Through Baptism and Confirmation, all are called to exercise both our right and responsibility to participate fully in the life and mission of the Church. A mission that is rooted in the mission of Christ, who commanded everyone - clergy, religious, and laity - to "Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all of creation." (Mark 16:15).
All members of the Church - laity, religious, and clergy - according to their proper charisms and roles, collaborate in the responsibility for fulfilling its mission. Therefore, Vatican Council II urged active involvement in the life of the Church by emphasizing the principles of collaborative responsibility, consultation, and lay participation.
The Pastor needs to consult with the laity, who have the right to express their views and concerns to their Pastor. An important structure initiated to foster this collaboration with the mission of the Church by all its members are the three councils. They assist the pastor and the rest of the parish staff in achieving the cooperation of the parishioners in the task of carrying out the mission of the Church on the parish level.
It is envisioned that the three Parish Councils are to be major consultative bodies in the parish community which advise the Pastor who presides over them. The ultimate purpose of them is to foster full participation of the entire parish in the life and mission of the Church.