1. Seeking the Wisdom of the Community
Consultation
Seeking the Wisdom of the Community

2. What is Consultation? con·sul·ta·tion
noun \kän(t)-səl-tā-shən\ : a meeting in which someone talks to a person about a problem, question, etc.
a discussion about something that is being decided
the act of looking for information in a book, on a map, etc.
Full Definition of CONSULTATION
1:  council, conference; specifically :  a deliberation between physicians on a case or its treatment
2:  the act of consulting or conferring
Merriam Webster Online

3. Why Consult?
We consult in order to make wise decisions
Ecclesial Consultation implies shared responsibility

4. Co-responsible for the being and activity
"A great many wonderful things are to be hoped for from this familiar dialogue between the laity and their spiritual leaders: in the laity a strengthened sense of personal responsibility; a renewed enthusiasm; a more ready application of their talents to the projects of their spiritual leaders."
"The latter, on the other hand, aided by the experience of the laity, can more clearly and more incisively come to decisions regarding both spiritual and temporal matters. In this way, the whole Church, strengthened by each one of its members, may more effectively fulfill is mission for the life of the world" (n. 37).
Co-responsible for the being and activity
of the Church
Pope Benedict XVI

5. Different Types of Consultation
Expert
Practical Wisdom
“knowledge that is always and everywhere true” Staff Finance Council Colleagues Diocesan Staff
“knowledge that depends on the situation” Pastoral Council Those who will be affected by decision

6. “In my experience as superior in the Society, to be honest, I have not always behaved in that way—that is, I did not always do the necessary consultation. And this was not a good thing.”
--19 Sept Interview
Pope Francis “I do not want token consultation, but real consultation.”

7. About What Should I Consult?
Things that Matter - “important” decisions
Decisions that will impact people
Planning Axiom – Do not plan for people, plan with them.
Canon Law requires consultation in some specific circumstances
Implementation Strategies

8. Is or Is NOT Consultation is… Consultation is NOT…
Gathering information about need or impact
Allowing the perspective others to shape your thinking about something
Seeking advice
Part of responsible decision-making
Getting permission
Weakness or avoidance of responsibility
Limit your ability to act
Decision-making by majority vote

9. Get the REAL scoop…
Ask the folks

10. The Parish Evaluation Project (PEP) was founded in the early 1970’s as a way of uncovering what parishioners were thinking and feeling.
Asked leaders about attitudes and desires of parishioners
Surveyed the people
Found that Leaders knew the thoughts and concerns of the more active people but not a cross-section of parishioners
Many came to church regularly, but never voiced an opinion or gave the leadership any feedback—not until they were asked directly.
Thomas P. Sweetser, S.J.

11. Let’s Take a Survey!
Key to Success: Short, Simple, Focused Best used to determine attitudes or get feedback about something in particular Begin with the end in mind – What do you want to know? Be clear about what will happen with the responses Use random sampling “Before” and “After” assessment when anything new is introduced

12. Town Hall Meetings Pros and Cons
Model
Nametag/Index Card & Group #
Lg Group Prayer
Time to Reflect
Sm Group Share
Ideas Recorded
Lg Group – Each Small Group selects one idea to share
Town Hall Meetings Pros and Cons

13. Personal Interviews best tool for getting under surface
Pre-set number of interviews, 45 min. each Common format Same questions Person not identified when comments recorded Summary report given to pastor, leadership

14. What other ways can you think of to consult?
Be creative…
What other ways can you think of to consult?
Focus groups Ministry Meetings
Neighborhood Visits Suggestion Box
Coffee & Conversation

15. Diocese of Trenton Office of Pastoral Life & Mission
Please contact us :
Diocese of Trenton
Office of Pastoral Life
& Mission
Dept of Pastoral Planning
Mrs. Terry A. Ginther