Isabelle

Dear Isabelle,

You certainly understand the nature of parish pastoral
counci ls: "A pastoral council possesses a consultative
vote only and is governed by the norms established by
the diocesan bishop" (Code of Canon Law, 536.2).

The question is, what constitutes consultation? Canon
536.1 says the pastor presides over the pastoral council,
in which the "Christian faithful, together with those
who share in pastoral care by virtue of their office in the
parish, assist in fostering pastoral activity." Consultation,
then, is "assisting in fostering pastoral activity" in the parish.

The Code is clear: The diocesan bishop establishes
norms regarding pastoral councils, so if you don't have
a copy of the norms, ask the chancery for them. Then ask
your pastor what the council can do to "foster pastoral
activity" in your parish.

It might be helpful if your council and your pastor attend
a workshop on pastoral councils together. If your
diocese doesn't offer this and other resources to help
parishes, ask the chancery to recommend one that does.
I applaud your commitment to making your parish
more responsiveto its members.