Bylaws of St. Robert Bellarmine Pastoral Council as updated on 18 Oct 2000
Preamble
We do unite to form a Pastoral Council. We are a Communion of Roman Catholic Christians under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in Communion with the Bishop of Rome, and in Communion with the Bishop of our Diocese, Fort Wayne - South Bend. We acknowledge that each of us are called to make Christ’s presence a living reality in our lives and in the lives of others.
Article I - Name
Saint Robert’s Parish Pastoral Council, and herein referred to as the "Council."
Article II - Purpose
To seek the opinions, attitudes, and ideas of the total parish community; to involve actively as many parishioners as possible in parish life, worship, and ministries; to do pastoral planning for the good of the entire parish by appraising its spiritual and physical needs; to develop goals, objectives, and assign priorities; to engage in on going consultation with the pastor.
Article III - Membership
The council is composed of at least nine members. Council membership should be representative of the whole parish. The parish elects five new council members each year. The term of membership is two years and starts on July 1 of election year. The pastor may appoint two members to the council. A husband and wife may seek election to the council as a team, and will be entered on the ballot as such. Said team will have a single vote on council matters. Attendance by at least one member of the team is expected at council meetings, though both are welcome.
Article IV - Elections
The council will form a nominating committee in April. Elections are held by secret ballot after the Masses on an appointed weekend in June. The nominating committee will count the ballots. Any confirmed parishioner may vote.
Article V - Officers
The officers of the council are the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson, and the Secretary. The Vice Chairperson and Secretary are elected from the council membership by the council at the first meeting after the election. The Chairperson is elected by the parish every other year.
Article VI - Meetings
The Council meets at least nine times a year. The pastor or Chairperson may call extra meetings when necessary. The minutes of the previous meeting will be distributed to all Council members at least one week before the next scheduled meeting. All council meetings are open to all parishioners and staff. A simple majority of the council membership is necessary to vote on agenda items.
Article VII - Amendments
Any change to the bylaws is a three step process. The proposed change must be discussed at a council meeting. Then the change must be published in the parish bulletin prior to a council meeting. The the proposed change must be read at a council meeting before the final council vote.
Article VIII - Finance
Finance council members will not be members of the Parish Council.
These bylaws were ratified on 18 Oct 2000. Certified by the Council Secretary J Accetta