The parish council is called “pastoral” because of its unique relationship to the pastor, who initiates and establishes the council, who convenes its meetings and presides at them. The pastor seeks the good of his people as he consults with the council. The Parish Pastoral Council looks to pastoral concerns and is an important group of lay leaders who collaborate with the pastor to advance the gospel vision through its work of pastoral planning. For more information about Parish Pastoral Councils, see the latest Guidelines on the diocesan website. Click on diocese, then pastoral planning.