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The Department for Evangelisation needs to reach out to all Deaneries and their Parishes in preparation for and after the PPC and DPC elections. This is following on to our letter of the 25thOctober 2018 to all Parish Priests and PPC Chairpersons declaring that time has come for new PPCs to be elected.
We need to assist parishes to have a smooth but spirit filled elections with leaders who are willing to serve and not to be served. This note is meant to help guide parishes in running good elections:
The process needs to be preceded with private and public prayer to the Holy Spirit by the entire Parish. The intention may be included in the prayers of the faithful during Mass.
1. Who qualifies to be elected to the PPC? (Potential Candidates)
1.1. Any catholic who has been baptized, confirmed and receives Sacraments. A person of proven faith with sound morals, who is in full communion with the Catholic Church (canon 512), participates in parish activities and is above the age of 21.
1.2. A person who is willing to commit their time, talent and wisdom in a consultative and collaborative manner, willing to work harmoniously with the Parish Priest. A person who is willing to unite the parish community.
1.3. A person who has not served in the PPC for two terms of three years in succession without a break. After serving for three years, a person may be elected for another term of three years and thereafter does not qualify for re-election. (PPC Statutes 3.3)
1.4. One who demonstrates the gifts of wisdom and prudence, willing to participate in an ongoing process of faith formation.
This has to be adhered to strictly.
2. Nominations Process: Suggestions for nomination of candidates.
2.1. PPC should comprise of representatives of different communities. Such as SCCs (Small Christian Communities), Sodalities, Youth, PFC (Parish Finance Committee – one member) and other groupings within the parish communities e.g. Schools, Religious Communities etc. (PPC Statutes 2.2.2/3/4)
2.2. Nominations can be made from the entire Parish community where necessary. This helps to represent all people even those who don’t belong to SCCs or any group within the parish. (PPC Statutes 2.2)
2.3. Elections must be conducted to determine the representatives by way of getting more votes from those nominated by communities. Whoever gets the highest votes will become a member of the PPC.
2.4. Leaders of groups are automatically members of the PPC provided they are not exceeding stipulated term of office. A committee member of a group/sodality may represent them in the PPC.
2.5. We encourage “secret ballot” to be used as the transparent method for this election. People have to feel free of influences to elect their Parish leaders.
2.6. Neutral people may be asked to assist in running the elections. Deanery leadership or cluster Parishes may assist each other by providing such people.
2.7. The size of the Parish will determine the number of PPC membership. All parishioners should feel represented.
3. Duration of Elections: When should elections be held? (Timeline)
3.1. Every Parish should aim at electing from the 3rd March 2019 and be done by the 24th March 2019. (See letter to priests dated 25/10/2018). The Synod Champion is an ex officio member of the PPC.
3.2. All PPC Chairpersons in a Deanery should meet to elect the Deanery Pastoral Council (DPC). These should be in place by 14th April 2019.
3.3. On the 4th May 2019 the eight elected Deanery Chairpersons will meet at the Cathedral Place to elect the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) Executive Committee.
3.4. On the 11th May 2019 All PPCs will come together at the Cathedral hall to be inducted by the Archbishop.
4.PPC Lists
A complete list of the PPC, the Executive Committee and reps for the various portfolios should be sent to the Department of Evangelization signed by the Parish Priest before the 31st March 2019.
*Should parishes need more clarity or assistance of any kind, please contact us on 011 402 6400.*
We will appreciate your commitment
Yours in Christ
Odilon Molapo
(Head of Evangelisation Department)
