“…the laity, ‘led by the spirit of the gospel can work for the sanctification of the world from within in the manner of leaven and in this way can make Christ known to others especially by the testimony of a life resplendent in faith, hope, hope and charity.’ They ‘can also be called in various ways to a more direct form of cooperation in the apostolate of the hierarchy.’”
— Omnes Christifedeles, 1973
Parish Pastoral Councils
The Parish Pastoral Council exists to assist the Pastor in the Church’s temporal mission to “permeat[e] and perfect secular reality with the evangelical spirit…especially…in the areas of evangelization and sanctification” (On Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priest, 1997).
In the Diocese of Harrisburg, Parish Pastoral Councils are required in every parish by particular law. To assist parishes and pastoral councils in their mission, the One Who Serves manual provides an overview of the goals, structures, and mission of the parish pastoral council and her members. The Office for Laity and Family also offers training and support to every pastor and member of a parish pastoral council upon request. Download a digital copy of One Who Serves in English and Spanish.
