Constitution of the St. Edward Parish Council
PREAMBLE – MISSION AND VISION
We as members of the Mystical Body of Christ, are encouraged, urged and requested to become more expressive of our concern with our faith, and as sharers in the hope through St. Edward Parish, do declare ourselves willing to become active in the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In making this declaration we submit to the authority directing our Church, the Holy Father, our Bishop, our Pastor and delegated Church assistants under the existing laws set forth to govern Parish Councils, and await and will act in accordance with future legislation by the Church. We further declare that in full knowledge, we wish to aid the Pastor and every member of our parish in responsible, advisory and beneficial work to further the mission of Christ among us all in a coordinated and unified manner.
We provide for the needed activities, counsel, continued parish growth, and designate these in the articles which follow. Our pledge is to Christ, and the Mystical Body of the Church for the good of all souls.
ARTICLE I – NAME
Section 1 - name
The name of this advisory body shall be: St. Edward Parish Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE & FUNCTION
Section 1 - purpose
The purpose of the Council shall be to advise the Pastor of St. Edward’s. It shall further seek to initiate programs of social, civic, educational, and moral benefit in this parish and its parishioners. It is recognized that the Pastor, in the care of souls entrusted to him, having final authority, intends the betterment of all in these areas of human activity.
Section 2 - function
The Council’s work shall encompass first the spiritual growth of all parish members; the physical properties of this parish in the area designated by Church authority as boundaries of the parish; the coordination of all parish activities; the representation of all parish members in the works they seek to undertake; the initiation of added activities to fulfill the aims and objectives of lay participation in accord with the role of the laity as expressed in the Second Vatican Council and its national and international groups established for direction of the laity.
Section 3 - function
The Council shall be conscious of and seek out all those ecumenical objectives which are urged by the general mandate of the Universal Church promulgated by the Second Vatican Council.
Section 4 - function
It will be the intent of the Council to cooperate, to increase, and to further all evangelization of the parish and the Universal Church.
Section 5 - function
In recognition of the need, the Council will make every effort to increase vocations to the clerical and religious life and other ministries of the Church.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – number
There will be nine (9) elected members on the Council. In the event that the parish representative to the Southeast Deanery of the Diocesan Pastoral Council is not a member of the Parish Council the number of members on the Council will be ten (10).
Section 2 – age
Each Council member must be twenty-five (25) years old and a registered, practicing Catholic parishioner of St. Edward Church.
Section 3 – vision and concern
Each Council member should have a vision and concern for the entire parish.
Section 4 – time commitment
Each council member will show a willingness to make a time commitment to the work of the Council.
Section 5 – skills
Each Council member will possess or is willing to learn skills needed for consensus decision making and communication.
Section 6 - by ballot
Election to the Council will be by ballot. Each year three (3) members will be elected by parishioners.
Section 7 – length of term
The term of service on the Council will be three years. The term begins in July and ends in June three years later. Each year three members will be replaced. Council members may be re-elected for another three year term.
Section 8 - resignations
All resignations from the Council should be submitted in writing at least one week in advance of the next meeting of the Council.
Section 9 – vacancy
A vacancy arising from death or resignation will be filled at will by the Pastor.
Section 10 – ex officio members
In addition to the nine elected members, ex officio members of the Council will be: the Bishop and the Pastor.
ARTICLE IV – NOMINATIONS & ELECTION
Section 1 - nominations
All parishioners will be given an opportunity to nominate parishioners. This effort will also include nominations for the Board of Total Catholic Education. Each year in April nominations will be solicited from parishioners at large. To facilitate this process the Pastor or his designee will prepare a nomination sheet including pertinent information concerning the Council. This nomination sheet will be distributed at Mass and in pew nominations will take place at that time.
Section 2 - election
After nominations have been conducted the Pastor or his designee will contact each possible candidate and ask if the nominee will agree to place his/her name on the ballot. The election of new members will take place in May at Mass.
Section 3 – results of election
The results of the election will be recorded in a memo which will be sent to all candidates on the ballot. The names of those elected will be published in the bulletin.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
Section 1 - officers
A Chairperson, Vice-chairperson and Secretary will be elected by secret ballot at the first meeting after the annual election.
Section 2 – term of officers
Each officer will serve for one year and may not be re-elected.
Section 3 - functions of officers
a. The Chairperson shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the Council.
b. The Vice-chairperson shall perform all the duties of the Chairperson when s/he is absent or unable to act.
c. The Secretary shall maintain a written record of all acts of the Council, conduct,receive and dispose of all correspondence as directed, preserve all reports and documents committed to his/her care.
Section 4 – vacated office
In the event that the Chairperson must vacate his/her term of office, the Vice-chairperson shall assume the office of Chairperson until the term expires. In the event that the Vice-president or Secretary must vacate his/her term, the said vacated office shall be filled by an election of the Council.
ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS
Section 1 - frequency
Meetings of the Council will be held monthly (except in June & July).
Section 2 – quorum
A simple majority of elected members at any meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Section 3 – attendance
The Council meetings are ordinarily open to parishioners. They may offer for discussion problems/issues which are within the resolution of the Council.
Section 4 - guests
The Council may invite a representative from any existing parish committee/ organization to attend meetings and they may speak for their committee/organization by a report or making a recommendation.
Section 5 – special meetings
It is permitted, where necessity demands, or the changing laws of the diocese make it necessary, a special meeting called by the Pastor. Also it is recommended that when there is a change in Pastor, through death or the Bishop’s delegation, a special meeting be called thereafter with the new appointee or the Bishop’s delegate.
