Preamble

In the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, the Second Vatican Council declared that all the faithful (clergy and laity) share in the responsibility to carry out the apostolic mission of the Church, especially in the work of evangelization and sanctificat8ion.  To this purpose, a Parish Pastoral Council has been established in St. Joseph Parish, Hamilton and the following constitution establishes its nature and functions.

Article I    Name

This consultative body comprised of pastoral staff and representative lay members of St. Joseph Parish shall be known as St. Joseph Parish Pastoral Council, hereinafter called the pastoral council.

Article II   Nature of the Council

The pastoral council is presided over by the parish priest, 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 activity (canon 536 n.1).  The pastoral council is a consultative body and is governed by the norms determined by the diocesan bishop.

Article III  Purpose and Function of the Council

The purpose and function of the Parish Pastoral Council will be:

1.    to assist the pastoral team to identify, study, and respond to the pastoral needs in the parish and local community in an effective manner;

2.    To provide a forum for communication between the pastoral staff and members of the parish so that all the faithful in St. Joseph Parish may bear united witness to Christ;

3.    To recommend the implementation of programs and activities which will be of spiritual, educational, and social benefit to the members of the parish community;

4.    To review regular pastoral activities and evaluate their effectiveness in building the Christian community within St. Joseph Parish.

Article IV  Structure

The Parish Pastoral Council will consist of no more than ten members, plus the pastoral staff.  No more than one member of a family may serve on the pastoral council as the same time.

Ex Officio Members

Pastor

Associate Pastor

Member of the Finance Council

Member of the Education Committee

Member of the Liturgy Committee

Member of the Communications Committee

Member of the Social Justice Committee

Member of the Social Events Committee

Youth Representative/ School Liaison

Appointed members

Up to three members may be appointed at the discretion of the pastor in order to assure adequate representation of the membership of the parish.

Executive

The executive shall consist of the pastor, chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary.  The members of the pastoral council will determine from its membership, by nomination and vote, those who will serve in these capacities.

Article V  Membership

1.   Ex officio members of the pastoral council serve for the duration of their office as determined by their appointment or nomination.  With the exception of members of the pastoral staff, members of the pastoral council may not serve more than four years consecutively.

2.    Appointed members of the pastoral council will serve for a two-year term and are eligible for a second two year term.

Termination of Membership

1.   Any member of the pastoral council may resign by filing a written resignation with the chairperson of the pastoral council.

2.  Should a member fail to attend three consecutive regular meetings without a just cause, the executive may appoint a replacement for the unexpired term thereof in accordance with the procedures for filling vacancies outlined below.

Vacancies

1.  Vacancies among representative members, when they occur are filled by another person determined by the members of their particular committee or council.  Such persons complete the member’s term and may serve for a subsequent two-year term.

2. Vacancies among appointed members, when they occur, may be filled by the appointment of a new member for a two-year term with eligibility for appointment to one additional two-year term.

Article VI  Meetings

1.    The pastoral year will run from September 1st to August 31st.

2.    Regular meetings of the pastoral council shall take place four times each year during September, November, February and May on dates agreeable to the members. 

3.    Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the executive.

4.    The presence of the pastor, chairperson or vice-chairperson and a simple majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

5.    The executive shall prepare the agenda for each regular meeting.  The secretary shall circulate the same to the members at least one week prior to the meeting.

6.    Parliamentary rules of procedure shall be followed at all meetings of the pastoral council.

7.    Notice of upcoming meetings will be published in the parish bulletin at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

8.    Interested parishioners may attend the regular meetings of the pastoral council as observers.  They may present concerns to the council provided written notice has been given to the chairperson at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

Article VII     Reports

 1.    The secretary of the pastoral council will be responsible for the preparation and circulation of the minutes to the members following each meeting.

 2.    The executive will prepare s summary report to the parish community to be published in the parish bulletin within two weeks following each regular meeting.

 3.    Once a year, at the discretion of the executive, a parish meeting may be held to discuss the activities of the pastoral council with members of the parish.

Article VIII   Amendments

1.    This constitution can be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the pastoral council, provided the parish community has been advised of the proposed change, and the said proposed amendment has been published in the parish bulletin at least two weeks prior to the pastoral council meeting.

2.    Amendments which would substantially alter the constitution must receive the approval of the diocesan bishop.

Dated:  July 15, 2023