Code of Canon Law: text (original) (raw)
CHAPTER V : THE PASTORAL COUNCIL
Can.511 In each diocese, in so far as pastoral circumstances suggest, a pastoral council is to be established. Its function, under the authority of the Bishop, is to study and weigh those matters which concern the pastoral works in thediocese, and to propose practical conclusions concerning them.
Can.512 §1 A pastoral council is composed of members of Christ's faithful who are infull communion with the catholic Church: clerics, members of institutes ofconsecrated life, and especially lay people. They are designated in the manner determined by the diocesan Bishop.
§2 Themembers of Christ's faithful assigned to the pastoral council are to beselected in such a way that the council truly reflects the entire portion of the people of God which constitutes the diocese, taking account of thedifferent regions of the diocese, of social conditions and professions, and of the part played in the apostolate by the members, whether individually or inassociation with others.
§3 Only those members of Christ's faithful who are outstanding in firm faith, high moral standards and prudence are to be assigned to the pastoral council.
Can.513 §1 The pastoral council is appointed for a determinate period, inaccordance with the provisions of the statutes drawn up by the Bishop.
§2 When thesee is vacant, the pastoral council lapses.
Can.514 §1 The pastoral council has only a consultative vote. It is for thediocesan Bishop alone to convene it, according to the needs of the apostolate, and to preside over it. He alone has the right to make public the matters dealtwith in the council.