Section 1: The Council shall be the planning, consultative and policy formulating body in all matters of parish life, including but not limited to spiritual, educational, social and financial concerns, except to the extent limited by faith and morals, church or civil law or archdiocesan policy/norms.

Section 2: In any case where any member of the Council interprets an action of the council or any of its committees to be outside the limits set forth in Section 1, such member shall present such interpretation no later than the next meeting of the Council and ask for reconsideration. Pending consideration, the effect of the action shall be suspended.

Section 3: In any case where reconsideration has failed to resolve the matter, any Council member may then take the matter to the Office of the Archbishop or one appointed by him, for clarification or arbitration. Any decision resulting from such an appeal shall be final. In the meantime, the effect of the action shall remain suspended.

Section 1: The Council shall be comprised of twelve members, all of whom must be baptized, practicing Catholics, registered members of the parish, and participants in the parish worship life, especially Mass and the sacraments.

Section 2: The Council shall have the following ex officio members: the parish director, and the two lay trustees. Ex officio members participate fully and equally in all Council decisions.

Section 3: Nine at-large members, 18 years of age and older, shall be selected from and by the membership of the parish 18 years of age or older.

Section 4: The term for at-large members shall be three years and shall be limited to two consecutive terms. The new members shall begin their terms with the conclusion of the annual transition meeting.

A. Attending all council meetings;

B. Making certain that the scope of the council's concerns reflects the entire mission of the Church;

C. Enabling the council to build a community of faith and an atmosphere of trust among council members;

D. Making certain that parish council members have adequate training;

E. Assisting in formulating the Council agenda;

F. Sharing in the dialogue that leads to the formulation of policy;

G. Serving as chief administrative officer of the parish; and

H. Executing the policies formulated by the Council.

If the parish director judges that the decision is contrary to Church teaching or discipline, or violates a diocesan norm, the parish director may withhold implementation, giving to the Council the reasons. In such case the Council may appeal to the Office of the Archbishop or one appointed by him for clarification or arbitration. Any decision resulting from such an appeal shall be final. In the meantime, the effect of the action shall remain suspended.

The Council shall select from its at-large members a liaison to each of its standing committees at the annual transition meeting following the selection of new officers. Liaisons shall serve for a one-year term beginning with the conclusion of the transition meeting. Ex officio members of the Council are ineligible to serve as liaisons.