Documents of Vatican II | |
Post-Conciliar Documents | |
1983 Code of Canon Law |
- Canons 511-514: Diocesan Pastoral Councils - Canon 536: Parish Pastoral Councils - Canon 537: Parish Finance Councils |
Synodal Documents | |
Recent Documents |
Vatican II, "Dogmatic Constitution on the Church," Lumen Gentium, November 21, 1964, translated by Colman O'Neill, OP, in Austin P. Flannery, General Editor, The Documents of Vatican II, Preface by John Cardinal Wright (New York: Costello Publishing Company, 1975).
"37. Like all Christians, the laity have the right to receive in abundance the help of the spiritual goods of the Church, especially that of the word of God and the sacraments from the pastors.1 To the latter the laity should disclose their needs and desires with that liberty and confidence which befits children of God and brothers of Christ. By reason of the knowledge, competence or pre-eminence which they have the laity are empowered -- indeed sometimes obliged -- to manifest their opinion on those things which pertain to the good of the Church.2 If the occasion should arise this should be done through the institutions established by the Church for that purpose and always with truth, courage and prudence and with reverence and charity towards those who, by reason of their office, represent the person of Christ." (no. 37, pp. 394-5)
Vatican II, "Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church," Christus Dominus, October 28, 1965, translated by Matthew Dillon, OSB, Edward O'Leary, OP, and Austin Flannery, OP, in Austin P. Flannery, General Editor, The Documents of Vatican II, Preface by John Cardinal Wright (New York: Costello Publishing Company, 1975).
"It is highly desirable that in every diocese a special pastoral council be established, presided over by the diocesan bishop himself, in which clergy, religious, and laity specially chosen for the purpose will participate. It will be the function of this council to investigate and consider matters relating to pastoral activity and to formulate practical conclusions concerning them." (no. 27, p. 580)
Vatican II, "Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People," Apostolicam actuositatem, November 18, 1965, translated by "Father Finnian, OCSO," in Austin P. Flannery, General Editor, The Documents of Vatican II, Preface by John Cardinal Wright (New York: Costello Publishing Company, 1975).
"In dioceses, as far as possible, councils should be set up to assist the Church's apostolic work, whether in the field of evangelization and sanctification or in the fields of charity, social relations and the rest; the clergy and religious working with the laity in whatever way proves satisfactory. These councils can take care of the mutual coordinating of the various lay associations and undertakings, the autonomy and particular nature of each remaining untouched.3
"Such councils should be found too, if possible, at parochial, inter-parochial, inter-diocesan level [sic], and also on the national and international plane.4 " (no. 26, pp. 791-2)
Vatican II, "Decree on the Church's Missionary Activity," Ad Gentes Divinitus, December 7, 1965, translated by Redmond Fitzmaurice, OP, in Austin P. Flannery, General Editor, The Documents of Vatican II, Preface by John Cardinal Wright (New York: Costello Publishing Company, 1975).
"It is the responsibility of the bishop, as the head of the diocesan apostolate and its center of unity, to promote missionary activity, guide and coordinate it, so that the spontaneous zeal of those who engage in this work may be safeguarded and fostered. . . . For better coordination, the bishop should, as far as possible, establish a pastoral council in which clergy, religious and lay people would have a part through elected delegates." (no. 30, p. 847)
5. Implementation of Christus Dominus
Paul VI, Ecclesiae Sanctae I, August 6, 1966, "Apostolic Letter, written Motu Proprio, on the Implementation of the Decrees Christus Dominus, Presbyterorum Ordinis and Perfectae Caritatis," translated from the Latin text in AAS 58 (1966) pp. 757-758 by Austin Flannery, in Austin P. Flannery, General Editor, The Documents of Vatican II, Preface by John Cardinal Wright (New York: Costello Publishing Company, 1975).
"16. With regard to the pastoral council, which the Decree Christus Dominus strongly commended:
"(1) The work of the pastoral council is to examine and consider all that relates to pastoral work and to offer practical conclusions on these matters, so that the life and activity of the People of God may be brought into greater conformity with the Gospel.
"(2) The pastoral council, which enjoys only a consultative voice, may be established in different ways. Although of its nature it is ordinarily a permanent institution, it may be temporary as regards membership and activity and exercise its function as occasion arises. The bishop may convene it whenever he considers it advisable.
