It is the role of the Pastor to be the chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council. The Pastor presides by:

1. Assuring that the scope of the Council's concerns reflects the entire mission of the parish and of the Universal Church;
2. Assisting and creating among the members of the Council an atmosphere of trust and unity as a witness in strengthening and nurturing the parish faith community;
3. Approving the Council agenda after consulting with the Coordinating Committee;
4. Sharing information, listening actively, contributing to the discussion and promoting consensus.

Rationale, Principles and Guidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils

• Introduction  By, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia
• Rationale for Parish Pastoral Councils, Based in Documents of The Second Vatican Council Based on the 1983 Code of Canon Law
• Principles Guiding Parish Pastoral Councils
• Purpose of Parish Pastoral Councils
• Function of Parish Pastoral Councils
• Role of the Pastor in Parish Pastoral Councils
• Parish Pastoral Council Size, Membership & Terms of Office
• Parish Pastoral Council Meetings and Relationships with Other Committees