Presbyteral Council
A presbyteral council is the senate of priests representing the diocesan presbyterate and assisting the bishop in the governance of the diocese for the good of its people.[1]
Overview
A presbyteral council or council of priests[2] is a group of priests chosen to assist the local ordinary in an advisory capacity in the governance of a Roman Catholic diocese. Canon 495 of the Code of Canon Law lays down that every diocese must have such a council. The council addresses matters concerning the pastoral welfare of the people of God in the local church.[3]
About half of the members of the council are freely elected by the priests. The others have membership either because of a position that they hold (ex officio) or because nominated by the bishop.[4]
It is for the bishop to decide when to consult the council, to preside over the meeting and to determine the agenda, whether the items for inclusion are his own initiative or are proposed by some member of the council.[5]
In the case of a sede vacante the council ceases to exist and its functions are taken over by the college of consultors.[6]
Nature of the office
The council makes visible the sacramental and pastoral cooperation of priests with their bishop. It is consultative: the bishop hears it in matters of importance and must obtain its consent only where law expressly requires.
Canonical place
Every diocese is to establish such a council with statutes approved by the bishop. Some members are elected by priests, some belong by office, and others may be freely appointed; the council ceases during a vacancy of the see.
References
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law, canons 495–501 — Universal or special law governing the office and its competence.
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law, canons 495-501
- Back to citation Canon 495 §1
- Back to citation Canon 497
- Back to citation Canon 500 §1
- Back to citation Can. 501 §2