Adopted June 15, 2011

The Code of Canon Law:

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 help in fostering pastoral activity (Canon 536, par.1).
2. This pastoral council possesses a consultative vote only and is governed by the norms determined by the diocesan bishop (Canon 536, par.2).

Mission Statement:

The Sacred Heart Pastoral Council shall discern God’s will for the parish community by assessing needs, clarifying priorities, and recommending solutions in light of  Church teachings.

Structure:

The Council shall consist of a minimum of eight (8) members. All terms shall be for two (2) years. Terms shall begin with the Council’s October meeting.  The October meeting shall serve as the “Annual Meeting.”  Terms shall be staggered with four (4) members in group A and four (4) members in group B.   Group A terms will be due in even numbered years and Group B in odd numbered years.

Selection and Vacancies:

The Parish will seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the selection process.  Individuals to be considered for membership must be in full Communion with the Holy Catholic Church, eighteen (18) years of age and a registered parishioner.  Open nominations for Council membership will be sought from parishioners; this process will begin on the 3rd Saturday/Sunday of January.   Selection for Council membership will be held on the 3rd Saturday/Sunday in May.  The Pastor may at any time appoint members to fill vacancies.

Officers:

The Chair person will be elected by the Council.  A secretary will be elected by the Council.

Committees:

The Faith Formation, Liturgy, and Social Justice Committees are standing committees.

Provision to Amend:

The by-lays may be changed with prayerful consideration and with a consensus of the council.

The Pastoral Council Resources page is intended to be a repository for a variety of information of primary interest to active members of the Sacred Heart Pastoral Council.  However, the information here is taken from a variety of other sources and is available for use by other interested parties and parishioners.

“Called to Lead: A Parish Pastoral Planning Overview” ( RCDA Pastoral Council Guidelines ) – An updated version of the diocesan guidelines for parish pastoral councils.  These guidelines are meant to offer a road map for establishing or updating parish pastoral councils' operational policies.  This document and additional pastoral planning resources are available on the Pastoral Planning page of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany website at: http://www.rcda.org/offices/pastoral_planning/index.html