- We pray and work together to discern the will of God on how best to serve the parish.
- We take time to learn and study about its role, the parish and its needs, church and diocesan documents, and the skills utilized in its deliberations; e.g., listening, dialogue, consensus, etc.
- We prepare for meetings by studying the agenda sent in advance, or by reading any commission or parish staff reports and other materials pertinent to any agenda item.
- We engage in pastoral planning, developing pastoral priorities and goals that carry out the ministry of the parish.
- We consult and know the parish community so we can be the “voice” of the people; e.g., taking time at a council meeting to discuss the results of a phone poll taken before the meeting, or bringing to the attention of the pastor concerns raised by parishioners.
