The Council of Priests is to be representative of the Presbyterium and its purposes is to assist the Bishop “in the governance of the Diocese, so that the pastoral welfare of that portion of the people of God entrusted to the Bishop may be most effectively promoted.” (Canon 495 §1)

The Council should establish links with other diocesan representative bodies so that pastoral consultation and initiatives are encouraged from both the presbyterium and the laity.

Members of the Council