The Diocesan Pastoral Council is the Bishop’s Pastoral Council. Regional and community representatives from across the diocese meet four times a year. The DPC provides Bishop Pat advice, suggestions and feedback concerning diocesan pastoral ministry. It is a consultative body.
- Each of six regions is represented by both a man and a woman who serve for a maximum of two terms (six years).
- The religious of the diocese have a man and a woman representative.
- The Council of Priests has a representative.
- Young people have two representatives.
- Maori are represented by two members; one from Te Tai Tokerau and the other from Tamaki Makaurau.
- Five representatives are nominated by ethnic chaplains to serve the same terms as the elected regional members.
The DPC meets with the Bishop quarterly on a Saturday. The meeting includes formation sessions, liturgy, reports from various regions and communities as well as consultation by the bishop with councilors.
See: https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/discipleship/pastoral-councils/