Parish Council

"The main objective of the parish pastoral council is 'to promote pastoral activity that will help the parish achieve its supreme purpose, the salvation of souls.' The parish council assists the pastor with discerning and achieving the overall good the parish and its mission. The work is both contemplative and active. With the pastor, the council practices discernment. Through reflection, prayer, planning, setting goals and priorities it responds to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the life of the parish and to the Bishop's pastoral vision for the archdiocese. In action, council members take leadership in the coordination, motivation, support, and evaluation of pastoral activities in the parish. Concerned with the overall pastoral development of the parish, the pastoral council will often serve as liaisons to the various parish groups or coordinate the implementation of specific initiatives at the request of the pastor."

Parish Pastoral Council Policy and Implementation Guide

Archdiocese of Washington (2013), p. 4

Last fall (2013) the Archdiocese of Washington promulgated guidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils. This beautiful document, which clearly defines the meaning and mission of the PPC is available by clicking here.