"(3) Clerics, religious and laity, specially delegated by the bishop, take part in the work of the pastoral council.
"(4) To achieve the real objective of this council, study must prepare the way for common work and the services of institutes and offices working in this field should be sought if possible.
"(5) Where hierarchies of different rites are in existence in the same territory, it is strongly recommended that where possible the pastoral council should be inter-ritual, that is, consisting of clerics, religious and laity of the different rites.
"(6) The regulation of other matters is left to the free decision of the bishop, keeping in mind what is set down in no.17.
"17. (1) In matters affecting the council of priests and the pastoral council and the relations of these councils with each other and with the councils of the bishop established in virtue of existing law, bishops, especially when they come together in conferences, should take counsel together and issue common regulations for the dioceses of the territory.
"The bishops shall also see that all the councils of the diocese are co-ordinated as well as possible, through precise definition of their competence, mutual participation of their members, through common or continuing sessions or by other means." (nos. 16-17, p. 601)
Synod of Bishops (Nov. 30, 1971), "The Ministerial Priesthood," De Sacerdotio ministeriali, reprinted in James I. O'Connor, editor, The Canon Law Digest, Vol. VII: Officially Published Documents Affecting the Code of Canon Law 1968-1972 (Chicago: Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus, 1975), pp. 342-366.
"The pastoral council, in which specially chosen clergy, religious and laity have part (cf. Decr. on Past. Off. of Bps., n. 27), by its study and consideration should provide the necessary conclusions so that the diocesan community may be able to arrange its pastoral program systematically and carry it out effectively.
"The more the co-responsibility of bishops and priests, especially through priests' councils, increases day by day, the more desirable it is that a pastoral council be established in the individual dioceses." (Part 2, II, section 3, "Relations between priests and lay persons," p. 364)
Sacred Congregation for Bishops, Directory on the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops (Ecclesiae imago, May 31, 1973) translation prepared by the Benedictine monks of the Seminary of Christ the King, Mission, British Columbia (Ottawa: Publications Service of the Canadian Catholic Conference, 1974).
"As regards effective organization for the work of caring for souls, besides the broader guidelines mentioned above (cf. n. 176) the bishop shall consider that kind of parish best . . . in which laymen, according to the office given them, take part in the parish pastoral council and take charge of works of the apostolate proper to themselves." (n. 179, p. 92).
"The Pastoral Council
"204. The pastoral council is a body set up to investigate and carefully consider whatever pertains to diocesan pastoral activities and to arrive at practical conclusions to help the People of God pattern their lives and actions more closely on the Gospel (CD 27; ES I, 16). By its study and reflection, the council furnishes the judgments necessary to enable the diocesan community to plan its pastoral program systematically and to fulfill it effectively.5
"Although the pastoral council is not mandatory, it is highly recommended.6 It is made up of clergy (deacons, therefore, being in no wise excepted), religious and laity, specially chosen by the bishop (CD 27; ES I, 16).
"The council has only a consultative voice; nevertheless, the bishop has great respect for its recommendations, for they offer his apostolic office the serious and settled cooperation of the ecclesiastical community.
"To make the council's work more effective, the bishop can order, if the good of the faithful requires it, that in every parish, among the other offices of the apostolate, parish pastoral councils be set up and that these be aligned with the diocesan council. These councils, grouped together according to areas, could choose their representatives to serve on the diocesan council, so that the whole diocesan community may feel that it is offering its cooperation to its bishop through the diocesan council.
"In order that the council may actually achieve this goal, it will be helpful if study precedes their common deliberation; and if the case warrants, the help of institutes or offices that work in the field may be used (ES I, 16; III, 4), as for example, the socio-religious office, the office for the means of social communication, etc." (n. 204, p. 105)
Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, "Private Letter on 'Pastoral Councils'" (Omnes Christifideles, 1/25/73), reprinted in James I. O'Connor, editor, The Canon Law Digest, Vol. VII: Officially Published Documents Affecting the Code of Canon Law 1968-1972 (Chicago: Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus, 1975), pp. 280-288.
Pastoral Councils (S. C. Cler., 25 January, 1973) Private.
The following letter by the S. C. for the Clergy was addressed to all bishops.
