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INTRODUCTION
The Archdiocese of Perth has a history of collaborative governance and leadership, which now includes the establishment of an Archdiocesan Pastoral Council. The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council is understood as an expression of synodality in the life and mission of the local Church of Perth. The Code of Canon Law explains that “a pastoral council is to be constituted which under the authority of the bishop investigates, considers, and proposes practical conclusions, about those things which pertain to pastoral works in the diocese” (can. 511).
The Archdiocese of Perth Archdiocesan Pastoral Council is a body that builds co-responsibility and discernment in leadership and decision-making. It strengthens the capacity of the Archdiocese to operate in a strategic and collaborative way, by drawing on the advice of a cross-section of people from the Archdiocese for pursuing the Church’s mission. Composed of priests, deacons, members of institutes of consecrated life, and above all, the laity, members of thSe Council will be chosen and called because of their specific strengths and experience. Each member of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council is a representative of the Archdiocese and not of the parish, region, organisation or movement from which they come. Their advice and discernment will be for the benefit of everyone in the Archdiocese.
1. NATURE AND COMPETENCE OF THE DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL
1.1 The Diocesan Pastoral Council is
1.1.1
An expression of commitment to the journey of synodality, listening to the voice of God revealed through scripture, prayer and conversations with the community, including interfaith and ecumenical dialogue;
A community of dialogue, reflection and discernment which seeks and listens to the voices of all in the local Church to ensure the participation of all, including those with special needs or at the margins, in the life of the Church;
an advisory body which discerns and identifies emerging pastoral and spiritual priorities in the archdiocese and investigates, considers and proposes practical priorities and strategies about the spiritual and pastoral life and activity in the archdiocese to the Archbishop;
a consultative body in partnership with other diocesan bodies to support the Archbishop, diocesan leadership and other bodies in their local church leadership roles; Committed to the spirit and intent of synodality, prayer, listening, discernment and to ensuring that ongoing formation underpins its operation.
1.2 Role of the Diocesan Pastoral Council
To work with the Archbishop and Archdiocesan leaders to strategically plan the implementation of the outcomes arising from the Fifth Australian Plenary Council, the Synod of Bishops on Synodality and diocesan assemblies.
To consult with all other relevant agencies, bodies, experts and individuals as appropriate. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
To discern and develop, through wide consultation, the vision and mission of the Archdiocese.
To endeavour to identify the challenges and needs of the Archdiocese in its life and mission.
To raise matters which the Council considers to be of spiritual and pastoral concern, and after discernment, to make appropriate recommendations to the Archbishop.
To receive information or briefings on matters deemed to be of significant spiritual and pastoral importance to the people of the Archdiocese.
To review proposals that seek to make changes to the existing structure of parishes within the Archdiocese and provide advice to the Archbishop on their suitability.
To develop and implement strategies and mechanisms for consultation and communication with key councils, commissions, advisory bodies, relevant agencies, (e.g. Council of Priests, Diocesan Finance Council, Parish Pastoral Councils, etc.) as well as schools, parishes and other forms of Catholic communities throughout the Archdiocese.
To propose/recommend the calling of Diocesan assemblies and provide opportunities for consultation across the Archdiocese.
To enhance engagement with key councils, advisory bodies and relevant agencies across the Archdiocese in providing opportunities for synodal decision making opportunities for formulation and consideration and decision taking by the Archbishop.
2. MEMBERSHIP
The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council shall consist of members of the Christian faithful, clerics, members of institutes of consecrated life, and especially members of the lay faithful, who are in full communion with the Catholic Church (cf. can. C12 §1).
2.1 Types of Members
Archbishop
Auxiliary Bishop
Vicar General
Chief Mission Enhancement and Outreach
2.1.2 Ordinary Members
Ordinary membership of the Council shall comprise:
- Two priests exercising ministry in the Archdiocese chosen by the Archbishop;
- Up to ten other persons appointed by the Archbishop, having regard to personal skills, experience and appropriate diversity. (cf. Can. 512 §2). Members shall be appointed by the Archbishop after inviting Expressions of Interest.
