Guidelines for Pastoral Councils

Principios del Consejo Pastoral

Copies of the booklet are available from the Office of Pastoral Planning. E-mail Jason Shanks at jshanks@toledodiocese.org, or write 1933 Spielbusch, Toledo, OH 43604. Telephone: 419-244-6711, ext. 501.

Blessing of Pastoral Council Members

A prayer for "Blessing of a Pastoral Council" can be found in the Book of Blessings, Chapter 64, p. 721.

After the homily, during which the homilist may appropriately refer to or explain the following blessing in light of the readings of the day, the Pastor/Pastoral Leader invites the Pastoral Council members present to come forward.

After addressing them and reminding them of their ministry of service to the community, the general intercessions are read (example on p. 722). One or more invocations may be for the parish and/or Pastoral Council.

The Pastor, if he is not the Presider, and/or the Pastoral Leader with the Presider, extend(s) hands in blessing over the Council members. If it is customary in the parish, the congregation may be invited to do the same. The Presider then prays a blessing prayer (such as that on p. 723) at the end of which all respond "Amen."

If some kind of object (Bible, pin, etc.) is given to the Council members at this time it should be done in such a way so as not to take the focus from the liturgical rite being celebrated.

A Model Ceremony for the Commissioning of a New Parish Council

Pastoral Council Member Selection

Prayer Service for Pastoral Council Opening Meeting of the Year

Orientation for Pastoral Council Members

Pastoral Council Facilitator Letter/ Leader Information Form / Survey

Pastoral Council Guidelines Reflection Paper and Discussion Guide