1. All Christians consecrated by the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of Christian initiation "into a spiritual house and a holy priesthood"7 are called by Christ the Lord himself to cooperate actively in the saving mission of all the priestly people of God.8 Not all the faithful, however, exercise this common responsibility in the same way but a special task falls to each one, according to his state, in the communion of the Body which is the Church.9
There are, first of all, sacred ministers who, chosen from the faithful, are established for hierarchical service10 and who "from antiquity have been called bishops, priests, and deacons;11 they, in virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, "particularly and by their own profession are ordained to the sacred ministry,"12 and by the sacred power which they possess through the exercise of various orders in various ways teach, sanctify and rule the entire People of God in the name and with the authority of Christ.13 All religious, moreover, whether they are invested with the ministerial priesthood or not, by the public consecration which they profess in the ecclesiastical community14 "give splendid and striking testimony that the world cannot be transfigured and offered to God without the spirit of the beatitudes."15 Finally, the laity "led by the spirit of the gospel can work for the sanctification of the world from within in the manner of leaven and in this way can make Christ known to others especially by the testimony of a life resplendent in faith, hope and charity." They "can also be called in various ways to a more direct form of cooperation in the apostolate of the hierarchy."16
2. Therefore the salvific mission of the entire People of God in which all the faithful, according to each one's status within the Church, have their own proper part and responsibility, cannot be restricted to one mission of the holy pastors or Church hierarchy: "For the pastors know that they themselves were not meant by Christ to shoulder alone the entire saving mission of the Church toward the world but, on the contrary, they understand that it is their noble duty so to shepherd the faithful and recognize their service and charismatic gifts that all, according to their proper roles, may cooperate in this common undertaking with one heart."17 Accordingly, the Second Vatican Council has also made this observation: In exercising this pastoral care (bishops) should preserve for their faithful the share proper to them in Church affairs; they should also recognize their duty and right to collaborate actively in the building up of the Mystical Body of Christ."18
3. However, this participation of the faithful in the mission of the Church is not the same as the participation of some who exercise ecclesiastical power. For in the Church, according to the will of its divine Founder, the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood or hierarchy differ in essence and not only in degree."19 Accordingly, the pastoral work, namely of teaching, sanctifying and ruling, and the power necessary for it are not bestowed by the Lord on the entire community of the faithful,20 but are conferred on sacred pastors by a special consecration and canonical mission.21 Diocesan Bishops "govern the particular churches entrusted to them as the vicars and ambassadors of Christ. This they do by their counsel, exhortations and example as well as in deed by their authority and sacred power. This power they use only for the edification of their flock in truth and holiness, remembering that he who is greater should become as the lesser and he who is the greater should become as the servant (cf. Lk. 22:26-27). This power which they personally exercise in Christ's name is proper, ordinary and immediate."22
4. The faithful who are not sealed with the ministerial priesthood, beyond the aforesaid actual participation in the apostolic mission of the Church,23 are also able to assist in the very pastoral office itself though not in the hierarchy. Therefore, all the faithful "according to the knowledge, competence, or outstanding ability which they may enjoy, are permitted and sometimes even obliged to express their opinion on things which concern the good of the Church,"24 and this can also be done through institutions which are established for this by law.
Motivated by this reasoning the Second Vatican Council listed among the cooperators of the diocesan bishop in pastoral work25 and recommended the Pastoral Council "over which the diocesan bishop himself will preside and in which specially chosen clergy, religious and lay people will participate."26
With this desire of the Council in mind, the Holy Father, Pope Paul VI, in his apostolic letter, Ecclesiae Sanctae, given as a motu proprio on 6 August, 1966,27 established certain norms on the subject according to which in any diocese an experimental beginning has been made or is being made to establish a pastoral council.
The general session of the Synod of Bishops held in 1971 expressed this opinion: "The pastoral council, in which clergy, religious and laity who are chosen to take part, is to offer after study and consideration, its conclusions as to what is necessary for the diocesan community to organize the pastoral work and to execute it efficiently. The more important it daily becomes for bishops and priests to cooperate in their mutual responsibility, especially through the Priests's Council, the more desirable it is that in each diocese a pastoral council be established."28
5. The Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, who has the responsibility to deal with pastoral councils,29 wrote to the presidents of the conferences of bishops on 12 March, 1971, asking that the bishops indicate to this Congregation their, recommendations and views of experiments which have already been conducted or of norms that should be established. Moreover, the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy also asked the Sacred Congregation for the Oriental Church and the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Nations that they offer their viewpoints. Having done this, the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy thought it expedient to call together a plenary combined congregation to which it invited the Sacred Congregation for Bishops, and the Sacred Congregation for Religious and for Secular Institutes, as well as the Council of the Laity. This plenary congregation met on 15 March, 1972. We herewith briefly present its conclusions, approved by the Holy Father, Pope Paul VI.
