The Presbyteral Council is a group of priests chosen to assist the local ordinary in an advisory capacity in the governance of the diocese. The council addresses matters concerning the pastoral welfare of the people of God in the diocese. About half of the members of the council are freely elected by the priests. The others have membership either because of a position that they hold (ex officio) or because nominated by the bishop. It is for the bishop to decide when to consult the council, to preside over the meeting and to determine the agenda, whether the items for inclusion are his own initiative or are proposed by members of the council.