What is the Parish Pastoral Council?
The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is the consultative leadership group through which priests and people work together to build a vibrant Christian community characterised by prayer, hospitality, mission and evangelisation.
A typical PPC has 10 -14 members and is broadly representative of age, gender, variety of gifts and talents of the parishioners. Although not involved in the day-today administration of the parish, the PPC plays a vital and collaborative role in discerning and planning for the pastoral and spiritual needs of the parish.
The PPC shares responsibility for building the parish into a vibrant faith community. Its focus is on the four pillars of parish life: Prayer and Liturgy, Building Community, Educating in Faith and Reaching out/Working for Justice.
What does the Parish Pastoral Council do?
• Listens to needs of the parish.
• Builds a welcoming, vibrant parish community.
• Enables others to use their gifts in the service of God and the mission of the parish.
• Proactively develops structures to effectively use gifts and resources.
• Prayerfully discerns and plans the future direction of the parish.
• Reviews the life, plans and activities of the PPC and the parish in the light of the mission of the parish.
• Connects with the local pastoral area, deanery and diocese.
What is the Parish Pastoral Council?
Parishioners who have an enthusiasm and openness about the future direction of the parish and the Church. By way of example, a PPC needs people of vision, people involved, people of prayer, people who listen, quiet reflective people, people who bring out the best in others, people who are new to faith/parish, people who are easy to work with and work towards consensus.
Structure & Operation of the Parish Pastoral Council?
• Along with parish clergy (currently 3), 7–11 parishioners serve on the PPC.
• The term of office is normally between 2-4 years.
• Directed by Diocesan guidelines and best practice.
• Nine monthly meetings and some further time depending on the projects undertaken.
Currently, our Pastoral Working Group is preparing to guide our parish in prayerful discernment towards the formation of our new PPC.
Come, Holy Spirit , fill the hearts of your faithful