“Communion must be cultivated and extended day by day and at “Communion must be cultivated and extended day by day and at every level in the structures of each Church's life. There, relaevery level in the structures of each Church's life. There, relations between tions between Bishops, priests and deacons, between Pastors and the entire PeoBishops, priests and deacons, between Pastors and the entire People of God, ple of God, between clergy and Religious, between associations and ecclesialbetween clergy and Religious, between associations and ecclesial movements movements must all be clearly characterized by communion. To this end, themust all be clearly characterized by communion. To this end, the structures of structures of participation envisaged by Canon Law, such as participation envisaged by Canon Law, such as the Council of Priests and the the Council of Priests and the Pastoral Council, Pastoral Council, must be ever more highly valued. These of course are not must be ever more highly valued. These of course are not governed by the rules of parliamentary democracy, because they agoverned by the rules of parliamentary democracy, because they are re consultative rather than deliberative; yet this does not mean thconsultative rather than deliberative; yet this does not mean that they are less at they are less meaningful and relevant. The theology and spirituality of communmeaningful and relevant. The theology and spirituality of communion ion encourage a fruitful dialogue between Pastors and faithful: on tencourage a fruitful dialogue between Pastors and faithful: on the one hand he one hand uniting them uniting them a priori a priori in all that is essential, and on the other leading them to in all that is essential, and on the other leading them to pondered agreement in matters open to discussion. pondered agreement in matters open to discussion.

“To this end, we need to make our own the ancient pastoral wisdo“To this end, we need to make our own the ancient pastoral wisdom m which, without prejudice to their authority, encouraged Pastors which, without prejudice to their authority, encouraged Pastors to listen more to listen more widely to the entire People of God. Significant is Saint Benedicwidely to the entire People of God. Significant is Saint Benedict's reminder to t's reminder to the Abbot of a monastery, inviting him to consult even the youngthe Abbot of a monastery, inviting him to consult even the youngest members est members of the community: ‘By the Lord's inspiration, it is often a younof the community: ‘By the Lord's inspiration, it is often a younger person who ger person who knows what is best’. And Saint Paulinus of Nola urges: ‘Let us lknows what is best’. And Saint Paulinus of Nola urges: ‘Let us listen to what all isten to what all the faithful say, because in every one of them the Spirit of Godthe faithful say, because in every one of them the Spirit of God breathes’.” breathes’.”

Pope John Paul IIPope John Paul IINovo Millennio Ineunte (At the Dawn of a New Millennium), JanuarNovo Millennio Ineunte (At the Dawn of a New Millennium), January 2001y 2001

Organizational Structures Organizational Structures of the of the

Catholic ChurchCatholic Church

A PrimerA Primer

“We respect the teaching authority of the Church “We respect the teaching authority of the Church and recognize the role that the hierarchy should and recognize the role that the hierarchy should exercise in discernment. It is essential, however, exercise in discernment. It is essential, however,

that all the people of God be involved in this that all the people of God be involved in this process of discernment. We will therefore devote process of discernment. We will therefore devote

ourselves to advancing meaningful and active ourselves to advancing meaningful and active engagement of the laity in the life of the Church.”engagement of the laity in the life of the Church.”

From the VOTF Structural Change StatementFrom the VOTF Structural Change StatementFebruary, 2003February, 2003

OverviewOverview

Governing LawsGoverning LawsTitles, Roles and Organizational Titles, Roles and Organizational StructuresStructuresLay StructuresLay StructuresPutting it all TogetherPutting it all Together

Governing LawsGoverning Laws

Governing LawsGoverning Laws

Canon LawCanon LawEpiscopal DirectivesEpiscopal DirectivesDiocesan Statutes and NormsDiocesan Statutes and Norms•• Diocesan statutes actually carry more Diocesan statutes actually carry more

legal weight than policy directives from legal weight than policy directives from the Episcopal Conferencethe Episcopal Conference

Parochial Norms and RulesParochial Norms and Rules

Canon LawCanon Law

Applies to the Applies to the worldwide Catholic worldwide Catholic churchchurchPromulgated by Promulgated by the Holy Seethe Holy SeeMost recent major Most recent major revision: 1983revision: 1983Large body of Large body of supporting supporting informationinformation

