The Energy Within, Parish Pastoral Councils Today grew out of the firsthand experience of its four contributors. At its core is the record of a process which has been used successfully in the establishment of many new parish pastoral councils. It is placed in the context of deep reflection on the unique contribution that parish pastoral councils can make to collaborative leadership in the Church. The book includes an overview of the story of parish pastoral councils in Ireland since 1971. This book is a valuable resource for the individual reader who wishes to explore the role and methodology of parish pastoral councils. It will be of special interest to parishes and dioceses who aim to establish pastoral councils as part of their pastoral planning, or who are looking at approaches to training and energising existing pastoral councils.