
3. Officers and/or Committee Chairpersons (optional): a number of men and
women who are elected by the total parish population to a specific office or to
chair a standing committee; term: normally two years, with eligibility for an
additional term. OR
4. Age Group Representatives (optional): a number of men and women who are
elected by specific age groups of the parish population; term: normally two
years, with eligibility for an additional term. OR
5. After nomination by the entire parish, nominees who agree to and participate
in three formation sessions, themselves discern God’s call and the needs of the
parish and name the membership of the Parish Pastoral Council.
C. Appointed Members
Once the Parish Pastoral Council is elected, the pastor may appoint persons from
groups not represented in the elected body.
Article V. OFFICERS
(This section describes what officers the Council is to have and their terms of office.)
The Council's presiding officer shall be the Chairperson. The other Council officers
shall be Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary.
The entire Council, from among the members of the Council, shall elect the officers
of the Council. The officers shall be elected for one-year terms and may be re-elected
for another one-year term if their terms as members allow.

Article VI. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

(This section describes how, when and by whom the elected and/or selected members
are to be nominated and elected/selected. Cf. Guidelines)

Article VII. COMMITTEES

(This section should include the names of all Standing Committees, a description of
each one's field of activity and a description of how the committees are to be
constituted.)
A. Executive Committee
There shall be an Executive Committee chaired by the Chairperson and shall
include the Pastor and the other officers of the Council (i.e. the Vice-Chairperson
and the Secretary.)
B. Standing Committees
1. There shall be at least six standing Committees: Worship, Spiritual Life,
Family Life, Education/Faith Formation, Social Justice, and Financial/
Administration.

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 2. The purposes, scope of concern and function of each Standing Committee
shall be specified by the By-Laws.
3. All Standing Committees are to be properly understood as extensions of the
Parish Pastoral Council itself.
4. All Standing Committees shall be accountable to the Parish Pastoral Council
for its decisions, programs and activities. This accountability shall be
exercised in the form of a committee report rendered by the Committee
Chairperson at the regular business meetings of the Council.
5. Membership in the Standing Committees shall be open to all parishioners.
However, each Chairperson shall have the authority to limit committee
membership, subject to Council affirmation, if, in his or her judgment, the
viability and interaction of the membership would be hampered by an
unwieldy membership.
6. Each Standing Committee shall adopt its own rules, subject to Council
affirmation, relative to selection of members and terms of membership.
7. Standing Committees shall meet regularly, as dictated by needs and
circumstances. Meetings shall be held quarterly; most committees will find it
necessary to meet more frequently to carry out their function.

C. Ad Hoc Committees

The Council shall have the authority to designate Ad Hoc Committees from its
membership or from the parish membership-at-large for a specific pastoral need
and for a limited time. The Chairperson shall appoint members to the Ad Hoc
Committees after consultation with the members of the Parish Pastoral Council.
The Nomination Committee and a Constitution and by-laws Committee shall be
considered Ad Hoc Committees.

Article VIII. MEETINGS

(This section should include the date of regular meetings, how special meetings
may be called and quorum requirements.)
A. The Parish Pastoral Council will meet regularly monthly and not less than
quarterly.
B. The Parish Pastoral Council meetings shall normally take the form of
regular or business meetings. The date, time and place of each regular
meeting shall be published in the parish bulletin.
C. All parishioners may attend regular meetings as observers and may speak
when recognized by the Chair.
D. In addition to, or in place of, regular meetings, the Council may schedule
special meetings, such as:
1. Education/Faith Formational meetings: for the purpose of acquiring
greater theological and ministerial insights and skills
2. Orientation meetings: for the purpose of introducing new Council
members and instructing them in the history, procedures and priorities
of the Council

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 3. Planning meetings: for the purpose of developing annual goals and
objectives
4. Renewal meetings: for the purpose of strengthening personal and
communal spirituality, as well as Council interaction
5. Social meetings: for the purpose of strengthening relationships among
the Council members and for the celebration of significant achievements
and events.
E. Special meetings may be open to parish members or restricted to Council
members, depending upon their purpose.
F. All meetings are to include a time frame for prayer and reflection. The
Chairperson shall delegate the responsibility for developing a prayer format
for each meeting to specific members of the Council, preferably on a
rotating basis.
G. Emergency meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council may be called at the
request of the Pastor or the Executive Committee normally with at least five
days notice.
H. A quorum shall consist of a majority of existing Council seats; however, a
quorum shall not be absolutely necessary for the regular meetings of the
Council provided all members were given proper notice.
I. The Chairperson with discretion shall be obliged to contact all members
who are absent for two consecutive meetings of the Council in order to be
informed of the reasons fostering the member's absence.

