Which individuals typically comprise the parish pastoral council?

• A. Only lay members.
• B. Only clergy.
• C. The council includes both lay and ordained members.
• D. Only bishops.

Answer: (C)

The parish pastoral council is a collaborative body that brings together ordained ministers and lay faithful to discern and plan the parish’s pastoral action. It is meant to include the pastor (an ordained minister) along with lay representatives from the parish, so both leadership and the lived experience of the faithful are present. This mix allows diverse perspectives in evaluating needs and proposing programs, while the pastor retains the ultimate authority in governance. Therefore, the typical makeup includes both lay and ordained members, not solely lay or solely clergy, and not bishops alone.