Parish/Pastoral Council

[StephenB]

I think I know the answer to this, but given the number of experts who frequent this site, I’m sure I’ll get a definintive response (or two…)

Our priest has made reference to parishes he where he served as
associate pastor; when he and/or the pastor would take a position
on an issue, and present it to the parish/pastoral council
the decision of the priests would be overridden, and the priests would bind themselves to that decision.

My understanding is that the council has only an advisory
capacity, and in no way binds a pastor to a particular action. For
a pastor to do otherwise is to abdicate his role as leader of the
flock. Is my understanding correct?

(We do not have a council currently, in a large part due to his
views on several things - people won’t come forward, and due to
the nature of the parish - military community.)

Thanks -

 

[chicago]

Strictly speaking, the pastor is still in charge and no lower decisions bind him. But he may well recognize that it is the most prudent thing to do in going along rather than fighting the tide. Or he may simply recognize the ultimate value in what they had to say and decided.

 

[tcraig]

My husband is a member of the parish council. Our priest has the final say for any decision. Sometimes there is a bit of a disagreement, where the council feels strongly about something, and he will promise to “consider” it. Sometimes after thinking about it he will side with the council, other times not. He’s always good enough to tell why he rejected a particular decision.

Our parish is a military parish, too. They certainly present some challenges.

 

[kaimpls]

I just completed my second term on the Pastoral Council. The Pastor is the authority; the council advises him. There were a couple of instances where our council gave him advice that contradicted his original feelings on the matters. The two instances I recall, he did change his mind. Every year, when he is seeking new people to come onto the council, he brings up these two instances and deeply thanks the council for helping him in making those two final decisions. The advice coming from the council must always be given with respect.

Richard

 

[Glennon_P]

My wife and I are new members of our Parish Council. It has been made abundantly clear to us that it is advisory only. However, our pastor is also very good about seeking a lot of (name removed by moderator)ut before a decision is made. He relies on people in the parish for their expertise on a wide variety of subjects and is not afraid to ask for assistance when he feels he needs it.

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

I am on my Parish Council and it, like the Finance Council are advisory councils. It is known the priest has the final, final say. The priest does take everything seriously. He wants as many opinions as possible, epically on complicated issues.