Episcopal Conference NormsEpiscopal Conference NormsNorms are promulgated by Episcopal Conference and apply Norms are promulgated by Episcopal Conference and apply only in the Episcopal Conference area (the U.S.) only in the Episcopal Conference area (the U.S.) The Holy See reviews the norms to assure that they are The Holy See reviews the norms to assure that they are not in conflict with Catholic doctrine and universal not in conflict with Catholic doctrine and universal legislationlegislationThese norms may be a clarification or refinement of Canon These norms may be a clarification or refinement of Canon law, but may not supercede Canon lawlaw, but may not supercede Canon lawDiocesan Bishops have to follow norms only if they are Diocesan Bishops have to follow norms only if they are considered “binding decrees”considered “binding decrees”•• Norms become binding when twoNorms become binding when two--thirds of the Episcopal thirds of the Episcopal

Conference vote for them and the norms are reviewed Conference vote for them and the norms are reviewed positively by the Holy Seepositively by the Holy See

Each Diocesan Bishop implements the norms in his own Each Diocesan Bishop implements the norms in his own diocese; however, there is no mechanism for overseeing or diocese; however, there is no mechanism for overseeing or enforcing implementationenforcing implementationOn the web: On the web: http://www.http://www.usccbusccb.org.org

Diocesan Statutes and NormsDiocesan Statutes and Norms

Apply within the Apply within the Diocese onlyDiocese onlyPromulgated and Promulgated and modified by the modified by the BishopBishopTypically a further Typically a further specification of specification of Canon LawCanon LawMay be different May be different from one diocese from one diocese to anotherto another

RCAB

Parochial Norms and RulesParochial Norms and Rules

Apply in the ParishApply in the ParishIssued by the Pastor Issued by the Pastor Pastoral Parish Pastoral Parish Council may be Council may be consulted, but consulted, but approval is not approval is not requiredrequired

Note:Note: On the parish On the parish level there is no level there is no ecclesiastical ecclesiastical legislative authority legislative authority (a Pastor cannot (a Pastor cannot make church law)make church law)

Example: Canon Law 522Example: Canon Law 522Canon Law 522 states that to promote stability, Canon Law 522 states that to promote stability, Pastors are to be appointed for an indefinite Pastors are to be appointed for an indefinite period of time unless the Episcopal Council period of time unless the Episcopal Council decrees that the Bishop may appoint a pastor for decrees that the Bishop may appoint a pastor for a specified time a specified time

The Episcopal Conference decreed that in the The Episcopal Conference decreed that in the United States, Bishops could appoint pastors for a United States, Bishops could appoint pastors for a renewable sixrenewable six--year term or for an indefinite period year term or for an indefinite period of time of time

At the Diocesan level, statutes indicate whether At the Diocesan level, statutes indicate whether the local bishop will use the six year option or not. the local bishop will use the six year option or not. Customs may also guide the process for the Customs may also guide the process for the installation of the Pastor installation of the Pastor

RCAB

USCCB

Modification ProcessModification Process

Canon LawCanon Law –– Modified by the Holy See Modified by the Holy See Episcopal Norms Episcopal Norms –– Modified by the Modified by the Episcopal Conference and subject to Episcopal Conference and subject to review by the Holy Seereview by the Holy SeeDiocesan Laws and DirectivesDiocesan Laws and Directives –– At the At the discretion of the Bishopdiscretion of the Bishop•• In some instances, a regional or diocesan In some instances, a regional or diocesan

synod may be called to discuss modifications, synod may be called to discuss modifications, but it is not strictly requiredbut it is not strictly required

Parochial DirectivesParochial Directives–– At the discretion At the discretion of the Bishop and Pastor, ideally with the of the Bishop and Pastor, ideally with the input of the parish faithfulinput of the parish faithful

Governing Laws:Governing Laws:

Issues for DiscussionIssues for Discussion

Consequences of all Executive, Consequences of all Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Authority within a Legislative, and Judicial Authority within a Diocese belonging to the Diocesan BishopDiocese belonging to the Diocesan Bishop•• No “checks and balances”No “checks and balances”•• No independent judicial processNo independent judicial process•• No independent reporting to the Holy SeeNo independent reporting to the Holy See•• No enforcement structureNo enforcement structure