6. The replies received and the deliberations held show that it is the common opinion of the Fathers that the establishment of a pastoral council is important and helpful. But since working together requires the mature cooperation of all, it is necessary for individual diocesan bishops30 to consider, through a common study in the conference of bishops, as well as with their own presbyterates, whether the conditions exist for instituting a pastoral council, and, at the same time, they should work together to foster those circumstances required for the institution and efficient operation of such a council. And if a bishop considers it opportune to institute a pastoral council in his diocese, he should see to it that statutes be drawn up to be approved by him.
7. As far as the composition of the pastoral council is concerned, although the members of the council cannot in a juridical sense be called representatives of the total diocesan community, nevertheless, as far as possible, they should present a witness or sign of the entire diocese, and, therefore, it seems extremely opportune that priests, religious and laity who expound various requirements and experiences take part in the council. The persons, then, appointed to the pastoral council ought to be selected in such a way that the entire composition of the People of God within the diocese is truly represented, taking into consideration the different regions, social conditions and professions as well as the parts which individuals and associations have in the apostolate, especially those who possess noteworthy prestige and prudence.
Among these is it appropriate to appoint laymen and priests who have been chosen for offices exercised throughout the whole diocese. However, all the members of the council should be in full communion with the Catholic Church and able to accept and properly exercise this function in the Church.
Whatever form the bishop freely chooses for determining the composition of his pastoral council, most of the members should be laymen since the greatest part of the diocesan community is made up of the laity.
Besides the priests, permanent deacons, where they exist, should also be chosen for this council. Religious men and women should be named by the bishop with the permission of their own superior. Finally, the number of members of the pastoral council should not be too great so that it is able to carry out effectively the work that is committed to it.
Although the pastoral council is a permanent institution by its very nature, nevertheless, ''with regard to members and activity it can be temporary and perform its function as the occasion demands."31 Therefore, it is appropriate for members of the pastoral council, with the exception of those designated according to the norms of its statutes by reason of the office which they hold in the diocese, to be nominated for a period of time determined in the statutes. However, so that the whole council membership will not go out of existence at the same time, it is advisable that for its renewal of membership, a system of rotation be employed in such a way that at stated times a certain number end their membership and new members are named in their place.
8. The pastoral council "enjoys only a consultative voice."32 The counsels and suggestions of the faithful which they propose within the confines of their ecclesiastical communion and in the spirit of true unity are of great value for the formation of decisions. The actual obedience and reverence which the faithful must show their sacred pastors does not prevent but rather fosters an open and sincere manifestation of those things demanded for the good of the Church.
Therefore, the bishop should greatly esteem its propositions and suggestions and seriously consider the judgments on which they agree,33 preserving the freedom and authority which are his by divine law for his pastoral service to that portion of the People of God committed to his care.
9. It is the function of the pastoral council "to investigate and to weigh matters which bear on pastoral activity, and to formulate practical conclusions regarding them so as to promote conformity of the life and actions of the People of God with the Gospel."34 Accordingly, those questions may be committed to its study which, whether indicated by the diocesan bishop or proposed by the council members and accepted by him, refer to pastoral care exercised within the diocese. It is, however, beyond the competence of this council to decide on general questions bearing on faith, orthodoxy, moral principles or laws of the universal Church, for the teacher of the faith in the diocese is always and obviously the bishop alone, with his bond of communion with the head of the episcopal college and its members.35
As for those pastoral questions which pertain to the exercise of jurisdiction or governing power, the bishop already has his own senate which assists him with its advice, namely the senate of priests.36 Nothing prevents the pastoral council, however, from considering questions requiring mandates of a jurisdictional act for execution: and proposing suggestions regarding them to the bishop, for in such a case the bishop will consider the matter and make his decision after hearing the priests' senate, if the case requires
The pastoral council, therefore, can give the bishop great help by presenting him with proposals and suggestions regarding missionary, catechetical and apostolic undertakings within the diocese; concerning the promotion of doctrinal formation and the sacramental life of the faithful; concerning pastoral activities to help the priests in the various social and territorial areas of the diocese; concerning public opinion on matters pertaining to the Church as it is more likely to be fostered in the present time; etc. The pastoral council can also be extremely useful for mutual communication of experiences and for proposed undertakings of various types by which the concrete needs of the people of the diocese may become clearer to the bishop and a more opportune means of pastoral action may be suggested to him.
