ARTICLE I ‑ NAME

The name of the organization shall be the National Federation of Presbyteral Councils:  English Sector,  (N.F.P.C.)

ARTICLE II ‑ OBJECTIVES

• 1.  To collaborate with the Bishops of Canada in the development and implementation of those programs of a national nature which are designed to serve the pastoral needs of the people of God.

• 2.  To provide a forum whereby the Councils of Priests of the local churches can share their experiences as collaborators with their local Bishops in the governance of the local church.

• 3.  To promote and collaborate with others in ministry in programs of pastoral research and action.

• 4.  To accomplish and/or collaborate in accomplishing those tasks which cannot be adequately or easily done by individual councils.

• 5.  To provide a means for Councils of Priests in the English sector united nationally, to cooperate with the Bishops, religious and laity of Canada in addressing the needs and concerns of the Church in the modern world.

• 6.  To provide a forum whereby priests of the English sector can work in closer harmony with priests of the French sector in addressing issues of mutual concerns.

• 7.  To provide an instrument whereby Canadian priests can be represented on the international level in the most representative manner possible.

• 8.  Enhance rapport, communication and networking with all local Presbyteral Councils and Presbyters in Canada.

• 9.  Strengthen dialogue and activity at regional levels.

• 10.  Enhance relationships and dialogue with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and regional assemblies of bishops with respect to (a) communicating needs of priests and (b) assisting in response to issues within the Church in Canada.

• 11.  Identify the concerns and needs of priests, envision response to these concerns and needs, and promote strategies to implement these responses.

• 12.  Promote forums for dialogue and reflection to support the continuing formation of priests with respect to (a) the mission and vision of the Church, and (b) priestly life.

• 13.  Develop a directory of resources to support the work of the NFPC, local Councils and priests.

ARTICLE III ‑ MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be open to:

• 1.  All Councils of Priests in the English sector.

• 2.  All Councils of the Eparchies in Canada.

• 3.  Representative bodies of English‑speaking priests from French sector dioceses / eparchies, with the approval of their Councils.

Observers from French sector dioceses / eparchies in Atlantic, Central and Western regions will be welcome to attend the annual meeting of the Federation.

ARTICLE IV – FEES

Membership fees shall be determined at the annual meeting of the Federation.  The fiscal year of the Federation shall be January 1 to December 31. (2007 AGM Sydney) The budget of the Federation shall be approved at the annual meeting

ARTICLE V‑ ANNUAL MEETING

        The annual meeting of the Federation will take place between September and December each year in a location to be determined at the previous annual meeting.  Each Diocese / Eparchy will have one (1) representative, any other attendees shall have observer (non-voting) status.

ARTICLE VI – DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVES

        Diocesan / Eparchial Representatives to the Annual Meeting shall be appointed by their local ordinary after consultation with the local Presbyteral Council. The term of appointment shall be five (5) years. The Diocesan / Eparchial Representative is be an Ex Officio member of his local Presbyteral Council for the duration of his appointment. All votes are decided by a simple majority unless otherwise indicated.
 

ARTICLE VII – EXECUTIVE

• 1.  The Executive of the Federation shall be comprised of:
• (a) A President, elected for a three‑year term, renewable once. The President is elected by secret ballot and an absolute majority (50 percent plus one) is required.
• (b) Three Vice‑Presidents are elected during a meeting of the delegates of the Atlantic, Central and Western regions.  The term of office of the Vice‑Presidents shall be three years, renewable once. In the event of the inability of a Regional Vice-President to complete his term, the President shall ensure a representative from that region is elected to complete the balance of the term.
• (c) An Executive Coordinator appointed by the NFPC Executive and ratified by the Diocesan / Eparchial Representatives at the National Assembly.
• (d) Three Liaison Bishops each representing one of the three Regional Assemblies of the CCCB (Eastern, Central and Western).  The terms of appointment for the Liaison Bishops shall be determined by the respective Episcopal conferences.
• (e) The outgoing President will be considered a voting member of the Executive.  The Past –President ceases to hold office after one (1) year.  The Past-President may leave office at any time however, having stepped down he may be considered eligible for re-election as President. (2007 AGM Sydney)

• 2.  All Diocesan / Eparchial Representatives shall be considered eligible for election to the Executive of the NFPC.  All Regional Vice Presidents are also considered eligible for election to the position of President.  (2007 AGM Sydney)

• 3.  When elected to the Executive the President or the Vice-President ceases to represent his Presbyteral Council.  A new representative from the Diocese / Eparchy must be appointed. 
  

ARTICLE VIII ‑ DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE

• 1.   The President shall be the chief spokesman for the Federation and shall promote the NFPC Vision. He shall call and preside at all General and Executive meetings of the Federation. He shall act as a link between (a) the NFPC and its members, (b) the NFPC and the CCCB, and (c) the NFPC and International Organization of Priests and Councils of Priests. He shall have all those other rights and duties which are normally associated with the Presidency of such an organization.

• 2.   The Regional Vice‑Presidents shall choose one of their own number to fulfill the duties of the President in his absence or incapacity.  They shall also be responsible for the coordination of all Federation activities in their regions or eparchies.

• 3.   The Regional Vice-Presidents shall act a link between the NFPC Executive and the Diocesan Representatives in his region. He shall call and chair all Regional Meetings of his region of the NFPC. He shall be responsible for promoting the NFPC Vision throughout his region.

• 4.   The Executive Coordinator shall be responsible for keeping the records of the Federation, providing mailings and documentation in accordance with the wishes of the Executive and for the collection, safe‑keeping and dispersal of the funds of the Federation according to the directives of the Executive. The Executive Coordinator shall fulfill the Role Description as reviewed by the NFPC Executive.