Titles, Roles, and Titles, Roles, and Organizational Organizational

StructuresStructures

Ordained OfficesOrdained Offices

There are only three ordained There are only three ordained offices: offices: •• DeaconDeacon•• PriestPriest•• BishopBishop

All other terms are administrative or All other terms are administrative or honorifichonorific

Titles of the Latin RiteTitles of the Latin RitePope: the bishop of RomePope: the bishop of RomeCardinal: A bishop or priest selected by the Pope as part of Cardinal: A bishop or priest selected by the Pope as part of a group whose only official right and duty is to meet to a group whose only official right and duty is to meet to elect a new Popeelect a new PopeArchbishop: A bishop who presides over an Archdiocese, Archbishop: A bishop who presides over an Archdiocese, which is the “lead” diocese of a group of individual dioceses which is the “lead” diocese of a group of individual dioceses for organizational purposes; Each bishop has full authority for organizational purposes; Each bishop has full authority within his own diocese, and does not “report” to the within his own diocese, and does not “report” to the ArchbishopArchbishopDiocesan Bishop: A bishop assigned by the Holy See to lead Diocesan Bishop: A bishop assigned by the Holy See to lead an active diocesean active diocese•• Titular Bishop: A bishop without a active diocese who may be Titular Bishop: A bishop without a active diocese who may be

assigned to a Diocesan Bishop to assist in his dioceseassigned to a Diocesan Bishop to assist in his diocese•• Auxiliary Bishop: A Titular Bishop with such an assignment in a Auxiliary Bishop: A Titular Bishop with such an assignment in a

diocesedioceseMonsignor: (purely honorific)Monsignor: (purely honorific)Vicar: Given jurisdiction in certain matters by the Diocesan Vicar: Given jurisdiction in certain matters by the Diocesan BishopBishop

Organizational Roles:Organizational Roles:The Holy SeeThe Holy See

The PopeThe Pope•• The Bishop of Rome and in that role has primacy among all the The Bishop of Rome and in that role has primacy among all the

BishopsBishopsThe College of CardinalsThe College of Cardinals•• The Pope selects the Cardinals, usually from the pool of BishopsThe Pope selects the Cardinals, usually from the pool of Bishops

although the only requirement is ordinationalthough the only requirement is ordination•• Their only right and duty per se is to meet to elect a new Pope Their only right and duty per se is to meet to elect a new Pope •• “Cardinal” is a title, not an office and can be revoked by the P“Cardinal” is a title, not an office and can be revoked by the Pope. ope.

There are currently over 140 in the College of Cardinals, but thThere are currently over 140 in the College of Cardinals, but those ose over 80 are not eligible to vote over 80 are not eligible to vote

•• The Pope may use them singly or collectively for consultation.The Pope may use them singly or collectively for consultation.•• Some Cardinals have prominent roles in the Roman CuriaSome Cardinals have prominent roles in the Roman Curia

The Roman CuriaThe Roman Curia•• Composed of the Secretariat of State, and a variety of congregatComposed of the Secretariat of State, and a variety of congregations ions

and other offices created to assist the Pope in the administratiand other offices created to assist the Pope in the administration of the on of the ChurchChurch

In the Latin church there is ordinarily no intervening authorityIn the Latin church there is ordinarily no intervening authoritybetween the Pope and Diocesan Bishopsbetween the Pope and Diocesan Bishops

Organizational Structure of the Organizational Structure of the ChurchChurch

Pope

Bishops

Curia

Aux. Bishops/Vicars

Pastors

Heads of Religious Orders

Orders Diocesan

Provincials

Organizational Roles:Organizational Roles:The DioceseThe Diocese

BishopBishop –– Appointed according to current Canon lawAppointed according to current Canon lawEpiscopal Vicars/Auxiliary BishopsEpiscopal Vicars/Auxiliary Bishops –– Granted authority Granted authority by the Diocesan Bishop for governance of a part of the by the Diocesan Bishop for governance of a part of the Diocese or in a specific role, such as Education Diocese or in a specific role, such as Education Vicar GeneralVicar General -- Assists in the governance of the entire Assists in the governance of the entire DioceseDioceseVicars or DeansVicars or Deans -- Parish Pastors from a group of Parish Pastors from a group of neighboring parishes (a vicariate or deanery) within a neighboring parishes (a vicariate or deanery) within a region, “first among equals”region, “first among equals”Pastors Pastors •• Parochial VicarsParochial Vicars•• Assistant PastorsAssistant Pastors