2.1.3 Other Members
The Archbishop may appoint up to two other members for their expertise.
2.1.4 Spiritual Accompaniment
The Archbishop may appoint a person whom he considers to have suitable qualities to provide spiritual accompaniment to the Council. This person shall assume the same status as other Council members.
2.1.5 Executive Officer and Minute Secretary
The Executive Officer of the Council shall be appointed by the Archbishop. A minute secretary shall also attend each meeting.
2.1.1 Ex-officio Members
2.2 Personal attributes necessary for members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council
2.2.1 Members need to have the following personal attributes:
• A baptised person of faith in full communion with the Catholic Church and actively involved in the Catholic community (cf. Can. 512 §1)
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Be outstanding in firm faith, good morals and prudence (cf. Can. 512 §3)
• An openness and willingness to engage synodally.
• A preparedness and ability to be present at each meeting of Council.
• A preparedness to continue or to take up consultative processes with the wider community.
2.2.2 Practical Requirements
• Members must also hold a current Working with Children Check or provide evidence that they are a member of a group exempt from holding a Working with Children Check.
• Have attained the age of 18 years.
• Members must have the time to attend meetings and engage in associated tasks and activities.
2.3 Ordinary Member Selection Process
• The Archbishop will advertise for prospective members to submit an expression of interest. Applicants will be asked to address the personal attributes necessary for members and provide a personal reference from their parish priest.
• Once applications have been received by the Archbishop, a Panel will be appointed to review all applications and conduct interviews and referee checks as necessary. Recommendations by the Panel will be made to the Archbishop.
• Applicants will be advised whether or not their submission was successful.
• Successful applicants will be appointed to the Council by the Archbishop.
2.4 Term of Appointment
Council members will be appointed for three (3) years, except for ex-officio members. (cf. Can. 513 §1).
No member should serve more than two consecutive terms, except for ex-officio members.
2.5 Vacation of Membership
Ordinary members may cease in the following ways:
2.5.1 Resignation
Members of the Council may resign at any time. Resignations are to be in writing and addressed to the Archbishop, giving one month’s notice.
2.5.2 No longer meeting membership criteria
Members who no longer meet the membership criteria will be asked to resign by the Archbishop.
2.5.3 Removal by the Archbishop
The Archbishop may, after consultation, remove a member from the Council who he discerns fails to meet the criteria for membership.
2.5.4 Casual Vacancy
In the event of a casual vacancy a new member shall be appointed for the remainder of the original term of office.
3. EXECUTIVE
The Archbishop shall preside at meetings of the Diocesan Pastoral Council.
The Archbishop shall appoint a Chair for the Council from among the members. He may decide to be the Chair.
The Executive Committee of the Council shall comprise
• Archbishop
• Chair
• Chief Mission Enhancement and Outreach, Diocesan Agencies
• Executive Officer
The Executive shall determine the meeting protocols and work plan for the Council. Interim Meeting Protocols are attached as an appendix.
4. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
A conflict of interest is a situation in which an individual has competing interests or loyalties such as:
• Personal interests that conflict with his or her professional position.
• A person who has a position of authority in one organisation that conflicts with his or her interests in another organisation.
• A person who has conflicting responsibilities.
This incorporates any and all forms comprising a conflict of interest.
If a member becomes aware of a possible conflict of interest, the person must notify the Chair of the conflict The Chair will consult with the Bishop and may also consult other members of the Council before making a decision relating to the declared conflict of interest.
5. CEASING OPERATIONS WHEN THE SEE IS VACANT
When the See is vacant, the Council ceases to function (Cf. can. 513 §2).
Within a year of taking possession, the new archbishop should establish a new pastoral advisory body in accordance with Canon 511 and these Statutes.
6. AMENDMENTS
These statutes may only be amended:
• By the Archbishop, after consultation with the Executive.
• By a vote of two-thirds of all Council members, subject to dot point 3 below.
• No new statutes or amendment of the statues shall be effective without approval by the Archbishop.
