Parish
Pastoral Council
By-Laws
Revised: February 13, 2007
Preamble
Recognizing
that sound pastoral decisions are informed by the wisdom of the People of God,
the pastoral council of St. Joseph Parish was established in June of 2006. The
documents of the Second Vatican Council recommended the establishment of such
councils. They state that Catholics have a right and duty to express their
opinion on what pertains to the good of the church. Those assigned by our
bishop to serve in his name (pastors, parochial administrators, or parish
stewards [PASTOR] should willingly consult the
people and use their prudent advice. By establishing a pastoral council, the Church
expresses Her faith in the People as the Body of Christ, and thus the wisdom of
the parishioners informs parish leadership in their shared responsibility to govern
the parish.
Parish Mission Statement
Saint Joseph Parish strives to enable all members of our
community to grow in Faith and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ through
inspiring worship, enriching religious education, service oriented ministries,
and ensuring a welcoming environment.
Parish Pastoral
Council Mission Statement
As a Pastoral Council of
Saint Joseph Parish, we are called through our Baptism as priest (worship),
prophet (witness) and king (service), to serve as advisors and councilors to
our PASTOR.
Our primary functions are facilitating the proclamation of the Word of
God to all the faithful, assisting in planning to meet pastoral
goals, proposing the development of pastoral
service, evaluating the effectiveness of the programs, services and
ministries to meet the needs of the community and reaching and identifying the
needs, hopes, lives and activities of the people of God.
Article 1.0 — Purpose
The
Parish Pastoral Council [council]:
1.0.1
Consults
with and advises the PASTOR to meet the needs of the Parish
as expressed in the Mission Statement.
1.0.2
Develops
and implements ministries, as well as forms other parochial bodies.
1.0.3
Evaluates,
studies and investigates all matters brought to its attention, reflects on them
thoroughly, and draws sound conclusions.
1.0.4
Presents
these conclusions to the PASTOR in the form of
recommendations. Ultimately the PASTOR not the council, is responsible
for implementation of the recommendations.
Article 2.0 — Council
Membership and Terms of Office
2.0.1
Parish
Pastoral council member:
2.0.1.1
Is
one of between 9 and 18 council members (number of council members should be divisible
by 3, to facilitate even numbers of changing councilors on a 3 year cycle).
2.0.1.2
Serves a term of three years and may be reappointed
for consecutive terms. The three year
terms will be staggered so that only one-third of the appointments expire
annually.
2.0.1.3
May resign by submitting a “Notice of Resignation”
to the council chair.
2.0.2
PASTOR:
2.0.2.1
Serves as an ex officio member of the council, as do all
assigned priests and deacons of the parish.
2.0.2.2
May identify and propose additional ex officio members
if approved by a consensus of council members.
Article
2.1 — Duties
of Council Members
It is the duty of pastoral
council members to function as one body in support and collaboration with the PASTOR, the
parish and staff ministers to foster a community of faith.
2.1.1
Parish
Pastoral Council:
2.1.1.1
Serves
as a lay advisory body to the PASTOR assigned to serve the parish
community.
2.1.1.2
Facilitates
the proclamation of the “Good News of Jesus Christ” to all of the people in the
parish community by assessing its needs and resources.
2.1.1.3
Takes
leadership in planning to meet pastoral goals.
2.1.1.4
Proposes
recommendations concerning the parish’s direction and/or the development of
programs to accomplish those goals.
2.1.1.5
Facilitates
the implementation of pastoral services.
2.1.1.6
Serves
as the principal liaison between the priests and deacons assigned to the
parish, the religious and lay ministers who serve in the parish, and the Holy
People of God. This liaison responsibility
includes advocating for the needs of the whole parish community as well serving
as advocates who support leadership decisions, made in faith, for the parish
community.
2.1.1.7
Is
able, as a group, to appreciate the importance of a consensus model of collaboration,
especially through the concept of “appreciative inquiry.” Consensus involves a
true listening to all members of the council, such that a sense of the best
intention of the group is identified, as long as no member has a fundamental,
moral objection. Appreciative inquiry assumes the good intentions of all
involved, promotes the framing of group goals as positive outcomes and seeks to
deepen the value of the subject matter under discussion.
