Inter-Parochial Pastoral Councils
An Emerging Model for Parish Consultative Bodies
by Robert Miller, Ph.D.June 20, 2007
Inter-Parochial Councils is n exploratory, qualitative study intended to investigate the development of multi-parish pastoral councils among Catholic parishes. These councils are made up of representatives from two or more separate parishes all sharing the same pastor.
Download this ArticleThe use of parish pastoral councils as consultaive bodies of the laity is finding a new energy in the presence of multiple or clustered parishes. While in some clusters, each parish has its own council, some clusters are exploring alternatives. Three types have been identified in this initial study by Dr. Miller. These include: parallel councils, additional councils, and replacement councils.
Specifically, the findings presented here identify and describe the pastors' perspectives on these new structures - that is, their understanding of the driving forces and their motivations for pursuing this model of council, the benefits they perceive and the challenges they experienced.
The experience of the lay council members who serve on inter parish councils compared and contrasted with that of the pastors is also considered.
In addition, the pastors' and council members' ideas about best practices in forming these multi-parish councils and their perception of the support needed for the development of multi-parish councils is identified.
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