The Parish of St. Denis established its Pastoral Council from the beginning of this historical Church. The Second Vatican Council recommends the establishment of these councils. These councils at once acknowledge the right and duty of Catholics to express their opinions on what pertains to the good of the Church, and the desire of the pastor to acknowledge their wisdom, seek their prudent advice, and in that consultative fashion to share with the people his responsibility for the governance of the parish. This foundation document lays out the broad parameters of successful consultation, without the rigidity of organizational by-laws because it acknowledges that the council is NOT a governing body, but rather a highly valued consultative one.

https://worcesterdiocese.org/documents/2016/6/Parish%20Council%20Presentation-presbyteral.pdf

Functions of the Pastoral Council

Being reactive and advisory to the Pastor regarding Any issues, documents and/or matters relating to parish functions (ecclesial, spiritual, pastoral, educational, ministerial, liturgical, and administrative), which may be referred to the Pastoral Council by the Pastor.

Being proactive and advisory to the Pastor regarding:

• Any issues, documents and/or matters relating to parish functions (ecclesial, spiritual, pastoral, educational, ministerial, liturgical, and administrative) which the Council determines to be of importance to the well being of the parish as to warrant consideration by the Pastor and possible action.

•  Any issues, documents and/or matters relating to diocesan functions (ecclesial, spiritual, pastoral, educational, ministerial, liturgical, and administrative) which may be brought to a Pastoral Council member’s attention by members of the faithful in the parish as to warrant consideration by the Pastor and possible action.

• Prayerfully and thoughtfully investigate and consider issues, documents, and information pertaining to the pastoral activity of the parish.

• Offer timely input and recommendations to the Pastor based on their own wisdom, knowledge, experience, and love of God in their lives, taking into account the wisdom and knowledge gained through their participation in various communities and ministries, as well as their interactions and dialogue with the People of God in their parish.

• Informally listen, gather and discern information from individuals, parishes, ministries, deaneries, institutions, ecclesial groups, and community groups within the parish, and present such information to the Pastor at the Council meetings.

• Identify needs and priorities of parishes, ministries, deaneries, institutions, community groups and other groups within the parish, and recommend actions to fulfill these needs.

• Study, review, prayerfully reflect upon and evaluate any information and/or documents presented by the Pastor, Council members, and or invited presenters, and offer timely input/recommendations when requested.

• Collaborate with the Pastor in giving concrete advice, suggestions, recommendations, input, and/or feedback concerning matters pertaining to living out the mission of Christ in the diocese.

• Act as representatives of the people of God in the parish (not just in one particular deanery or geographic region): the laity, religious and clergy.

• Provide a channel of mutual communication between the People of God in the parish and the Pastor.
  
  More information Contact:
  
  Wes Snow
  
  [email protected]
  
  Or your Parish Priest at
  
  https://www.saintdenisashburnham.com/staff