Baroda diocese promulgates statutes for pastoral council

Baroda Diocese Strengthens Pastoral Collaboration Through New Council Statutes.

BARODA, Gujarat (Indian Catholic News) — The Diocese of Baroda has promulgated new statutes defining the role, membership and responsibilities of its Diocesan Pastoral Council, a consultative body aimed at strengthening collaboration and discernment in the life of the local Church.

The statutes, promulgated by Bishop Sebastião Mascarenhas of Baroda, emphasize the participation of clergy, religious and lay faithful in the Church’s pastoral mission. At least half of the council’s members will be lay people, highlighting the importance of their active participation in diocesan life.

The council will reflect on pastoral needs, encourage collaboration among clergy, religious and laity, and make recommendations to the bishop on matters concerning the pastoral life of the diocese.

It will also work with deanery and parish pastoral councils in implementing the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and support various pastoral commissions working in areas such as youth, families, women, children, catechesis, vocations, social work and migrants.

The statutes describe the council as a forum for collaborative dialogue and common discernment, encouraging the faithful to work together in witnessing to and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Bishop Mascarenhas said the statutes are intended to clarify the council’s role and responsibilities in collaborating with the bishop to build up the local Church.