The Pastoral Council assists the pastor as a consultative body to facilitate long-range planning that includes the development of vision statements and goals that flow from the parish mission statement. It exists to aid the aposotlate or mission of the pastor in his work of leading the parish by helping it plan for its future. The Pastor consults the parish parish pastoral council, asking it "to investigate and consider matters relating to pastoral activity and to formulate practical conclusions concerning them" (Vatican II, Decree on Bishops, 27).
Generally, members of the Council are well known in the community and have served in leadership roles. Members are open to the input of other parishioners while also striving to communicate pastoral priorities to all. Council members maintain a parish ‘suggestion box’ in the church vestibule to facilitate communication.
pastoral council