There are currently more than 2700 active dioceses (Episcopal There are currently more than 2700 active dioceses (Episcopal Sees or similar units) worldwide, 195 in the USSees or similar units) worldwide, 195 in the US

Titles, Roles, and Organizational StructuresTitles, Roles, and Organizational Structures: : Issues for DiscussionIssues for Discussion

Mutual Visitation between BishopsMutual Visitation between Bishops•• Analogous to the accreditation process in Analogous to the accreditation process in

Universities and HospitalsUniversities and Hospitals•• Mechanism for Fraternal AccountabilityMechanism for Fraternal Accountability•• Visiting Committee could include both clerical Visiting Committee could include both clerical

and lay membersand lay members

Lay MonitoringLay Monitoring•• Requires access to information such as NRB Requires access to information such as NRB

audits or visitation reportsaudits or visitation reports•• Must be sustained in order to be effectiveMust be sustained in order to be effective

The LaityThe Laity

Existing Lay StructuresExisting Lay Structures

Diocesan Pastoral and Finance CouncilsDiocesan Pastoral and Finance Councils•• Membership and function of both are based on Membership and function of both are based on

Diocesan Statutes and Canon LawDiocesan Statutes and Canon Law

Parochial Pastoral and Finance CouncilParochial Pastoral and Finance Council•• Diocesan guidelines for membership and Diocesan guidelines for membership and

function of these councils are common, but function of these councils are common, but implementation varies significantly and is often implementation varies significantly and is often not a high diocesan/parish prioritynot a high diocesan/parish priority

Diocesan Finance CouncilsDiocesan Finance Councils

Required by Canon Law (Can 492)Required by Canon Law (Can 492)Can 492 and 493 addresses the composition and Can 492 and 493 addresses the composition and scope of the Councilscope of the Council•• Prepares a yearly budget for the governance of the Prepares a yearly budget for the governance of the

diocese and is responsible for accounting at the end of diocese and is responsible for accounting at the end of the year for income and expendituresthe year for income and expenditures

•• Finance Councils may veto specified financial transaction Finance Councils may veto specified financial transaction by the Ordinary, but otherwise have no authority over by the Ordinary, but otherwise have no authority over the Ordinarythe Ordinary

Diocesan Statutes may dictate how to elect Diocesan Statutes may dictate how to elect members, require meetings, etc. members, require meetings, etc. Membership and operation are functionally at the Membership and operation are functionally at the discretion of the Diocesan Bishopdiscretion of the Diocesan Bishop

Parish Finance CouncilsParish Finance Councils

Required by Canon Law (Can 537)Required by Canon Law (Can 537)Governed by Canon Law and by the Governed by Canon Law and by the norms laid down by the ordinarynorms laid down by the ordinaryIt remains the responsibility of the It remains the responsibility of the Pastor under the Bishop to ensure Pastor under the Bishop to ensure that the parish goods are that the parish goods are administered in accordance with administered in accordance with Canon LawCanon Law

Diocesan Pastoral CouncilsDiocesan Pastoral Councils

Required by Canon Law (C. 511) Required by Canon Law (C. 511) “in so far as pastoral circumstances “in so far as pastoral circumstances suggest” suggest” C. 512 through C. 514 address the C. 512 through C. 514 address the composition of the Council, and scope. composition of the Council, and scope. Diocesan Statutes may dictate how to Diocesan Statutes may dictate how to elect members, require meetings, etc.elect members, require meetings, etc.Membership and operation are functionally Membership and operation are functionally at the discretion of the Diocesan Bishopat the discretion of the Diocesan Bishop

