Diocesan Pastoral Council members have the opportunity to study issues facing our Church with others in the Diocese. They are able to make recommendations to the Bishop and enter into dialogue with him.

Applicants for the Council need to be practicing Catholics who have the ability to listen, who can follow through on commitments and are willing to attend Council meetings. Persons elected to the Council serve a three year term. Membership includes lay men and women as well as representatives from clergy, religious and youth.

Meetings are held at St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center three times per year (the second Saturday of October, of February and of June).

There are four Council commissions organized geographically: East DuPage, West DuPage, Southeast Counties and West Counties. Commission responsibilities include reflecting on the major challenges, opportunities or obstacles that confront the diocesan Church; determining possible action; proposing recommendations, and preparing reports of commission activities. Commission members also plan the Liturgy celebrated prior to each meeting.

Commissions meet at least once between the general meetings of the Council at a time and place they determine.
 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP 

   Practicing Catholic of the Joliet Diocese
   Active participant in parish life
   Awareness of Church
   Open to the Spirit 
   Willing to attend meetings
   Open to listen to others 
   Ability to follow through on commitments


COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES

   Listen to the wisdom of all members and to the concerns of people in parishes. 
   Reflect on issues in an attempt to create a common vision.
   Establish broad directions for the Diocese. 
   Advise the Bishop on pastoral needs.
   Participate in general meetings as well as commission meetings.
   Meet with parish leadership at the Cluster level.
   Relate with the Presbyteral Council and with diocesan offices and agencies.


TERMS

   Members serve a three-year term, which may be renewed.