Report
USCCB Committee on the Laity Report on Diocesan and Parish Pastoral Councils (2004)
USCCB Committee on the Laity Report on Diocesan and Parish Pastoral Councils, March 12, 2004
A survey of diocesan and eparchial bishops was conducted in December 2003. 195 surveys were distributed and 112 were returned, for a response rate of 57%. 107 responses were from Latin rite dioceses and 5 from eparchies of Eastern rites.
More than half of the dioceses and eparchies have established diocesan pastoral councils (DPCs); several others are actively considering doing so. In locations where DPCs are not currently active, some respondents reported that prior attempts at such bodies had proven ineffective, were difficult to conduct given large or rural geographic areas non-conducive to travel, or had temporarily lapsed due to a change in episcopal leadership. In locations where DPCs have been established, the bishops are directly involved in the work of the councils and believe DPCs provide fairly effective consultation and representative feedback that is of benefit in their episcopal leadership role.
Close to two-thirds of bishops mandate the establishment of parish pastoral councils (PPCs) in their diocese or eparchy. Bishops who mandate PPCs estimate a much higher percentage of parishes have established them, as opposed to bishops who only encourage PPCs or take no particular action. Some dioceses and eparchies are able to make a dedicated staff person available to support PPCs in their work, but such support does not appear to have a direct relationship in determining whether parishes ultimately establish a PPC. Most bishops recommend that PPCs take leadership roles in pastoral planning, consultation with parishioners, and faith sharing rather than in implementation of parish events, suggesting the desire that PPCs be more of a visioning body and less of a social activities committee.
A sizable majority of dioceses and eparchies have established myriad other structures for providing the episcopal leadership with consultation. In addition to mandated Presbyteral and Finance Councils, numerous boards, commissions, committees, and teams currently assist bishops by offering their experiences and visions for the good of the Church.