Parish Pastoral CouncilsParish Pastoral Councils

Recommended by Canon Law 536 if the Recommended by Canon Law 536 if the Ordinary “considers it opportune”Ordinary “considers it opportune”Required by many Diocesan statutesRequired by many Diocesan statutesGoverned by Parochial Foundation Governed by Parochial Foundation Documents which should comply with Documents which should comply with diocesan guidelinesdiocesan guidelinesPastoral Councils are given “consultative” Pastoral Councils are given “consultative” authority in Canon law; but the authority in Canon law; but the interpretation of “consultative” varies interpretation of “consultative” varies greatlygreatly

The Laity:The Laity:

Issues for DiscussionIssues for DiscussionVOTF recommends the creation of Parish Safety VOTF recommends the creation of Parish Safety

CommitteesCommittees

VOTF and its members will work for the formation of Parish VOTF and its members will work for the formation of Parish Safety Committees (PSCs) in every parish. PSCs will Safety Committees (PSCs) in every parish. PSCs will actively support the formation and activities of Child Abuse actively support the formation and activities of Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) teams in each parish. CAP activities Prevention (CAP) teams in each parish. CAP activities should include:should include:•• Prevention education conducted annually for all children, Prevention education conducted annually for all children,

parents and othersparents and others•• Performance of yearly criminal offender record information Performance of yearly criminal offender record information

checks on all parish clergy, staff and volunteerschecks on all parish clergy, staff and volunteersPSCs will also ensure that zero tolerance for sexual abuse PSCs will also ensure that zero tolerance for sexual abuse is maintained by obtaining information concerning past is maintained by obtaining information concerning past assignments of all newly assigned pastoral personnel.assignments of all newly assigned pastoral personnel.

Putting it All TogetherPutting it All Together

The DioceseThe DiocesePARISH• Laity: Parish Pastoral and Finance Council• Clergy: Pastor / Assistant Pastor / Parochial Vicar• Governed by: Diocesan Statutes (Parish may operate under Parochial By-Laws)

VICARIATE (Optional)• Laity: No Formal Organization• Clergy: Vicar (Pastor of one in the group)• Governed by: Diocesan Statues

GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS (Optional)• Laity: No Formal Organization• Clergy: Episcopal Vicars• Governed by: Diocesan Statues

DIOCESE• Laity: Diocesan Pastoral and Finance Council• Clergy: Bishop, Auxiliary Bishops, Vicars General• Governed by: Diocesan Statues

Diocese

Existing StructuresExisting Structures

Region

Clergy Laity

Vicariate

Parish

Organizational Level

Bishop

Auxiliary Bishop/Episcopal Vicars

Vicar

Parochial VicarAsst. Pastor

Pastor

PastoralCouncil

FinanceCouncil

PastoralCouncil

FinanceCouncil

Diocese

Structures Recommended by Structures Recommended by VOTFVOTF

Region

Clergy Laity

Vicariate

Parish

Organizational Level

Bishop

Vicar

Parochial VicarAsst. Pastor

Pastor

PastoralCouncil

FinanceCouncil

VicariateCouncil

RegionalCouncil

SafetyCommittee

PastoralCouncil

FinanceCouncil

SafetyCommittee

Auxiliary Bishop/Episcopal Vicars

SummarySummary

SummarySummary

Governing Laws and NormsGoverning Laws and Norms•• Canon Law applies to the Catholic Church worldwideCanon Law applies to the Catholic Church worldwide•• Episcopal Norms apply within the Episcopal Conference (such Episcopal Norms apply within the Episcopal Conference (such

as the US)as the US)•• Diocesan Statutes and Norms carry more legal weight than Diocesan Statutes and Norms carry more legal weight than

Episcopal Norms, based on the legal authority of the BishopEpiscopal Norms, based on the legal authority of the Bishop•• Parochial Norms and Rules do not have the force of lawParochial Norms and Rules do not have the force of law

Titles, Roles, and Organizational StructuresTitles, Roles, and Organizational Structures•• Priest, Deacon and Bishop are the only ordained offices Priest, Deacon and Bishop are the only ordained offices •• The Pope has primacy in his role as the Bishop of RomeThe Pope has primacy in his role as the Bishop of Rome•• No intervening authority normally exists between the Pope No intervening authority normally exists between the Pope

and a Diocesan Bishopand a Diocesan Bishop•• All executive, legislative and judicial authority belong to the All executive, legislative and judicial authority belong to the

