To learn more about the current situation of PPCs, how the U.S. bishops support them, and about what diocesan guidelines for councils have to say about them, click on the topics to the right. Councils are a success because Catholics have grasped the nature of consultation. With a clear mission, councils can be well led and councilors use their time well.
Most dioceses publish guidelines for councils.
If you plan to start a new or renew an old council, you'll need a foundation document, a guideline, a solid rationale, and sample mission statements. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has revised its pastoral council guidelines. Every parish has to define its own mission, but these samples can help. Pastoral Advisory Circles in Navajoland are unique. A Mexican-American parish found that planning means many things.