But where the pastoral council exists, there always remains intact the right enjoyed by all Christians, including those who are not members of the pastoral council, of making known directly to their pastors, always in truth and prudence and with the integrity of faith preserved, their needs and desires, and they are to do so with that liberty and confidence which belong to the children of God and brothers in Christ.37
10. It is for the bishop to convene the pastoral council according to the needs of the apostolate. The diocesan bishop himself by law is to preside over the council and in particular cases his delegate if he considers it opportune.
But since the investigations and practical conclusions of the pastoral council have the character of information and suggestions which are offered to the bishop, he can accept and mandate for execution the documents worked out by the pastoral council for his discretion and authority, and, if he considers it opportune, he may promulgate them.
"That the purpose of this council actually be accomplished, it is expedient that advance study precede common effort using the assistance, if the case warrants it, of institutes or offices which work to this end."38 Wherefore, it may be appropriate that, under the direction of the bishop, a list of questions to be dealt with should be prepared in due time and sent to all the members of the council together with viewpoints or studies which can be useful for the thorough examination of such questions.
11. When a See is vacant, the pastoral council ceases. However, nothing prevents the Ordinary, if the case warrants it, during the vacancy of the See, to call upon the members of the council for their advice.
12. The Fathers of the plenary congregation, taking into consideration the nature of the diocesan pastoral council, feel that there is nothing to prevent the institution within the diocese of councils of the same nature and function, whether parochial or regional as they are called (for various deaneries or social bodies, etc.)
The Fathers, however, believe that it is not opportune, at least for the present, to institute pastoral councils or similar organizations on an interdiocesan, provincial, regional, national or international level. They do not, however, exclude the institution of special organizations of a technical or executive nature, made up of select members of the faithful and who would assist the bishops in their joint conferences.
13. In the present letter, this Congregation wishes to propose principles and general criteria approved by the Holy See, which emanate from consultation with the conferences of bishops and the discussion of the Fathers, and which can help the bishops in carrying out their serious task which pertains to the constitution and performance of a pastoral council. It is our hope, therefore, that the conferences of bishops will be willing to notify this Sacred Congregation concerning their experiences in this matter so that in the future we may take into account, as it should be, their experiences.
John Paul II, Pope (Karol Wojtyla), Code of Canon Law, Latin-English Edition, Translation prepared under the auspices of the Canon Law Society of America (Washington, D.C.: Canon Law Society of America, 1983).
Chapter V: The Pastoral Council
Can. 511. In each diocese, to the extent that pastoral circumstances recommend it, a pastoral council is to be established whose responsibility it is to investigate under the authority of the bishop all those things which pertain to pastoral works, to ponder them and to propose practical conclusions about them.
Can. 512. §1. The pastoral council consists of Christian faithful who are in full communion with the Catholic Church, clerics, members of institutes of consecrated life and especially lay persons, who are designated in a manner determined by the diocesan bishop.
§2. The Christian faithful who are appointed to the pastoral council are to be so selected that the entire portion of the people of God which constitutes the diocese is truly reflected, with due regard for the diverse regions, social conditions and professions of the diocese as well as the role which they have in the apostolate, either as individuals or in conjunction with others.
§3. No one except Christians of proven faith, good morals and outstanding prudence are to be appointed to the pastoral council.
Can. 513. §1. The pastoral council is to be established for a period of time according to the prescriptions of the statutes which are issued by the bishop.
§2. When the see is vacant the pastoral council ceases to exist.
Can. 514. §1. It pertains exclusively to the diocesan bishop to convoke the pastoral council according to the necessities of the apostolate and to preside over it; the pastoral council enjoys only a consultative vote; it is for the bishop alone to make public what has been done in the council.
