The formation of Parish Pastoral Councils came about as a result of Vatican II when the bishops
recognized that all the baptized bear responsibility for carrying out the mission of the Church.

Pastoral councils consist of laity who, together with the pastor, or in our case, the Parish LIfe Coordinator, are called to envision and plan for the future of the parish as it meets the pastoral needs of the people of God.

In Vision 2000, a planning document developed for the Archdiocese of Dubuque, the planning
role of a parish pastoral council is described as follows:

Planning is critical to the growth and vitality of a parish or cluster of parishes. Having a plan sets a forward direction for a parish. It focuses the energies of staff, committees, and volunteers toward common goals, and provides a means of accountability. The parish council has, as one of its major functions, the responsibility for planning in the parish.

Responsibilities of pastoral councils include:

• To listen to and represent the wisdom of parishioners and parish staff as part of the planning process.
• To determine priorities and develop a plan for both implementing and evaluating them.
• To develop goals and objectives which further the mission of the parish.
• To evaluate regularly the goals and objectives of the council and its subgroups.
• To recommend policies which are supportive of the mission of the parish.
• To call forth the gifts of individuals and groups/committees in the parish to carry out its mission.

The parish pastoral council is an advisory body to the pastor/parish life coordinator.

Registered members of the parish who are baptized, confirmed and practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church are eligible to serve on the pastoral council.