PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M Cap., recently met with the newly founded Pastoral Council of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Pastoral Council is an advisory group to the Archbishop that examines the pastoral activities of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and offers practical counsel to promote the mission of the Church.
While similar councils exist in parishes throughout the Archdiocese, this is the first time that an Archbishop of Philadelphia has established a Pastoral Council for the entire Archdiocese.
Archbishop Chaput said, “The council we now have in place is a local snapshot of the whole People of God, with intelligent, dedicated Catholics from every walk of life. In both of my previous places of ministry as bishop – Rapid City and Denver – the diocesan pastoral council was a vital source of collaboration and help in my work. I look forward to the same good working friendship with council members here in Philadelphia.”
The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council consists of Archbishop Chaput and four additional administrators from the Archdiocese who serve in an ex-officio capacity, as well as up to 30 members selected from around the Archdiocese. Some are nominated by particular Deaneries. Others are appointed “at large.” The Council currently includes 12 lay women, 11 lay men, one priest, one deacon, and one consecrated religious woman.
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