§2. The pastoral council is to be convoked at least once a ycar.
Chapter Vl: Parishes, Pastors and Parochial Vicars
Can. 536. §1. After the diocesan bishop has listened to the presbyteral council and if he judges it opportune. a pastoral council is to be established in each parish; the pastor presides over it, and through it the Christian faithful along with those who share in the pastoral care of the parish in virtue of their office give their help in fostering pastoral activity.
§2. This pastoral council possesses a consultative vote only and is governed by norms determined by the diocesan bishop.
Can. 537. Each parish is to have a finance council which is regulated by universal law as well as by norms issued by the diocesan bishop; in this council the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the pastor in the administration of parish goods with due regard for the prescription of can. 532.
Synod of Bishops (1987), "Synod 1987: The Synod Propositions," Origins 17:29 (Dec. 31, 1987): 499-509.
"The church has its full presence in any place under the form of a diocese. Therefore, the use of consultation and collaboration and -- in keeping with the subject matter -- the principle of decision making will be promoted in a more eminent way by the creation of a diocesan pastoral council, with lay participation, and by appropriate recourse to it. . . . .
"It is in the parish that most Catholics learn that they have been constituted as church (or a portion of the church) and that, at the same time, they experience how to form the church. The collaboration of clergy and men and women religious as well as laity is needed to achieve this. This collaboration requires the consultation of the laity to determine the pastoral needs and aspirations of the community. A more fitting way to reach this goal is the establishment of a pastoral council in which all can take part, whatever their age or condition." (proposition 10, p. 502)
John Paul II, Pope (Karol Wojtyla), "Christifideles Laici: Apostolic Exhortation on the Laity," based on the 1987 World Synod of Bishops, January 30, 1987, Origins 18:35 (Feb. 9, 1989): 561, 653-595.
"In this sense, the recent synod has favored the creation of diocesan pastoral councils as a recourse at opportune times. In fact, on a diocesan level this structure could be the principal form of collaboration, dialogue and discernment as well. The participation of the lay faithful in these councils can broaden resources in consultation and the principle of collaboration and in certain instances also in decision making -- if applied in a broad and determined manner." (no. 25, p. 573)
"The [Second Vatican] council's mention of examining and solving pastoral problems 'by general discussion' [A.A., no. 10] ought to find its adequate and structured development through a more convinced, extensive and decided appreciation for 'parish pastoral councils,' on which the synod fathers have rightly insisted.39" (no. 27, p. 574)
12. Instruction on Certain Questions Regarding Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priest
Written by a committee consisting of representatives of the Congregation for the Clergy, the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Congregation for Bishops, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts. Approved "in forma specifica" by Pope John Paul II and promulgated on August 15, 1997. Posted on the Internet at the Catholic Information Network web site, November 13, 1997.
§ 2. "Diocesan and parochial Pastoral Councils and parochial Finance Councils, of which non-ordained faithful are members, enjoy a consultative vote only and cannot in any way become deliberative structures. Only those faithful who possess the qualities prescribed by the canonical norms may be elected to such responsibilities.
§ 3. "It is for the Parish Priest to preside at parochial councils. They are to be considered invalid, and hence null and void, any deliberations entered into (or decisions taken) by a parochial council which has not been presided over by the Parish Priest or which has assembled contrary to his wishes.
§ 4. "Diocesan councils may properly and validly express their consent to an act of the Bishop only in those cases in which the law expressly requires such consent."
§ 5. "Given the local situation Ordinaries may avail themselves of special study groups or of groups of experts to examine particular questions. Such groups, however, cannot be constituted as structures parallel to diocesan presbyteral or pastoral councils nor indeed to those diocesan structures regulated by the universal law of the Church in Canons 536, § 1 and 537. Neither may such a group deprive these structures of their lawful authority. Where structures of this kind have arisen in the past because of local custom or through special circumstances, those measures deemed necessary to conform such structures to the current universal law of the Church must be taken." (Article 5, §§ 2-5)
Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II presented in New Delhi, India, on November 6, 1999 to more than 100 Asian Bishops. It is based on the work of the April 19 &endash; May 14, 1998 Special Assembly for Asia of the Synod of Bishops, one of the regional synods called for by the pope as part of preparations for the Jubilee Year 2000. Published in Origins 29:23 (November 18, 1999): 357, 359-384.