Bishop within his DioceseBishop within his DioceseThe Laity/ Putting it All TogetherThe Laity/ Putting it All Together

•• Parish and Diocesan Finance Councils are required under Parish and Diocesan Finance Councils are required under Canon LawCanon Law

•• Parish and Diocesan Pastoral Councils are called for Parish and Diocesan Pastoral Councils are called for “if “if opportune” or opportune” or “if “if pastoral circumstances suggest”pastoral circumstances suggest”

Points for DiscussionPoints for Discussion

•• What are the consequences of all Executive, Legislative, What are the consequences of all Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Authority within a Diocese belonging to the and Judicial Authority within a Diocese belonging to the Diocesan Bishop?Diocesan Bishop?How effective would Mutual Visitation between Bishops or How effective would Mutual Visitation between Bishops or Lay Monitoring be in addressing some of these Lay Monitoring be in addressing some of these consequences?consequences?What is the best way to empower Pastoral and Finance What is the best way to empower Pastoral and Finance Councils at both the Parish and Diocesan level?Councils at both the Parish and Diocesan level?How can Lay Councils be implemented at each How can Lay Councils be implemented at each organizational level within the Diocese to provide a organizational level within the Diocese to provide a continuum of lay involvement in critical decision making?continuum of lay involvement in critical decision making?How should Parish Safety Committees be defined and How should Parish Safety Committees be defined and organized to make them most effective?organized to make them most effective?

“Communion must be cultivated and extended day by day and at “Communion must be cultivated and extended day by day and at every level in the structures of each Church's life. There, relaevery level in the structures of each Church's life. There, relations between tions between Bishops, priests and deacons, between Pastors and the entire PeoBishops, priests and deacons, between Pastors and the entire People of God, ple of God, between clergy and Religious, between associations and ecclesialbetween clergy and Religious, between associations and ecclesial movements movements must all be clearly characterized by communion. To this end, themust all be clearly characterized by communion. To this end, the structures of structures of participation envisaged by Canon Law, such as participation envisaged by Canon Law, such as the Council of Priests and the the Council of Priests and the Pastoral Council, Pastoral Council, must be ever more highly valued. These of course are not must be ever more highly valued. These of course are not governed by the rules of parliamentary democracy, because they agoverned by the rules of parliamentary democracy, because they are re consultative rather than deliberative; yet this does not mean thconsultative rather than deliberative; yet this does not mean that they are less at they are less meaningful and relevant. The theology and spirituality of communmeaningful and relevant. The theology and spirituality of communion ion encourage a fruitful dialogue between Pastors and faithful: on tencourage a fruitful dialogue between Pastors and faithful: on the one hand he one hand uniting them uniting them a priori a priori in all that is essential, and on the other leading them to in all that is essential, and on the other leading them to pondered agreement in matters open to discussion. pondered agreement in matters open to discussion.

“To this end, we need to make our own the ancient pastoral wisdo“To this end, we need to make our own the ancient pastoral wisdom m which, without prejudice to their authority, encouraged Pastors which, without prejudice to their authority, encouraged Pastors to listen more to listen more widely to the entire People of God. Significant is Saint Benedicwidely to the entire People of God. Significant is Saint Benedict's reminder to t's reminder to the Abbot of a monastery, inviting him to consult even the youngthe Abbot of a monastery, inviting him to consult even the youngest members est members of the community: ‘By the Lord's inspiration, it is often a younof the community: ‘By the Lord's inspiration, it is often a younger person who ger person who knows what is best’. And Saint Paulinus of Nola urges: ‘Let us lknows what is best’. And Saint Paulinus of Nola urges: ‘Let us listen to what all isten to what all the faithful say, because in every one of them the Spirit of Godthe faithful say, because in every one of them the Spirit of God breathes’.” breathes’.”

Pope John Paul IIPope John Paul IINovo Millennio Ineunte (At the Dawn of a New Millennium), JanuarNovo Millennio Ineunte (At the Dawn of a New Millennium), January 2001y 2001