The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC), guided by the principles of synodality, collaborates with the bishop to discern and promote the pastoral mission of the diocese through prayerful listening, dialogue, and shared responsibility between clergy, religious, and the lay faithful.
Purpose and role
The DPC exists to support the bishop in his pastoral leadership and his threefold ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and governing the People of God entrusted to his care. In particular, the role of the DPC is to study and weigh those matters that concern the pastoral works of the diocese.
As a consultative body, the DPC does not make decisions on behalf of the diocese but provides a prayerful space for discernment, dialogue, and shared wisdom.
Shape the future of the diocese
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Meetings
The DPC meets at least three times per year in locations throughout the Diocese The purpose of these meetings are for the Council to:
- Discuss current pastoral challenges and opportunities
- Reflect on the direction of initiatives and priorities
- Contribute to strategic pastoral planning
- Foster unity and shared mission among our communities
Walking together in Hope
The DPC plays a vital role in our journey of synodality – walking together as a Church that listens, learns, and responds with love. Rooted in prayer and guided by the Gospel, the DPC helps shape our diocese, that is truly missionary and Christ-centred.
If you’d like to learn more about the work of the DPC or how voices from across the diocese are being heard, please contact us.
Members
The council consists of:
- 9 lay members
- Four ex-officio members
- Up to 3 members appointed by the Bishop
Your voice matters, walk with us in hope.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the DPC?
The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) is a group of people from across the diocese who meet to advise the bishop on matters of pastoral life and mission. It’s a way for the people of the diocese – clergy, religious, and laity to share wisdom, listen to the Spirit, and help shape the future of the Church in our local area.
2. What does the DPC do?
The Council prays, reflects, discerns, and discusses key issues facing the Diocese. It offers the Bishop insight and advice on pastoral priorities such as evangelisation, youth ministry, parish renewal, outreach, and more. Its purpose is to listen deeply to the people of the Diocese and discern how God is calling us to respond.
3. What does the DPC not do?
The DPC is not a decision-making body or a governance board. It doesn’t manage finances or replace the work of other diocesan offices. Instead, it offers a space for dialogue, prayerful reflection, and consultation, reflecting an understanding of synodality – journeying together as a people of God.
4. What’s the theology behind a DPC?
The idea comes from the Second Vatican Council, which emphasised the shared responsibility of all the baptised in the mission of the Church. The Council reflects the Church’s understanding of synodality – walking together in communion, participation, and mission.
5. Who serves on the DPC?
Members are a diverse group of laypeople, clergy, and religious from different regions and ministries of the diocese. They are chosen for their faith, wisdom, and commitment to the Church. The DPC includes both appointed and representative members to reflect the richness of the diocese.
6. How are members selected?
Some members are invited by the bishop, while others are appointed through a process of expression of interest and nomination, with three representatives from each deanery. A deanery (also called a vicariate forane, deanery, pastoral zone or prefecture) is a subdivision of a diocese that groups several neighbouring parishes together for the purpose of fostering common pastoral action and facilitating the bishop’s oversight of the clergy in that area.
The aim is to ensure a wide range of voices and experiences are heard – from young adults to experienced leaders. To help with this we use a capability matrix, which supports the process of appointing a balanced and diverse council that reflects holistically the diversity present in the diocese.
7. How often does the DPC meet?
The DPC meets at least three times a year, with locations varying around the diocese. Meetings include prayer, formation, discussion, and discernment. Between meetings, members may also engage with their local communities or participate in working groups.
8. How is the DPC different from a parish pastoral council?
A parish pastoral council advises the parish priest and focuses on local parish matters. The DPC advises the bishop and looks at broader issues affecting the whole diocese. Both councils share a pastoral focus but serve different levels of the Church.
9. Is the DPC a permanent group?
Yes, the DPC is a standing body, but membership may change over time. Terms of service are typically for three years, with the opportunity for serving multiple terms, so that new voices can continue to contribute.
10. How can I share my thoughts or hopes with the Council?
You can speak to a Council member from your region or ministry, or contact the Chancery office at the diocese directly. The DPC values listening to the experiences, questions, and dreams of people across the Diocese. You’re encouraged to contribute. Your voice matters, walk with us in hope.