Why a Diocesan Pastoral Council?
The second Vatican Council, in its Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church, wrote
“It is highly desirable that in each diocese a pastoral council be established over which the diocesan bishop himself will preside and in which specially chosen clergy, religious, and lay people will participate. The function of this council will be to investigate, and to weigh matters which bear on pastoral activity, and to formulate practical conclusions regarding them” (Christus Dominus n. 27)
Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical on the role of the Laity wrote 1988
“The recent Synod has favoured the creation of Diocesan Pastoral Councils, as a recourse at opportune times. In fact, on a diocesan level this structure could be the principle form of collaboration, dialogue, and discernment as well. The participation of the lay faithful in these Councils can broaden resources in consultation and the principle of collaboration - and in certain instances also in decision-making - if applied in a broad and determined manner” (Christifideles Laici n25)
In the light of this, the Bishop wishes to hear the voice of people from across the Diocese, and that this voice includes those for whom no direct forum as yet exists (religious and lay people)
Membership
The Council will consist of
- The Bishop, and his two Vicars General ex officio
- The Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Affairs; and the Pastoral Support Coordinator ex officio
- Five priests (elected by but not necessarily members of the Council of Priests)
- Two deacons;
- Two religious
- Two lay people from each of the 13 deaneries, so 26 in number
- Two people from our diocesan schools (one from Secondary – perhaps a chaplain, and one from Primary, to be selected by the Schools Commission)
42 in total
Membership is to be time limited for non ex officio members – probably three years, with rolling replacement
Meetings
To be held three times a year at three different geographical locations around the Diocese. Some element of evaluation/forward planning could be built into the third meeting of the year
The inaugural meeting is to be held at Pentecost, on Saturday 10th May 2008 – venue to be confirmed
The Bishop will preside. Initially the Chair and Vice Chair will be nominated by the Bishop but once the Council has become established, officers will be elected. A Minutes Secretary will be drawn from Diocesan staff.
It is probable that the council will set up a small executive group, comprising Council members, to draw up Agendas, collect and collate items that need to be circulated prior to DPC meetings, and handle any follow up from the DPC meetings.
The format of the meetings will be as follows: Saturday mornings, 10.30am start with brief opening liturgy, main topic for discussion, short break at 12pm, second session for items previously circulated to Council Members prior to meeting. Concluding at 1pm with a shared lunch for those who can stay