"Every particular church must be grounded in the witness of ecclesial communion that constitutes its very nature as church. The synod fathers chose to describe the diocese as a communion of communities gathered around the shepherd, where clergy, consecrated persons and the laity are engaged in a 'dialogue of life and heart' sustained by the grace of the Holy Spirit.40
"It is primarily in the diocese that the vision of a communion of communities can be actualized in the midst of the complex social, political, religious, cultural and economic realities of Asia. Ecclesial communion implies that each local church should become what the synod fathers called a 'participatory church,' a church, that is, in which all live their proper vocation and perform their proper role. In order to build up the 'communion for mission' and the 'mission of communion,' every member's unique charism needs to be acknowledged, developed and effectively utilized.41 In particular there is a need to foster greater involvement of the laity and consecrated men and women in pastoral planning and decision making through such participatory structures as pastoral councils and parish assemblies.42
"In every diocese, the parish remains the ordinary place where the faithful gather to grow in faith, to live the mystery of ecclesial communion and to take part in the church's mission. Therefore, the synod fathers urged pastors to devise new and effective ways of shepherding the faithful, so that everyone, especially the poor, will feel truly a part of the parish and of God's people as a whole. Pastoral planning with the lay faithful should be a normal feature of all parishes.43" (Paragraph 25, p. 372).
Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte ("At the Beginning of the New Millennium"), January 6, 2001, published in Origins 30:31 (January 18, 2001): 489, 491-508.
"Conscious of the risen Lord's presence among us, we ask ourselves today the same question put to Peter in Jerusalem immediately after his Pentecost speech: 'What must we do?' (Acts 2:37).
"We put the question with trusting optimism, but without underestimating the problems we face. We are certainly not seduced by the naïve expectation that, faced with the great challenges of our time, we shall find some magic formula. No, we shall not be saved by a formula but by a person and the assurance which he gives us: I am with you!
"It is not therefore a matter of inventing a 'new program.' The program already exists: It is the plan found in the Gospel and in the living tradition; it is the same as ever. Ultimately, it has its center in Christ himself, who is to be known, loved, and imitated so that in him we may live the life of the Trinity and with him transform history until its fulfillment in the heavenly Jerusalem. This is a program which does not change with shifts of times and cultures, even though it takes account of time and culture for the sake of true dialogue and effective communication. This program for all times is our program for the third millennium.
"But it must be translated into pastoral initiatives adapted to the circumstances of each community . . . . With its universal and indispensable provisions, the program of the Gospel must continue to take root, as it has always done, in the life of the church everywhere. It is in the local churches that the specific features of a detailed pastoral plan can be identified &endash; goals and methods, formation and enrichment of the people involved, the search for the necessary resources &endash; which will enable the proclamation of Christ to reach people, mold communities and have a deep and incisive influence in bringing Gospel values to bear in society and culture.
I therefore earnestly exhort the pastors of the particular churches, with the help of all sectors of God's people, confidently to plan the stages of the journey ahead, harmonizing the choices of each diocesan community with those of neighboring churches and of the universal church." (from number 29, p. 499).
"Communion must be cultivated and extended day by day and at every level in the structures of each church's life. There relations between bishops, priests and deacons, between pastors and the entire people of God, between clergy and religious, between associations and ecclesial movements must all be clearly characterized by communion. To this end the structures of participation envisaged by canon law, such as the council of priests and the pastoral council, must be ever more highly valued. These of course are not governed by the rules of parliamentary democracy because they are consultative rather than deliberative;44 yet this does not mean that they are less meaningful and relevant. The theology and spirituality of communion encourage a fruitful dialogue between pastors and faithful: on the one hand uniting them a priori in all that is essential and on the other leading them to pondered agreement in matters open to discussion.
"To this end, we need to make our own the ancient pastoral wisdom which, without prejudice to their authority, encouraged pastors to listen more widely to the entire people of God." (from number 44, p. 503).
1 Code of Canon Law, can. 682.
2 See Pius XII, Alloc. De quelle Consolation, loc. cit., p. 789: Dans les batailles decisives, c'est parfois de front que partent les plus heureuses initiatives . . . Idem., Alloc. L'importance de la presse catholique, 17 Feb. 1950: AAS 42 (1950) p. 256.
