St. Matthew's Pastoral Council

The parish pastoral council is a consultative body to the pastor.



The purpose of the pastoral council is to examine, consider, and draw conclusions concerning matters under discussion in order to recommend a course of action to the pastor. Through pastoral planning, the pastoral council assists the pastor in:

• Developing and living out of the mission of the parish;

• Forming community as a sign and witness of unity for the larger parish community;

• Providing recommendations for parish priorities, directions, and policies;

• Promoting communication and understanding among parish organizations and between the parish, the Archdiocese, and the universal Church (CIC, c. 536 §1).

In forming community, council members are challenged to undertake ongoing renewal through prayer, study, listening, and dialogue. In developing priorities and directions for the parish, the council is to become the means of achieving full participation by the whole parish in its mission by giving all a voice in guiding and directing parish life. In fostering communication, the council encourages and initiates dialogue among parish leadership and organizations and brings to them the concerns of the universal Church.