Section 6 – All Councils meeting
On occasion the Council will meet in conjunction with the Finance Council and the Board of Total Catholic Education. This All Councils meeting will facilitate communication between the Councils & the Board and the sharing of information and planning for future events and goals. It should occur at least once a year. The Pastor will preside over the All Councils meeting.
ARTICLE VII – DECISION MAKING & CONSENSUS
Section 1 - consensus building
Participating in the Council’s decision making process through consensus, calls for a definite procedure for Council members.
a) A thorough investigation of all facets of the issue should be undertaken individually or by a committee.
b) With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, every effort should be made to achieve a deep understanding of the issue, using whatever talents and expertise are available within the Council.
c) Full participation by Council members – open forum discussions of the issue should then take place; each member should be invited to express reasons why he or she takes a given position.
d) The collective opinion, or consensus, should then be called for and provided.
e) When Council members work with the consensus model, they must provide concrete reasons why they agree or disagree with a proposed action.
Section 2 - role of the individual Council member
a) Analyze his/her own position as thoroughly as possible before the meeting,realizing that the task is incomplete until the missing pieces are supplies by other members of the Council. Each person has a part of the truth. To accomplish this well, one should have the agenda and proposal under study several days prior to the meeting.
b) Recognize an obligation to express his/her own opinion and explain it fully so that other members will have the benefit of all members’ thinking.
c) Recognize an obligation to listen to the opinions and feelings of other members and to be ready to modify his/her position on the basis of logic, understanding and sensitivity.
d) Avoid conflict-reducing techniques such as voting, compromising or giving in to keep the peace, realizing that differences of opinion are both acceptable and helpful. By exploring differences, the best course of action will gradually become apparent. Consensus begins only when members are listening and open to all possibilities.
Section 3 - results of consensus
Consensus incorporates the realization that:
a) The decision is being made in the most acceptable under the circumstances.
b) The decision represents areas of agreement rather than disagreement.
c) No one side of faction has been “defeated.”
d) The welfare of the entire parish has been considered; and
e) Each member of the group can consequently live with the final recommendation.
Section 4 - benefits of consensus
Resolving issues by consensus means that:
a) Emphasis has been placed on people and consideration has been given to their growth of faith.
b) Everyone has had an opportunity for input.
c) The resulting conclusions should be beneficial in some degree to all members.
d) Everyone affected should be comfortable with the conclusion.
Section 5 - obstacles to consensus
a) Rigidity in one’s opinions. Strong opinions and closed mindedness make consensus nearly impossible.
b) Aggressiveness. A hostile suspicious attitude toward contrary opinions and a determination to “win” the discussion eradicates the possibility of consensus.
c) Smothering, interrupting or over-talking others and expressing impatience with the dialogue can serve to cut short the process of consensus. Such behavior may indicate a lack of openness to change or masks a fear of conflict.
Section 6 - how consensus is different than compromise
a) Compromise is achieved by “mutual concessions” each person settles for something less than what is desired. Consensus is “general agreement” and since each person’s position is respected and fully heard, the emotional climate is far better.
b) There is also a relational difference between consensus and compromise. The process of consensus tends to create closer relationships in a group, building group solidarity. Persons usually favor consensus over compromise because individuals and their gifts are recognized, creativity is encouraged and there are no losers.
The Council’s use of consensus model is most authentic when used in the context of prayerful discernment and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES
Section 1 – formation of additional committees
At any time additional committees may be formed if necessity requires them, be they temporary or become a standing Committee. New committees should operate under a constitution and have a clear understanding of how it relates to the Council and other committees.
Section 2 – members act as liaison
At the first meeting after the annual election Council members may agree to serve on the following Committees for the following year. They will serve as a liaison between the Committee and the Council. They will facilitate communication and dialogue on important decisions and serve as counsel when necessary.
Section 3 – Standing Committees
The Standing Committees shall be the following, none having precedence over the other in authority:
a) Building & Property Maintenance. This committee shall see to the repair, upkeep and maintenance of all parish properties. It will be responsible for the self-inspection report which is sent to our insurance company.
b) Cemetery This committee shall plan, coordinate and assist in the development of cemetery property. It will advise the Pastor on issues that arise. It will assist in making the cemetery’s needs known to the public.
Section 4 – cooperation
Each of the Standing Committees will cooperate/collaborate with any of the other Committees. It will submit a regular oral report to the Council through the liaison Council member.
ARTICLE IX – OTHER ADVISORY BOARDS/COUNCILS OF THE PARISH
Section 1 – the Board of Total Catholic Education
The Board of Total Catholic Education recognizes the responsibility to encourage and assist the parishioners at St. Edward to continue their faith formation from the “cradle to the grave.” They assist the Pastor in carrying out the ministry of education. The Board has special concern for the school and ccd programs.
Section 2 – the Finance Council
The Finance Council plans for and monitors the financial health of St. Edward Parish. They recognize that sources of income translate into financing the ministry of the parish. They offer counsel and guidance to the Pastor on those issues which affect the financial well-being of the parish.
ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS
Section 1 - amendments
Amendments to the Council constitution may be made:
a) after a study by a special committee of Council members;
b) thereafter informing all absent Council members when the amendment is to be made;
c) by consensus of the Council members.
Section 2 -changes
Changes in the constitution of this Council will be considered adopted or voided in whole should the law of the diocese, synod, bishops’ conference, or Canon Law make contrary rulings to any of the proceedings or practices of this Council as set forth above.
This Constitution was amended on February 26, 2009.
NOTE: Three constitutions: the Finance Council, the Parish Council and the Board of Total Catholic Education were modified so that each possessed:
1) a similar arrangement of content;
2) a similar Article content so that each board/council operates in a similar fashion;
3) an understanding of the interdependence of these three advisory bodies.