3 Cf. Benedict XIV, De Synodo Diocesana, book III, chap. IX, no. VII.
4 Cf. Pius XI, Encyclical Letter Quamvis Nostra, 30 April 1936; AAS 28 (1936) pp. 161-161.
5 Cf. Synod of Bishops, 1971, De Sacerdotio ministeriali, Part 2, II, 3: AAS 63, 1971, pp. 920-921; S. Congregation for the Clergy, Circular letter. . . , Jan. 25, 1973.
6 Cf. CD 27; Synod of Bishops, 1971, loc. cit.
7 Lumen Gentium (hereafter: L.G.), n. 10.
8 L.G., n. 33: Decree Apostolicam Actuositatem (hereafter: A.A.), n. 3; Decree Ad Gentes, n. 11.
9 A.A., n. 2; L.G., n. 32 Presbyterorum Ordinis (hereafter: P.O.), n. 2.
10 L.G., n. 24; P.O., n. 12.
11 L.G., n. 28.
12 L.G., n. 31.
13 L.G., nn. 11, 17 and 35; Decree Christus Dominus (hereafter: C.D.), n. 11; A.A., n. 2; P.O., n. 2.
14 Perfectae Caritatis, nn. 1 and 5; L.G., n. 44.
15 L.G., n. 31.
16 L.G., nn. 31, 33; cf. Pastoral Const. Gaudium et Spes, n. 43; A.A., n. 15.
17 L.G., n. 30.
18 C.D., n. 16.
19 L.G. , n. 10.
20 Allocution of Pope Paul Vl, 17 May, 1972; allocution of 28 Jan., 1971 to Prelate Auditors, Officials and Advocates of the Tribunal of the Sacred Roman Rota: AAS, 63 (1971),135 ff.; allocution of 25 Aug., 1971: Scritti e Dlscorsi, 30, Siena, 1971; allocution of 1 Sept., 1971: ibid., pp. 111-116; allocution of 6 Oct., 1971: ibid., pp. 186-190; allocution of 23 Dec., 1971 to the Cardinals, to the Prelates of the Roman Curia and of the Papal Household: AAS, 64 (1972),32.
21 L.G., n. 21 and explanatory note, n. 2.
22 L.G., n. 27.
23 L.G., n. 37
24 Ibid .
25 "Those Who Cooperate With the Diocesan Bishop in His Pastoral Task" in the title for numbers 25-35 of Christus Dominus.
26 C.D., n. 27.
27 Cf. AAS, 58 (1966),757-787; reported in C.L.D., 6, pp. 264-298.
28 "De Sacerdotio Ministeriali," Part. 2, 11, n. 3, made public law by decree of the Holy Father, 30 Nov., 1971; reported in C.L.D., 7, pp. 341-365 with the cited section occurring on page 364.
29 Cf. apostolic constitution, Regimini Ecclesiae Universae, 15 Aug., 1967, n. 68. par. 1; reported in C.L.D., 6, p. 340.
30 Cf. motu proprio. Ecclesiae Sanctae (hereafter: Eccl. Sanc.), I, n. 17 par. 1: C.L.D., 6, p. 275.
31 EccI. Sanc., 1, n. 16, par. 2; C.L.D., 6, p. 274.
32 Ibid., I, n. 16, par. 2; C.L.D., 6, p. 274.
33 Cf. "Servatis servandis." CIC, can. 105. 1°.
34 C.D., n. 27; cf. Eccl. Sanc., 1, n. 16, par. 1: C.L.D., 6, p. 274.
35 Cf. L.G., n. 25; C.D., nn. 12-14.
36 C.D., n. 27; cf. Eccl. Sanc., 1, n. 15 -- C.L.D., 6, p. 274, S. C. Cler. Circular letter of 11 April, 1970 -- reported in C.L.D., 7, pp. 383-390.
37 L.G., n. 37.
38 Eccl. Sanc., 1, n. 16, par. 2: C.L.D.. 6, p. 274.
39 Cf. Proposition 10.
|
Questions? Mark Fischer would love to hear from you. Send him email! MarkFischer@adelphia.net |
To return to the Parish Pastoral Councils Home Page and learn about other aspects of councils, click on the underlined text. |