The collaboration of pastoral council members, PASTOR leadership and the Holy People of
God shapes our parish as “one, holy, catholic and apostolic” within the Roman
Catholic Church united in love and respect for one another.
Article 2.2 — Criteria for Council Membership
Pastoral council members are chosen, above all, for their
ability to accomplish the duties of the members of the council See Duties of Council Members —investigating, considering,
and presenting conclusions through practical recommendations. As a
group, the council should reflect the entire parish community.
2.2.1 A candidate must:
2.2.1.1 Be a registered
member of the parish, who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation,
and who participates in Sunday worship.
2.2.1.2
Be committed to supporting the
parish financially and who participates in public ways in parish life.
2.2.1.3
Be a Roman Catholic in good standing (e.g., does not bring
scandal to the parish community, such as taking public positions against the
Church in Her teachings).
2.2.1.4
Be committed to, have a demonstrated understanding of, and
appreciation for, the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the principles
of Vatican II.
2.2.1.5
Be committed to giving the time for participation in the
council.
2.2.1.6
Be committed to collaborating with other council members.
2.2.1.7 Be able to listen
and be open to diverse viewpoints and be able to express ideas and feelings.
2.2.1.8 Be committed to
participating in an ongoing formation process.
2.2.1.9
Be willing to set aside any particular bias for a parish
ministry/church organization that he/she participates in and focus on what is
in the best interest of the parish community.
2.2.1.10
Be
willing to commit to at least a three-year term as a council member.
As a whole, the council must be
a team of generous people who utilize their gifts, talents and abilities to
engage in a shared decision-making process.
Article 2.3 — Appointment Process to Council Membership
2.3.1 Nominations
will be accepted beginning March 1st and must be received no later than June 30th of each year.
2.3.2 Any
parishioner may nominate another parishioner or nominate themselves. Parishioners may also be nominated by the PASTOR and
other parochial bodies/organizations.
2.3.3 Nominations
will be solicited to the entire parish community through advertisement in the
parish bulletin.
2.3.4 All
nominees will complete and submit an application See Parish Pastoral Council Application.
2.3.5 The PASTORwill
appoint new council members from a list of nominees as recommended by the
Parish Pastoral Council.
2.3.6 All
nominees will be provided a “Criteria for Council Membership” See Article 2.2 — Criteria for Council Membership.
2.3.7 Newly
appointed council members will attend the August Parish Pastoral Council
meeting as an ex
officio member and begin their term in September of that same year.
2.3.8 If
nominations are necessary to fill vacant council positions, nominations will be
sought accordingly.
2.3.9 Nominees who are not chosen will be notified in writing. See Non-Acceptance Letter.
2.3.10 The
council will maintain nomination applications for a period of one year
following the nomination period to review in the event of an unplanned vacancy.
Article 2.4 — Vacancies
Any Councilor vacancy:
2.4.1
Which would cause the council membership to fall
below the minimum 9 members will be filled if there is at least one year
remaining on the term for the seat(s). See Article
2.3 – Appointment Process to Council Membership.
2.4.2
Which would cause the membership to fall below the
minimum 9 members and the resigning member’s term is less than one year will be
filled by an appointment by the PASTOR.
2.4.3
Which do not
cause the council membership to fall below the minimum 9 members (excluding
ex officio members)
will be filled at the discretion of the PASTOR and/or
the consensus of the council.
Article 2.5 — Dismissal of Members
Circumstances could at times dictate that a member be
dismissed from the Pastoral Council.
Such matters will be treated with dignity and respect for the individual’s
privacy.
2.5.1
If
the PASTOR or chair believes a council
member has become detrimental to the proper functioning of the pastoral council
as evidenced by conduct/behavior either inside or outside of council
activities, he shall inform the other council members of his intent to remove
the council member from the pastoral council.
If the problematic behavior or attitude can be described to the
satisfaction of the council the PASTOR, with all due discretion to respect an individual’s dignity, will advise
the member of the decision. If the problematic behavior or attitude is brought to
the council by other another council member and a consensus of the council
agrees, the council member will be advised by the PASTOR of the decision in private. Upon removal of the member, the council will
revert to Article 2.3, the Appointment Process for
Council Members to determine the proper course of action in terms of
filling the vacancy.
