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Latest PPC News

Here is the Diocesan Policy on Parish Pastoral Councils promulgated by the episcopal decree of Bishop Peter on 8 May 2026.

This is now shared with the Parish as agreed at the Parish Forum meeting on 20 June 2026.

The development of our Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) will be the focus of an AGM of the Parish on Saturday 26 September 2026. All parishioners are invited to attend that AGM.

Key points:

  • Our PPC is to have 10 members: 5 from Halesworth and 5 from Southwold.
  • All PPC meetings will be open, allowing parishioners to attend.

Action

  • All parishioners are invited to familiarise themselves with this Diocesan Policy (DP) and with the intended purpose of the PPC.
  • Those parishioners interested in serving on the PPC are invited to inform Fr Christopher in good time before the AGM in September 2026.
  • Updates prior to that AGM will be available here.

Helpful explanation of the role of a PPC

Canon Law states:

"Can. 536 §1. If the diocesan bishop judges it opportune after he has heard the presbyteral council, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish, over which the pastor presides and in which the Christian faithful, together with those who share in pastoral care by virtue of their office in the parish, assist in fostering pastoral activity.

§2. A pastoral council possesses a consultative vote only and is governed by the norms established by the diocesan bishop."

Guidance on the role of the PPC

A PPC is a consultative body that supports and advises the Parish Priest.

A PPC's primary role is to foster pastoral activity, plan parish strategy and to ensure that the parish community's spiritual and practical needs are met.

PPCs focus on the mission, vision and spiritual vitality of the parish. They plan strategy, foster parish engagement including faith formation, evangelisation and community outreach. They assist the Parish Priest by acting as liaison to coordinate parish ministries.

A PPC is neither an executive nor a legislative body.