Article IX. DECISION MAKING PROCESS

(This section includes a description of the processes to be utilized by the Council
in reaching decisions.)
A. The Parish Pastoral Council should strive for the greatest degree of
consensus in all its decisions, and to this end should seek full discussion so
that all views may be understood. However, a majority of those present is
sufficient to reach a decision.
(The Council may wish to investigate other methods of decision-making, including
a requirement that consensus is obtained or that more than a mere majority be
obtained on major issues. A Council wishing to take this route will need to define
the nature of important issues requiring such consensus.)

B. The role of the pastor is essential to the whole decision-making process.

Consensus necessarily includes his approval. Without such approval,
consensus and decisions have not been reached.

C. The Council is ultimately responsible for the actions of Parish Pastoral

Council committees. To avoid a review process on each decision, the
Council shall establish a process whereby the annual operating plans of
committees are reviewed by the Council and approved, possibly with
modifications. The Committee shall then be free to operate on matters
within its plan. Departures from the plan, or matters not contemplated when
the plan was developed, are subject to review by the Council.

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Article X. AMENDMENTS
(This section should describe how the constitution and by-laws can be amended.)

A. Amendments to the constitution and by-laws are introduced by Council

members at a regular meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council; however, the
amendments are to be submitted in writing. Voting on the amendments shall
not take place until the next regular meeting of the Council. In order to pass
each amendment to the constitution and by-laws will require a two-thirds vote
in favor by those present.
B. Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Council, but amendments
must be introduced in writing and voting on the amendment shall not take
place until the next regular meeting of the Council.

Article XI. FINANCE

(This section should describe the relationship between the Parish Pastoral Council
and Parish Finance Council/Committee.)

A. The Parish Pastoral Council, although not the parish fund-raising organization,
will in its normal functioning will be concerned with the financial resources of
the parish as they affect the parish effort to achieve its mission.

B. OPERATIONAL NEEDS

1. The expenditures incurred by the internal operation and functioning of the

Parish Pastoral Council shall be assumed in/by the Church budget. These
expenditures shall normally include clerical supplies, printing, registration
fees, stipends for speakers and consultants, refreshments and other items
needed for the effective functioning and development of the Parish Pastoral
Council.
2. The Parish Pastoral Council shall be responsible to formulate an annual
operational budget for the twelve-month period designated as the "Council
Year." This "Council Year" should be selected so as to coincide with the
parish fiscal year and its budgeting and planning process.
3. The Executive Committee shall be responsible to coordinate the
finalization of the budget before submission to the Council for approval.
4. Expenditures to be incurred in service to the pastoral needs of the parish,
even though such efforts are planned, coordinated and implemented by the
Parish Pastoral Council, shall not be included as items in the Parish
Pastoral Council budget but in the proper categories as part of the Church
(or School) budget (e.g., Religious Education/Faith Formation, Liturgical
Development, Property Maintenance, etc.).

(Comment: The wording of this section will depend upon the specific parish
budgeting and planning process.)

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APPENDIX II: PRACTICAL HELPS

A. Developing a Parish Mission Statement

A Mission Statement is a brief statement that is developed with some involvement of the
entire parish. It serves as the inspiration and motivation to keep the focus on the Gospel
mandate of Jesus to “proclaim the Gospel to all creation.” Whatever form it takes it should
clearly identify what the parish commits itself to and sees as its mission or purpose.)

An example:
We are a community of faith proclaiming in our daily lives
the Gospel of Christ by who we are and
by the way we live, serve, work and worship.
Inspired by John 13:14

How is a Mission Statement formed and written?

