Consultative Bodies

The Archbishop of Ottawa as the head of governance for the Archdiocese of Ottawa does not act alone but seeks the assistance of consultative bodies.  Acts of governance are proposed to the appropriate consultative bodies according to the subject matter, and their recommendations are heard.

The following consultative bodies assist the Archbishop in the governance of the Archdiocese:

College of Consultors
The members of the College of Consultors are chosen from among the members of the Presbyteral Council.  The College of Consultors is an advisory council of the Archbishop on certain important matters of the Archdiocese (cf. Code of Canon Law, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Canon 502).

Finance Council
The Finance Council is comprised of at least three members of the Christian faithful, who are expert in financial affairs and civil law.  The members are freely appointed by the Archbishop.  The Finance Council advises the Archbishop on the financial affairs of the Archdiocese and of groups subject to him (cf. Code of Canon Law, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Canons 492 and 493).

Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council, under the authority of the Archbishop, has the responsibility to investigate pastoral matters directed to it by the Archbishop and to propose practical conclusions (cf. Code of Canon Law, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Canon 511).

Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee is comprised of the regional vicars and the episcopal vicars with the chancellor.  Together they advise the Archbishop regarding the pastoral appointments of priests.

Presbyteral Council
The Presbyteral Council is comprised of priests chosen by the priests of the Archdiocese with some members being ex officio and others appointed by the Archbishop.  The members of the Presbyteral Council assist the Archbishop with matters concerning the pastoral welfare of the people of God (cf. Code of Canon Law, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Canon 495, § 1).