2.5.2
If
a council member becomes aware of circumstances that would warrant
consideration of removal of another council member for matters not directly
involving the council, he/she shall notify the PASTOR of the circumstances, and attempts he/she made to
substantiate the circumstances. If
substantiated, procedures outlined in 2.5.1 will be followed.
2.5.3
A
council member who misses any three consecutive council meetings without prior
notice to the Council Chair or Vice Chair will be dismissed prior to the next meeting. Upon removal of the member, the council will refer
to Article 2.3, the Appointment Process for Council
Members to determine the proper course of action in terms of filling the
vacancy.
Article 2.6 — Public Notice and Inquiries
2.6.1
Council member’s personal demographic information such
as address, phone number, e-mail addresses, etc. is confidential and will not
be disclosed by the parish or any other council member to any parishioner. Names
(only)
of all council members will be posted in the parish bulletin at least annually,
kept in the parish office and available to any parishioner.
2.6.2
Any inquiries by parishioners for contact with
council members will be received by parish office personnel or through e-mail
to the parish pastoral council chair’s e-mail address and directed to the
respective council member who is responsible for directly contacting the
parishioner/inquiring party.
Article 3.0 — Officers
3.0.1 Chair
3.0.1.1
Will
be chosen by a consensus of the council, with the approval of the PASTOR.
3.0.1.2
Will
serve a term of one year during the three year term of office.
3.0.1.3
May
serve one additional year during the three year term of office if so desired by
the office holder and with consensus of the council.
3.0.1.4
May
be dismissed by consensus on a motion of the council with the approval of the PASTOR.
3.0.1.5
Will
preside at all meetings of the council.
3.0.1.6
Will
prepare an agenda for each council meeting in consultation with the PASTOR.
3.0.1.7
Will
distribute the agenda at least one week prior to the next meeting.
3.0.1.8
Ensure that the minutes of each council meeting are
recorded and distributed for council approval at the next council meeting.
For
further information regarding additional duties of the Chair, See Article 2.1 — Duties of Council Members
3.0.2
Vice-Chair
3.0.2.1
Will
be chosen by a consensus of the council, with the approval of the PASTOR.
3.0.2.2
Will
serve a term of one year during the three year term of office.
3.0.2.3
May
serve one additional year during the three year term of office if so desired by
the office holder and with consensus of the council.
3.0.2.4
May
be dismissed by consensus of the council with the approval of the PASTOR.
3.0.2.5
Will
assist the chair in council meetings.
3.0.2.6
Will
serve as chair of a council meeting in the event of the chair’s absence.
The vice-chair
is a collaborative resource for the chair; and upon the dismissal or leave of
the chair from the council or the expiration of the chair's term of office, the
vice-chair becomes the chair of the council for the remainder of such council
chair’s term. In addition, a new
vice-chair will be identified and agreed upon by the council.
For
further information regarding additional duties of the Vice Chair, See Article 2.1 — Duties of Council Members
3.0.3
Secretary
3.0.3.1
Will be appointed ex officio by the PASTOR.
3.0.3.2
Will
keep and distribute minutes of all council meetings.
3.0.3.3
Will
maintain accurate and complete records of all council meetings and perform
other duties as delegated by the council.
3.0.3.4
Will
record attendance of each council meeting:
who is present and who is absent.
3.0.3.5
Will
maintain a record of “Action Items” consisting of summary statements of council
recommendations See Article 4.0 — Council Meetings.
In the
absence if the Secretary, a volunteer will be asked to record the minutes prior
to the beginning of the council meeting.
Article 4.0 — Council Meetings
4.0.1
A
Council Meeting:
4.0.1.1
Will
generally be held monthly but no less than eight times a year.
4.0.1.2
Will
not exceed two hours in length, unless a consensus of the council concurs that
the meeting should continue.
4.0.1.3
Will
normally be closed: council discussions,
deliberations and proposals are for the purpose of consultation with the PASTOR. Closed forum
fosters more forthright discussion of issues.
4.0.1.4
Will
be opened at the request of the PASTOR or any council member and confirmed by consensus of the
council (discussion, deliberations, and recommendations).
4.0.1.5
Consensus regarding all issues is reserved for
council meetings (though discussions may have occurred via group e-mail between
council meetings).
