Saint Anne Pastoral Council Bylaws

 
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT: 
Saint Anne Parish, guided by the Holy Spirit, is committed to making Disciples of Christ, all for the Glory of God.  As baptized Christians, we seek to live according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, centered on the Eucharist and in service to our brothers and sisters.
 
PURPOSE OF SAINT ANNE PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Parish Pastoral Council is an advisory and consultative body for the pastor.  Its purpose is to be visionary, to promote community, to be a sign of witness and unity, and to assist the pastor in pastoral planning.  The council performs its function of pastoral planning by listening to the parish community and pastor, and formulating broad priorities, goals and objectives which articulate and foster the mission of the parish.
 
MEMBERSHIP:

1. Members of the Pastoral Council are to be selected by discernment.

• The pastor, with the advice of the current Parish Pastoral Council, shall appoint an election committee to assist in this process.
• Nominees shall be called forth from the Parish Community.
• Through a discernment process, the pastor, with the election committee, shall select council members from those who have put their names in nomination.
• The pastor, with the advice of the Pastoral Parish Council may establish further guidelines to carry out the selection process whenever necessary.

 

2. If possible, the council should reflect the diversity of the parish in terms of age, and length of membership in the parish.  The Council is made up of parishioners who have a vested interest in the life and development of the parish, and want to work with the pastor in this regard.

 

3. Criteria for Selection:

• Baptized and confirmed practicing Catholic
• Registered member of the parish, ideally for at least one (1) year
• Be participants in parish life and worship
• Be at least 18 years of age

 

4.  Pastoral council members should be willing to :

• Participate in council discussions
• Share information and data regarding pastoral needs of the parish community.
• Assist in developing the parish plan, goals and objectives.

 

5. Number of Members:

The Parish Pastoral Council membership is to consist of 12 discerned or appointed parishioners, plus additional ex officio members.
 

6. Appointed members:

The pastor may appoint members to the Parish Pastoral Council.A significant number of the council’s members should be discerned from the parish membership at large.Additional members may be appointed by the pastor to ensure balance within the council membership.
 

7. Ex officio members are to be determined by the pastor.

 

8. Pastoral Council membership is at the discretion of the pastor.

 
TERMS OF OFFICE 

• Terms of office should be three (3) years, with the possibility of reelection or appointment for another (3) three years.  Members may serve only two consecutive terms.
• It is advisable that council members not be eligible for reappointment to the council until one year after the completion of their terms.
• Terms should be staggered so council membership rotates.

 
EXPECTATIONS FOR ATTENDANCE/FILLING VACANCIES:

• Members are expected to attend all scheduled meetings, in a prompt manner.
• If a member misses three (3) or more regularly scheduled meetings, without having notified the chairperson, the Council may request such member to step aside.
• In the event that a member is unable to complete his/her term, the Pastor may appoint a parish member to fulfill the member’s term.

 
EXECUTIVE STRUCTURE

1. Executive Committee

• The Council should have an executive committee composed of the pastor, chairperson and secretary. 
• Executive Committee members are appointed by the pastor, with consensus of the council, for a one year term.  Officers may be appointed for another year, but no more than two (2) consecutive terms in any selected office.

 

2. Chairperson

           The Chairperson is central to the effectiveness of the pastoral council, and  
           is responsible for:

• Organizing and coordinating the agenda, in conjunction with the executive committee and the processes of the council.
• Chairing and facilitating the meetings of the council.
• Being an enabler and facilitator of the council, promoting inclusion and participation, keeping the meetings on track, being sensitive to conflict and helping to resolve conflicts positively.
• If the chairperson is not available, the pastor or another council member shall facilitate the meeting.

 

3. Secretary

• The Parish Pastoral Council secretary prepares summaries of the meetings of the council, and is responsible for sending them to all council members.
• Minutes should be recorded by the secretary, and archived as part of the parish.
• The secretary prepares summaries of the meetings of the council, maintains their membership roster, assures the preparation and dissemination of materials for the council meetings, and is responsible for all council correspondence.
• If the secretary is not available at a scheduled meeting, another council member shall be asked to assume the secretary’s responsibilities.

MEETINGS

• The Parish Pastoral Council meets, on average, for ten (10) scheduled meetings per year.
• If needed, additional meetings may be called by the pastor.
• Meetings may be canceled, with notice by the pastor.
• If requested, members may advise the pastor, either by email or proxy.
• Meetings shall generally be held in the parish facilities.  If there is a change of location, council members will be notified by the chairperson.
• Regularly scheduled monthly meetings are open to the parish at large.
• Meetings may consist of open and private executive sessions, as needed.
• Members should make every effort to attend all scheduled meetings.

 
 
AD HOC COMMITTEES:
Ad Hoc Committees may be formed at the discretion of the Pastor/Pastoral Council.
 
AMMENDMENTS
Parish Pastoral Council Bylaws serve as guidelines, and may be amended, as deemed necessary, with the recommendation of the current pastor.