There are several diocesan policies that have an important impact on pastoral planning and council development.  Some of the more important policies and guidelines are listed below.  Clicking of any of the titles will open the document in Adobe Acrobat Reader from which they can be printed and downloaded.

Configuration Guidelines

These are set of guidelines covering the assignment of pastoral leaders, the nature of clusters, and the role of weekly Sunday Eucharist.

Parish Pastoral Councils

Bishop Clark has issued legislation regarding pastoral councils in the parishes of the diocese. This document contains material dealing with purpose, scope, membership, structure, meetings, and calendar. These guidelines were published October 2, 2000 and become effective January 1, 2001.

Parish Finance Councils

Bishop Clark has issued legislation regarding finance councils in the parishes of the diocese. This document contains material dealing with purpose, scope, membership, structure, meetings, and calendar. These guidelines were published October 2, 2000 and become effective January 1, 2001. This document also contains information about parish corporations and the requirements of the New York State Religious Corporations Law.

Planning Group Council Guidelines

This document is not diocesan legislation but rather workable guidelines for pastoral council established in the 35 planning groups throughout the diocese. These guidelines are based on the experience of these councils since 1998.

Sacramental Celebration and Campus Ministry

This document contains guidelines for the pastoral care of campus communities within the Diocese.