4.0.2
Council
Members:
4.0.2.1
Will
follow up on tasks assigned at the previous council meeting (including those assigned
for/by “ad hoc” committees).
4.0.2.2
Will
prepare for the next meeting.
4.0.2.3
Will
review the minutes from the previous meeting, remain aware of council
proceedings, and prepare for the next meeting if absent for a council meeting (See Article 2.5 Dismissal of Members for
information regarding absenteeism).
4.0.2.4
Will
consider all council business (i.e., discussions, proposals, and
recommendations) with respectful listening building toward a consensus. If consensus cannot be reached in a
reasonable time frame, the issue will be tabled until the next council meeting.
4.0.2.5
Will
solicit parishioner input during planning and recommendation making as
appropriate.
4.0.3
Secretary:
4.0.3.1
Will
maintain a record of “Action Items” consisting of summary statements of council
recommendations regardless of the open or closed status of council meetings.
4.0.3.2
Will
ensure that copies of these “Action Items” are available in the parish office.
Any parishioner may request and receive a copy of these decisions and recommendations.
4.0.3.3
Will
summarize the work of the council to be published in the parish bulletin
semi-annually or more frequently as needed.
Article 4.1 — Agenda
4.1.1
Will
be developed by the chair and the PASTOR for each pastoral council meeting.
4.1.2
Will
be prioritized by the chair in discussion with the PASTOR.
4.1.3
May
contain agenda items identified, suggested and/or submitted by council members
during the previous council meeting to include concerns and issues raised by
any member of the parish. To the extent that it is possible, the
council will attempt to identify all agenda items for the next meeting at the
conclusion of the current council meeting.
4.1.4
Will
contain items that were presented to the chair in a reasonable amount of time
prior to the agenda’s distribution.
4.1.5
Will
be distributed by the chair one week prior to the council meeting.
4.1.6
Will
guide each council meeting.
4.1.7
Must
include any proposals to amend the parish council by-laws.
Communication
between council meetings may occur via e-mail, however, such communication will
be for discussion purposes only and not for reaching consensus. Consensus regarding all issues is reserved
for council meetings.
Article 4.2 — Quorum
4.2.1 Will
consist of at least half plus one member of the council membership being
present. Council may meet without the
presence of either the PASTOR or his delegate for discussions,
with the prior approval of the PASTOR.
Article
4.3 – Establishment of Committees
4.3.1
May
be established with consensus to accomplish specific tasks related to council business.
4.3.2
May
have voluntary members and/or those assigned by the council chair.
4.3.3
“Ad
Hoc” Committees are established to address “one time” tasks and will be disbanded
after completion of that task.
Article 5.0 — Amendments to
By-Laws
5.0.1 May be
proposed by the PASTOR or any
council member at any time.
5.0.2 Must be
included on the pastoral council agenda.
5.0.3 Must be
approved by a consensus of the council.
Article 6.0 — Suspension of
Council
6.0.1 Upon
the death, resignation, removal, transfer or suspension of the PASTOR, the
council shall be suspended, and no councilor business may be conducted.
6.0.2
In the interest of continuity in the parish’s work
and mission, the new PASTOR will establish the Parish Pastoral Council
anew within two months of the date of installation of the PASTOR.
6.0.3
The
Chair and members of the Parish Pastoral Council will present to the PASTOR a written report of the Council’s
activities. Thus the Parish Pastoral
Council can be a valuable resource in the time of leadership transition.
6.0.4
After a period of at least six months, through
mutual dialogue and prayer, the PASTOR will determine the benefit of, or need to,
change direction, continue the council as constituted, or call for new
appointments. [Article 2.3 — Appointment Process to
Council Membership].
6.0.5 The
council member and/or officer’s term is not extended due to suspension of the
council.
Appendix A
A1 — Definitions
1.
PASTOR: pastors, parochial administrators, or parish
stewards
2. Pastoral goals: objectives
of the pastoral administrator as determined by the parish mission statement.
3.
Pastoral service: services and
ministries that the meet the needs of the community and identify the needs,
hopes, lives and activities of the people of God.
4.
Ex officio: a member participant of the council who holds
their membership by virtue of office or position, and is
generally not a deliberative member for the purpose of achieving consensus.
