The overall purpose of the Parish Pastoral Council is to help achieve the Parish Mission to help build God's kingdom. It is primarily pastoral - to assist the Pastor in continuing to meet the needs of the Parishioners. It is not a committee representing different organizations.

It is a "Parish" council in that it deals with the broad issues affecting the overall parish, whether in parish life, religious formation, liturgy, building and grounds, education and social justice.

It is "Pastoral" in that it seeks to help the parish provide "for the common good" of all its members, both in spiritual and temporal matters.

It is a "Council" in that it is made up of a cross-section of parish members to represent a wide range of opinions, interests, experiences and perspectives, to:

• provide counsel and advice for the Pastor,
• collaborate in ministry with the professional Pastoral Staff; and
• allow parishioners' shared ownership of the parish's direction.

The Council uses a decision-making process based on consensus and discernment.

This body is the central resource for parish planning, direction and problem resolution.

It also provides a central parish communication link.