What are the rules governing employees holding a position on Parish Council?
The revised parish council manual approved in March, 2003 by Archbishop Dolan states: Staff members may NOT serve as parish council members of the parish where they are employed. Additionally, to avoid a conflict of interest, we strongly recommend that immediate family members of parish employees NOT serve on council during their time of employment. (Page 8-14 PC Manual 2003). The thinking behind it is this: • Parish councilors are the parishioners duly authorized to represent the whole parish and to advise the pastor/parish director on all its ministries without bias. • Parish employees influence parish decision-making through their job/ministry and their staff meetings. • At certain times during the year (budget or planning) the individual’s position may be under discussion. This would pose a conflict of interest and place undo burden on the other councilors.
