Pastoral councils are supposed to be representative. This does not mean, however, that they necessarily mirror a demographic profile or advocate for this faction or that.
The council is representative in that it makes present the wisdom of the community. Selecting councillors requires discernment. Members should be chosen for their ability to undertake the work of the council, the work of study and reflection. For more information, click on the links below.
Councils are representative in that they make present the wisdom of the community.
- Representation. Councils “represent” by making the wisdom of the parish present.
- Made or born? Councillors are chosen for their gifts, but they must be trained.
- Staggered elections. They may disrupt morale, lower effectiveness, and hinder reflection.
- Selecting members. The Church’s official documents lay out the basic principles of councillor selection.
