From "On Consultation in the Parish and Deanery."

1.  Parishes of a diocese are gathered into deaneries in order to promote joint pastoral action and the best possible distribution of ministry, and to provide for the pastoral care of the priests serving in each area of the diocese (Canon 555).  The care of the deanery is confided by the diocesan Bishop, after consultation with the priests of the deanery, to one of the priests ministering in the deanery (Canon 554).

2.  In order to foster joint pastoral action and good pastoral planning, in particular, the dean will need the assistance of all the faithful of the deanery.  The deanery pastoral council is the stable representative body through which, by means of consultation, such assistance can be provided to the dean.  The members of the deanery pastoral council, together with and under the headship of the dean, form the policies and programs which will help toward the best possible ministry in the deanery.