Parish Pastoral Council
Serving the People of God in communion with our priests — guiding the pastoral life of the parish through prayer, discernment, and service.
Our Parish Council
The faces behind the service — representatives of every ministry and community of Holy Family Co-Cathedral.
What is a Parish Pastoral Council?
A Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is a consultative body established in each parish to assist the parish priest in fostering the pastoral activity of the community. It brings together priests, consecrated persons, and laity who, working together, help to direct the parish's pastoral work.
At Holy Family Co-Cathedral, the Parish Pastoral Council represents the rich diversity of our community — from Filipino, Indian, Sri Lankan, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, and many other communities — united in one faith and one mission.
Each ministry and community group is represented by lay members who serve as the bridge between their communities and the parish leadership, ensuring that the needs and voices of all parishioners are heard and attended to.
The Parish Pastoral Council is not a governing body but a consultative one — it works alongside the parish priest, who remains the ultimate pastoral authority, offering advice, insight, and support rooted in the lived experience of the faithful.
The Council meets regularly to discuss and evaluate the pastoral activities of the parish, identify needs within the community, and propose practical initiatives that deepen the faith life of parishioners. Its work is always oriented toward the common good of the parish and the spread of the Gospel.
Membership in the Parish Pastoral Council is a call to service, not a position of honour. Members are asked to bring their gifts, their time, and their witness to the building up of the Body of Christ here in Kuwait.
Duties, Norms & Vatican Guidelines
The Parish Pastoral Council operates in accordance with the Code of Canon Law and the directives of the Second Vatican Council, particularly Christus Dominus and Apostolicam Actuositatem.
Canonical Norms (Can. 536–537)
Establishment
Where the diocesan bishop judges it opportune after consulting the presbyteral council, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish which, under the authority of the pastor, assists in fostering pastoral activity. (CIC Can. 536 §1)
Consultative Nature
The pastoral council possesses a consultative vote only and is governed by norms determined by the diocesan bishop. (CIC Can. 536 §2)
Finance Council
Each parish is to have a finance council to help the pastor in the administration of parish goods, governed by universal law and norms issued by the diocesan bishop. (CIC Can. 537)
Duties of the Parish Pastoral Council
Spiritual Animation
Foster the prayer life of the parish, promote the sacraments, and support ongoing faith formation and catechesis for all age groups.
Pastoral Planning
Study and evaluate the pastoral situation of the parish; propose practical programmes that respond to the real needs of parishioners.
Community Representation
Represent the diversity of communities within the parish; ensure every group's needs and perspectives are brought before the parish leadership.
Ecumenism & Dialogue
Promote fraternal relations among different rites and communities; foster unity while respecting the richness of each tradition.
Charity & Social Action
Coordinate the charitable works of the parish and encourage the faithful to live the Gospel in practical service to those in need.
Communication
Bridge the parish priest and the faithful — communicating information, gathering feedback, and supporting transparency in parish life.
Ministries, Groups & Representatives
Each ministry and community of Holy Family Co-Cathedral is represented on the Parish Pastoral Council by dedicated lay leaders.
| Spiritual Director | Ministry / Group / Community | PC Representative(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Rev. Fr. Gaspar Fernandes, OFM Cap | Extra Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion | Paul Santos Lucy D'souza |
| Lectors Ministry | Carmen Ortiz Suzette Lawrence | |
| Multi-Media & Music Ministry | Conchita Cardozo Cliffort Fortes | |
| Pastoral Helper | Anthony Rodrigues Enica Alica D'Souza | |
| Catechism – English | Johann Menezes Cyril Andrade | |
| POSA | Alexio Noronha Cynthia D'Souza | |
| Parish Youth | Shanice Fernandes Dexter Fernandes | |
| Building Maintenance | Gerald D'Souza | |
| Korean Catholic Community | Kyu Young Lee | |
| Rev. Fr. Sliman Hifawi | Arabic Latin | Nada Mansour |
| Italian Community | Carlo Pellico | |
| Spanish Community | Luís Betancourt | |
| Neo-Catechuminal Way | Leena D Silva Galvin D Silva | |
| Rev. Fr. Marlon A. Magdoza, OFM Cap. | Pilipino Catholics in Kuwait | Adonar Gorme Raymund Yadao |
| Couples for Christ | Erwin Garcia Michael Boongaling | |
| Rev. Dr. Antony Lopez, OFM Cap., JCD | Konkani Community | Carmo Santos James Paul |
| Rev. Monsignor Raymond Mtanios EID | Maronite | Antoine Semaan Reine Atme |
| Rev. Fr. Yassa Ghobrial | Coptic Community | Sally Khouzam Ehab Habib |
| Rev. Fr. J.A. Dilanka Nirman Perera | Sri Lanka Community | Samson Fernando Sahan Ranasinghe |
| Legion of Mary | Mariam Varghese Enenizer Linogao | |
| Rev. Fr. Joy Mathew OFM-Cap | Syro-Malabar Community | Sijo Joy Joy Matthew |
| Catechism – Syro Malabar | Saji George | |
| KNSC | Domnic Maurice Fernandes | |
| Rev. Fr. Thomas George Kanjiramukalil OFM-Cap. | Syro-Malankara | Sajo John Liju Abraham |
| Rev. Fr. Thomas Liju OFC-Cap | R.C. Malayalam (Latin) | Emson Earnest Roy Peter |
| Rev. Fr. Sathish OFM-Cap | Tamil Community | Nevis Dias Rajan |
| Rev. Fr. Joseph Valiaveettil Paul OFM-Cap | Jesus Youth | Alwin Jose Jino Philip |
| Bangladesh Community | Milton Palma |
Serving Together in Faith
The Parish Pastoral Council of Holy Family Co-Cathedral is committed to building a vibrant, welcoming, and spirit-filled community for all Catholics in Kuwait City. We thank every representative and spiritual director for their generous service.