1. Ordinarily forming the VISION and writing a Mission Statement for a parish begins with
prayer and work at the Parish Pastoral Council. This group works together in responding
to the questions: Who are we? What are we about? Why? How do we do what we do?

a. What is the Mission of Christ? (Found in the Gospels and Epistles e.g. Mark
16:16-18 and note the early followers response in vs. 20; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke
4:38-43 and note Jesus’ own action in vs. 44; Luke 24:46-48; John 13:34-35; John
20:21-23; in the Acts of the Apostles and in the letters or epistles we find how the
early followers of Christ, especially Paul, James, John, Peter, etc. responded to the
call of Christ-the mission given to the world). Often a parish might choose a
simple and short Gospel passage (one or two verses) to serve as the key of the
VISION of the parish that is then reflected in the MISSION STATEMENT.

b. Who are we? (A brief description of the parish and the people)

c. When/Where? (A brief description of time and place)

d. Why? (A brief statement of why this parish exists)

e. How? In what specific way(s) are the gifts and graces of this parish manifested
and used for the common good of society?

2. A member or small task force takes the answers generated and using the responses writes
draft and a very brief summary of the VISION of the parish and presents it to the
members of the Parish Pastoral Council.

3. At a meeting, the Parish Pastoral Council prays, studies, modifies, and comes to
ownership of and agreement with the VISION and the summary statement. (The
summary statement will become the Mission Statement.)

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 4. The summary statement is then placed in the bulletin and/or in some manner presented to
the entire parish as a DRAFT OF A MISSION STATEMENT for the parish. All
parishioners are invited to submit in writing any suggestions they have about the
statement.

5. The writing group reviews all the input, prays, and then modifies the statement as seems
needed.

6. The Parish Pastoral Council reviews the final statement and makes further adjustments, if
necessary, and approves the statement by consensus.

7. Some simple ceremony of celebration acknowledges the graced work of the entire parish
(e.g. the Mission Statement is presented to the parish as a prayer card and all prayerfully
read it aloud) and a framed copy of the Parish Mission Statement is placed in a prominent
place.

8. All meetings of the parish begin with a prayer that includes the Mission Statement as a
guide to the work of the parish. (The Mission Statement may be used as a letterhead; it
may appear on all Parish Pastoral Council and committee agendas, etc.)

9. At any time there is doubt about a particular function or expenditure or action, the
question, “How does this help us to live out our Mission?” must be asked and all need to
prayerfully return to the core mission of the parish to answer that question.

B. Sample Agenda

- All times are flexible according to the need of the Council with the exception of the
prayer/formation piece. This should never be eliminated or relegated to lip service.

- Meetings should begin and end at the agreed upon times. Members and families have
a right to know what to expect of the time commitments of this very important and
sacred ministry. If a meeting is to last longer than scheduled, the additional length of
time is to be negotiated and agreed upon by the members.

- A printed agenda and written reports should be in the hands of all Council members
several days before the meeting occurs. The agenda is directed by the on-going work
of the Council and is set by the Council chairperson with the pastor.

- Much of the work can be done between meetings making use of current technology.

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 Parish Pastoral Council Meeting
May 30, 2020
Parish Center 7:00 - 9:00 pm

6:45 p.m. - Gathering (Sometimes at least with coffee and snacks)

7:00 p.m. - Welcome, opening prayer and Council formation (20 min.)

7:20 p.m. - Approval: (5 min).

A. Agenda for this meeting
B. Minutes of the last meeting

7:25 p.m. - Reports (3 minutes each) (21 min.)

A. Worship Committee ( )
B. Spiritual Life Committee ( )
C. Family Life Committee ( )
D. Education Committee ( )
E. Social Justice Committee ( )
F. Finance/Administration Committee ( )
G. Hispanic Ministry Committee ( )

Discussion of specific items from the reports (15 min.)

8:00 p.m. - Old Business (established at the last or a previous meeting) (20 min.)
A. Listed by name and presenter
B. Listed by name and presenter

8:20 p.m. - New Business (introduced and initial discussion takes place) (30 min.)
Usually one or two items. (A vote or decision on a major issue is never
made at the same meeting in which the issue is first introduced. An
emergency is an exception. Hastily made decisions are the ones that most
often cause division and controversy.)

8:50 p.m. - Specifics for next meeting (5 min.)

(Date, time, place, prayer/formation leader, refreshments, etc)

8:55 p.m. - Have we been true to our Mission tonight? How? (5 min.)

9:00 p.m. - Adjournment and closing prayer

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 RESOURCES AND REFERENCES
Documents of Vatican Council II

Code of Canon Law

United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Diocese of Owensboro Policy Manual

USCCB “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us”

History: The original guidelines were approved in April 1988 with revision and
reprinting in:
• April 1991
• November 1993
• March 1999
• March 2017
• November 2020

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600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301
270-683-1545 | Fax 270-683-6883

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