Catholic pastors consult pastoral councils in order to be better leaders. Bishops and priests ask their councillors to investigate some aspect of the church, reflect on it, and recommend their conclusions. In brief, the work of the pastoral council is pastoral planning.
The Pastoral Council is a distinct group of members of the parish called to consult the pastor on forward-looking matters that impact the community. It is to be a representative body of the faithful, whose focus is on the whole community.
The Council is NOT a governing, political or action-oriented committee. Rather they serve as the eyes, the ears and the voice of the community and provide critical consultation to the pastor on matters relevant to the parish.
The Council is to provide a means for uniting the parish community. It shall have the ability to listen and communicate well with knowledge of God, self, pastor, church and community.