Parish Pastoral Council Draft Constitution

1. Name
   The name of the Parish Pastoral Council (hereinafter referred to as 'The Council') shall be "The Parish Pastoral Council of the Cathedral Church of St Marie."

2. Vision
   To sustain the Cathedral Parish and develop it further into a vibrant, passionate, inspired community filled with the Holy Spirit.
   (We are an Easter people).

3. Aims and Objectives
   The Council exists to:

   • Promote the growth in spirituality of each individual and enable everyone to increase their understanding of their faith.
   • To continue to seek God's Will for his creation, promoting justice, peace and reconciliation.
   • Build the Parish community by encouraging all parishioners to play a full and active part in parish activities, enabling them to use their skills for the benefit of the Parish, promoting better communication, and developing contacts with other parishes, Christian churches and other faiths.
   • Support the work of the Cathedral clergy, staff, Parish groups and all others working in the Parish, encouraging the development of broader ministries to serve the Parish and wider community
   • Ensure ethical management of Parish resources and promote best practice within the Parish.

4. Powers and Responsibilities
   The Council shall:

   • Assist the Cathedral clergy and staff with the running of the Parish.
   • Ensure the Parish continues to function efficiently in the absence of a Parish Priest.
   • Establish and follow policies and procedures relevant to its activities.
   • Respond to requests for action, assistance or information from Cathedral clergy, staff, parishoners and external bodies.
   • Organise meetings and activities and gather information to further its Aims and Objectives.
   • Communicate its decisions, activities and ideas to the Parish.
   • Assist in keeping the Parish Register up to date.
   • Be accountable to the Parish Finance Committee for monies allocated for its activities.

5. Membership
   The Council shall comprise 12 members, elected by parishioners to serve for three years and retiring by rotation. Council members may serve for a maximum two three-year terms, after which they must stand down for one year before offering themselves for re-election. A Council member absent for more than two consecutive meetings without good reason shall be deemed to have forfeited their place.
   The Council shall have the power to co-opt members to fill casual vacancies caused by an elected member resigning before the end of their term of office. Members co-opted to fill a casual vacancy shall submit themselves for election at the next election if they wish to continue serving on the Council.
   The Council shall have the power to co-opt three additional members who may serve for no longer than one year, after which they must submit themselves for election if they are to continue serving on the Council

6. Definition of Parishioners
   A Parishioner is any person who is a regular attendee at any weekday or weekend Mass at the Cathedral and who has registered with the Parish.

7. Elections
   A third of the elected members shall retire each year and offer themselves for re-election if they wish to continue serving on the Council for a further three years.
   Elections shall take place in November each year to enable the new Council to be in place for the beginning of the liturgical year.
   Any parishioner aged 18 or over shall be eligible for nomination for election.
   Parishioners between 16 and 18 years of age can be nominated with their parent's consent
   Nominations shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Council at least fourteen days before the start of the election.
   Voting will be by simple majority and take place at all weekday and weekend Masses over a seven day period, beginning with the first Mass on Monday and concluding with the last Mass on Sunday. All parishioners aged 16 or over prior to the final day of voting will be eligible to vote.
   members of the parish who are unable to attend any of the Masses during the voting period may vote by post providing they apply to the Council one week prior to the start of voting.

8. Officers
   The Cathedral Administrator shall be ex-officio President of the Council.
   The Council shall elect from among its number a Chair and Secretary.
   Other officers may be appointed, as the Council deems necessary.

9. Meetings of the Council
   The Council shall meet a minimum of six times a year or more often as determined by the Members. Sub Groups of the Council shall meet as necessary to fulfill their objectives and commitments.
   Parishioners may attend Council meetings as observers.
   Notice of meetings shall be posted on the Cathedral notice board and reports of Council discussions and decisions may also be made at Sunday Masses, in consultation with the Dean.
   A minimum attendance of 75 per cent of Council members shall constitute quorum.
   Decisions of the Council shall be arrived at by consensus.
   The Council may create working groups comprising council members and invited parties as and when it deems necessary. All working groups shall be accountable to the Council and report to it on regular basis.

10. Parish Meeting
    An Annual Parish Meeting will be held for the purpose of receiving reports and discussing the work of the Council.
    Notice of the Annual Parish Meeting and an agenda shall be posted on the Cathedral notice board and included in the Cathedral bulletin at least 28 days before the meeting.
    Other Parish Pastoral Council meetings may be called as and when necessary, giving at least 14 day's notice.

11. Amendments to the Constitution
    Amendments to the constitution can only be made at the Annual Parish Meeting.
    proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Council 14 days before the meeting and publicised on the Cathedral notice board seven days prior to the meeting.
    A two-thirds majority of parishioners voting at the Annual Parish meeting shall be required for an amendment to the constitution to be passed.

Pastoral Parish Council Steering Group.
c/o Cathedral Church of St Marie
Cathedral House, Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2JB