TranslateParish Pastoral Councils
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Contact Us
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tgintherdioceseoftrenton.orgChancellor; Executive Director: Office of Pastoral Life and Mission
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Pastoral Councils provide real and effective opportunities for clergy and laity to work together according to their gifts and share responsibility for the mission of the Church as called for in Vatican II.
“The pastor of each parish in the Diocese of Trenton shall establish a Pastoral Council …. (Diocesan Statute 126).”
The Pastoral Council is a consultative body comprised of a representative group of parishioners who work with the Pastor, other Clergy and Parish Staff to foster pastoral activity. The Council members do this primarily through a pastoral planning process. In the context of prayer and reflecting on the parish’s ministerial activity, they investigate current circumstances and needs, consider ways to respond, and propose concrete efforts. A set of operating guidelines can help the Pastor, Staff and members of the Council work together successfully.The Department of Pastoral Planning provides support for pastors and parishes establishing a Pastoral Council, discerning members, and working through the planning process. Below are some video clips from workshops held in the diocese and PowerPoint presentations that can help you to learn more about pastoral councils.
It is our pleasure to work with individual parishes to customize services to meet their unique needs. Please contact us. -
The Parish Pastoral Councils vs Parish Finance Councils (Charles Zech)
- Best Practices for Finance and Pastoral Councils (5 Video Segments)
Part I
Differences Part II
Similarities Part III
Best Practices
Operates As Groups
Part IV
Working Together with
Other Advisory Bodies Part V
Consensus Decision Making Process
11 Recommendations- Best Practices for Finance and Pastoral Councils (PowerPoint)