Diocesan Pastoral Council
Bishop Paul Bird has announced that he will be establishing a new Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) and has affirmed the importance of a DPC to the ongoing faith life of the Diocese.
The 2012 Diocesan Pastoral Council of the Diocese of Ballarat was formally dissolved when Bishop Peter Connors retired, in accordance with Canon Law.
Canon Law states that it is up to a bishop whether he should establish a pastoral council. If he does establish one, it acts under his authority to study the pastoral issues of the diocese and put forward practical recommendations. The council is composed of clerics, members of religious institutes and lay people, designated in a way to be determined by the bishop. The members should represent not only the regions of the diocese but also the social conditions, professions and apostolates. The council is appointed for a definite time and lapses when the see is vacant.
Bishop Paul’s decision follows discussion and consultation with previous DPC members and others about the role and structure of previous Diocesan Pastoral Councils in the Ballarat Diocese. This discussion was in addition to the briefing notes which had been compiled by the 2012 Diocesan Pastoral Council and submitted to Bishop Paul.
Nominations for positions on the new Council are being called for from across the Diocese. People who have been members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council in the past are also welcome to nominate.
Details of the nomination process, including a nomination form are available below;
DPC Nomination Form - Doc version
Nominations will close on 20 May 2013. The new Diocesan Pastoral Council will have their first meeting in Ballarat as a time of reflection and also discernment regarding the operation of the DPC. This meeting will be on Saturday 6 July 2013.
Amanda Smith
Executive Officer – Diocesan Pastoral Council
5337 7125
