Spirituality

The spirituality and psychology of pastoral councils reflect the identity of councillors and affect their work. If you want a good council, attract the right members!

Discernment

After councillors have investigated a matter, they must consider it thoroughly.

The good councillor is the one who can achieve the purpose of the council as defined by the Church — that is, someone able to study a matter deeply, reflect on it thoroughly, and work with others to reach a common conclusion.

The special task of councillors requires patience, tenacity, studiousness, and the capacity for sustained thought.

For more information about council spirituality, click on a link below:

  • Councillor freedom. Pastors need to give councillors the freedom to do their work thoroughly.
  • Building spirit. The spirituality of councillors is driven by their mission: to study, reflect, and advise.
  • Membership. Councils are supposed to be representative, but not in civic or political sense of the word.

Mark Fischer’s Prayerbook for Parish Councillors is available online.  To see comments about this site, please go the Discussion page.