WHAT IS THE SANTA ROSA DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL?
A Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) is recommended by Vatican II and by Popes Paul VI and John Paul II, as a consultative and advisory body to the Bishop on pastoral matters. It allows expression of the viewpoints of what Canon Law calls "the Catholic faithful." Thus the DPC provides the structure for Laity, Clergy and the Bishop to communicate, and together identify the particular needs and concerns of the Santa Rosa Diocese. Through the DPC, the Catholic Community assists the Bishop more fully and directly in promoting the spiritual and temporal life of the people in our Diocese, and in proclaiming the Gospel Message. In 2002 the Santa Rosa Diocesan Pastoral Council was initiated by the Laity, created by the Bishop, and authorized by Canon Law.
What are the purposes and goals of a Diocesan Pastoral Council?
- Provides a forum for suggestions and ideas from the "people in the pews."
- Serves as a conduit among Laity, Religious, Clergy and the Bishop.
- Enables Parishes to support and network with each other, exchange ideas and concerns, and together promote the greater good of their Parishes and the Diocese.
- Serves as a resource and talent pool for Parishes and the Diocese.
- Assures confidence in the Church by identifying and addressing mutual concerns.
How does the DPC function?
- The Parishes: Parishioners elect/select two or three (in the case of larger Parishes) Members as their Representatives on a Deanery Assembly (The Diocese comprises of five Deaneries.).
- The Deanery Assembly consists of Representatives from the Parishes within their Deanery. They meet to introduce, discuss and address issues and concerns raised by Parishes and Deaneries or submitted for consideration by individuals or groups.
- The DPC Executive Board Members are elected from each of the five Deaneries. The Board’s agenda are based on issues/concerns submitted by the Deaneries, the Executive Board, and by individuals and groups through their Parish Representatives.
- A Plenary Session, organized once a year by the DPC Executive Board, gathers all Parish Representative to address issues/concerns of mutual interest.
- Proceedings of Deanery Assembly and Executive Board are reported in Parish Bulletins, the Diocesan Newsletter, and on the DPC Website.
Our Santa Rosa DPC proudly joins its sisters throughout United States Dioceses.
Prepared by Nancy Murray, SRDPC Founder,
St Leo the Great Parish Representative, Sonoma South Deanery
April 2002
