Presbyteral Council

The Presbyteral Council is comprised of bishops and priests (mostly diocesan), but also some religious priests, of the Archdiocese of Chicago, which serves as a consultative body for the Archbishop of Chicago. The Presbyteral Council is a body of the archdiocese whose role is to assist in the archdiocesan decision-making process, including:

• Assisting the archbishop in all matters affecting pastoral welfare and the governance of the archdiocese as the consultative body representing all priests;
• Promoting greater communication, cooperation and collaboration among the archbishop, priests, and pastoral offices and agencies of the archdiocese;
• Fostering a stronger bond of fraternity among all priests, and further a consciousness of their unity with the archbishop;
• Seeking participation of the presbyterate in the pastoral concerns of the council;
• Engaging in those activities and programs necessary to implement the aforementioned purposes.

With regard to the Renew My Church parish grouping process, the council enters into conversation with Cardinal Cupich about what he should do given archdiocesan scenarios, feedback, and recommendations. It is the role of the council to participate in the decision-making process by assisting Cardinal Cupich, sharing the thoughts and concerns of the presbyterate.