Constitution of
St. Paul’s Parish Council

Preamble


Through Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist, the faithful have been fully incorporated into Christ and have become members of His Church. The faithful are to carry on the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ and proclaim the Reign of God. This is done by proclaiming His Gospel, celebrating His sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, and carrying out His work of love and service. Among the baptized there is true equality; all share in the mission of the Church according to their own role and responsibility. The St. Paul’s Parish Council (Council) is established to serve this mission, especially by serving as a means by which pastoral activities can be coordinated, supported, and guided within the following areas of ministry: Spiritual Life (including Liturgy), Social Action, Parish Life, and Communication.


Article I – Name

This organization shall be known as the St. Paul’s Parish Council (“Council”)


Article II – Purpose & Function

Section 1. The purpose of the Council will be to:

a. serve as a consultative body for the Pastor;
b. provide a representative body for the people of the parish;
c. share responsibility with the Pastor in accomplishing the goals of the parish.

Section 2. The Parish Council strives prayerfully to discern the needs of the parish community through meaningful dialogue with the Pastor and parishioners. To this end, the Council will:

a. set priorities and goals and recommend appropriate action;
b. contact and receive reports from the various organizations of the parish;
c. encourage interaction of the parishioners that will further the good of the parish.


Article III – Authority


Section 1. The Parish Council is an advisory body to the Pastor who has the ultimate canonical authority in the parish.

Section 2. The Council’s authority shall reside in the quality of its work and its advice. The Council shall serve as a representative body of the views of the parish. The Council may conscientiously question and/or criticize any parish personnel, organization or activity. The Council should also consult with the appropriate non-parish resources in exercising this responsibility. Should the Pastor elect not to follow the advice of the Council, the reasons for this decision shall be reported as outlined in the By-laws.


Article IV – Membership


Section 1. Every person who is a Catholic, an adult, and active member of St. Paul’s parish is eligible to serve as a member of the Parish Council.

Section 2. The Pastor, associate pastor (s), President of the Finance Committee, the President of the School Commission, the Principal of the school, and parish trustees are ex-officio voting members of the Council.

Section 3. In the addition to the individuals listed in Section 2 of this Article, there shall also be an additional nine (9) voting members, selected as outlined in the By-laws.

Article V – Officers


Section 1. The officers of the Parish Council shall be a President, a Vice-President and a Secretary. These are selected as outlined in the By-laws.

Section 2. The officers, along with the Pastor and the trustees shall be the Executive Committee of the Council.

Article VI – Council Meetings

Section 1. Regular meetings of the parish Council shall be held according to the provisions set forth in the By-laws.

Section 2. Regular Council meetings shall be open to all members of the parish.


Article VII – Amendments


Section 1. Amendments to this Constitution may be submitted in writing to the Parish Council at any regular meeting. Amendments shall be discussed at the next regular meeting after being received by the Council. At the next following regular meeting of the Council, the amendment shall be voted upon; it shall require a three-fourths majority vote of the Council for adoption.

Section 2. Only voting members of the Council may submit amendments for consideration.

Article VIII – Contravention

Section 1. The Constitution and By-laws and all actions pursuant thereto shall always be subject to and shall in no way contravene:

a. the Affidavit of Incorporation;
b. the By-laws of the parish;
c. the statutes of the State of Illinois;
d. the usages, customs, regulations, statutes and canons of the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Peoria and the Bishop of Peoria.

Section 2. This article may not be amended, changed or altered without the prior written approval of the Bishop of Peoria or the Administrator of the Diocese.

Approved 8/1/2006