Nothing in the statutes may contradict the universal law of the Catholic Church, or the particular law of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth.
APPENDIX
Interim Protocols for Meetings of the Archdiocese of Perth Diocesan Pastoral Council
1. Meetings
a. Council meetings shall be convened by the Archbishop and must be held at least three times a year. (cf. can. 514 §2).
b. Meeting dates will be published in advance .
c. The first meeting of each year will include extended time allocated for the formation of Council members.
d. Wherever possible meetings will be held in person.
e. For those required to be away from home for the duration of the meeting, reasonable costs of accommodation and meals will be met by the diocese.
f. Meetings may be held online.
g. Meetings will always open and close with prayer. Council members may be invited to plan and lead prayer and may call upon the assistance as needed.
2. Code of conduct
a. Council members will strive always to act with dignity, deep respect and care for others.
b. Each member will be required to sign the Archdiocese of Perth Code of Conduct.
3. Attendance
a. Members will be expected to attend all meetings.
b. If a member is unable to attend all or part of a meeting, they are to contact the Executive Officer.
c. Members who are unable to meet these requirements and who miss two consecutive meetings without an apology may be asked by the Executive to reconsider their membership in order that full representation may be maintained
d. A quorum of the Council shall be two-thirds of its members.
4. Preparation and communication
a. The Executive shall meet no later than two weeks before an ordinary meeting and otherwise as required.
b. Except in cases of extreme urgency, members are to be given written notice of special meetings not less than three weeks prior to the date of the meeting . Notice of ordinary meetings will be given at the previous ordinary meeting.
c. A draft agenda will be prepared by the Executive and approved by the Archbishop before each meeting of the Council. Copies of the agenda and Council papers shall be emailed to members to reach them not less than one week before the relevant meeting. Members will be invited to submit items for the agenda.
5. Decision-making and Decision-taking
a. While in all matters it is hoped that members will come to resolutions by consensus, there may be times when further discernment is required prior to advice and recommendations being made to the Archbishop for final decision-taking (cf. can. 514 §1).
b. If the Archbishop is unable to agree to a decision proposed by the majority of the Council, he is obliged, always respecting people’s rights to privacy and confidentiality, to explain to members of the Council, his reasons for not accepting the proposed recommendation.
c. Matters requiring the commitment of expenditure or other resources, shall have a business case or detailed budget provided for the consideration of the Council prior to a recommendation to the Archbishop.
6. Tasks, working groups and committee
a. The Council may request individual members or groups of members to undertake tasks between meetings. This includes, but is not limited to, reporting to and consultation with the wider community.
b. The Council may appoint special working groups and committees to investigate and report on particular matters referred to them.
c. All working groups and committees of the Council shall have the power to co-opt assistance either on their own initiative, or by direction from the Council.
7. Minutes and reporting
The Minute Secretary: Minutes shall be kept for each meeting of the Council.
The Executive Officer shall undertake the following duties for the Council:
a. Copies of draft minutes shall be distributed to members as soon as practicable after each meeting .
b. A report of each meeting will be shared with key councils, advisory bodies and entities in the Archdiocese of Perth within two weeks of the Council meeting.
c. A public report will be published following each Council meeting.
d. A report on the activities of the Council will be published annually.
8. Relationship to other Councils, Catholic entities, working groups and staff
a. The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth also has other councils and working groups, as well as staff who provide advice to the Archbishop and diocesan leadership.
b. Members of the Council may be invited by the Archbishop to attend meetings of other or to nominate others who would be suitable for this.
c. The Council develops and promotes the vision and mission for the Diocese by which all other councils, advisory bodies and Catholic entities are guided to fulfil their contribution to the Archdiocese of Perth in its life, faith and mission .
d. Other Councils, working groups, individuals with expert knowledge and diocesan staff may be approached by the Council for advice, project work or dialogue.
e. Other Councils, working groups and diocesan staff may, by their own initiative, make recommendations to the Council, request advice, or dialogue with the Council on issues and matters which pertain to their mandate. Such proposals will be considered in the first instance by the Council’s Executive.
THE CODE OF CANON LAW (1983)
THE PASTORAL COUNCIL
Can. 511 In every diocese and to the extent that pastoral circumstances suggest it, a pastoral council is to be constituted which under the authority of the bishop investigates, considers, and proposes practical conclusions about those things which pertain to pastoral works in the diocese.
Can. 512 §1. A pastoral council consists of members of the Christian faithful who are in full communion with the Catholic Church—clerics, members of institutes of consecrated life, and especially laity—who are designated in a manner determined by the diocesan bishop.
§2. The Christian faithful who are designated to a pastoral council are to be selected in such a way that they truly reflect the entire portion of the people of God which constitutes the diocese, with consideration given to the different areas of the diocese, social conditions and professions, and the role which they have in the apostolate whether individually or joined with others.
§3. No one except members of the Christian faithful outstanding in firm faith, good morals, and prudence is to be designated to a pastoral council.
Can. 513 §1. A pastoral council is constituted for a period of time according to the prescripts of the statutes which are issued by the bishop.
§2. When the see is vacant, a pastoral council ceases.
Can. 514 §1. A pastoral council possesses only a consultative vote. It belongs to the diocesan bishop alone to convoke it according to the needs of the apostolate and to preside over it; it also belongs to him alone to make public what has been done in the council.
§2. The pastoral council is to be convoked at least once a year
DEFINITIONS
Code of Canon Law The Code of Canon Law is the official collection of laws that govern the Catholic Church. It provides norms on how the Church is structured, the rights and duties of the faithful, the sacraments, and the governance of dioceses and parishes. For Latinrite Catholics, the 1983 Code of Canon Law (revised by St John Paul II) is the authoritative reference.
Conversations in the Spirit is a structured process of prayerful listening and dialogue used in synodal gatherings. Participants reflect silently, listen deeply to one another, and then share insights guided by the Holy Spirit. The method fosters discernment, communal reflection, and respectful dialogue, helping the Church to hear the voice of the Spirit through its members.
Diocesan Assembly is a gathering of clergy, religious, and lay representatives from across a diocese to pray, listen, and discern together the pastoral priorities of the local Church. It is often convened to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the community and to inform the bishop’s pastoral planning.
Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) is a consultative body established in a diocese under the authority of the bishop. It gathers clergy, religious, and lay people to investigate, consider, and propose recommendations on pastoral matters. Its purpose is to support the bishop in discerning and planning for the life and mission of the local Church.
Diocesan Pastoral Council Statutes are the formal rules that define its purpose, membership, structure, and functioning. They specify how members are chosen, the length of service, meeting protocols, and the scope of the council’s role in advising the bishop.
Discernment in the Catholic tradition is the prayerful process of seeking God’s will in a particular situation. It involves attentive listening to scripture, prayer, spiritual guidance, and the voices of the community, with the aim of making decisions aligned with the Gospel and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Ecumenical refers to initiatives and efforts aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations.
Plenary Council is the highest formal gathering of the Catholic Church in a country or region, with authority to make binding decisions on pastoral and disciplinary matters. In Australia, the Fifth Plenary Council (2018–2022) engaged the whole Church in prayer, listening, and discernment, resulting in decrees that now guide the mission of the Church in the nation.
Synodal describes the actions, attitudes, or processes that embody a spirit of listening, dialogue, and co-responsibility in the life of the Church. For example, a synodal process is one where decisions are approached prayerfully and inclusively.
Synod of Bishops on Synodality is a global gathering of bishops (with participation from other members of the faithful) called by Pope Francis to reflect on the theme of synodality itself. Its aim is to help the Church embrace synodality as its way of life and mission, ensuring participation, communion, and co-responsibility at all levels.
Synodality refers to the way of being Church that emphasises journeying together in communion, participation, and mission. It is rooted in listening, dialogue, and shared responsibility among all the faithful, guided by the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis has highlighted synodality as a defining path for the Church in the third millennium.
