The Presbyteral Council is composed of a mix of elected, appointed, and ex-officio members. Five members are elected by each deanery for a five year term; two are elected at-large from the entire presbyterate for a five year term; one is elected by the retired priests for a two year term; four are appointed by the diocesan bishop for a five year term; the Vicar General and Minister to Priests serve ex-officio. A Vice-Chair and Secretary are elected every September for a one-year term. Persons elected in these positions can serve for only two consecutive terms.
The Presbyteral Council represents the priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and serves as a “senate to the bishop” to assist him in governance of the diocese according to the norms of law and to promote the pastoral good of the people of God of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. It has its own statues as approved by the Diocesan Bishop. The Council meets monthly September through June unless otherwise convoked by the Diocesan Bishop. The Bishop, in consultation with the elected members of the Council (Vice-Chair and Secretary), determines the questions to be considered by the Council. Proposals for business from the members are to be considered in the weeks leading up to the monthly meeting. The Presbyteral Council possesses only a consultative vote unless consent is required by law. The Council cannot act without the Diocesan Bishop.
Current Council Members include the following priests:
Ex-Officio:
Fr. Jamin David (Vicar General); Fr. Paul Yi (Minister to Priests)
Elected At-Large:
Fr. Michael Alello; Fr. Cleo Milano
Elected by Deanery:
Fr. Bradley Doyle (Northwest); Fr. Taylor Sanford (Northeast); Fr. Al Davidson (South);
Fr. Michael Miceli (Baton Rouge); Fr. Andrew Merrick (East Central)
Appointed by the Bishop:
Fr. Randy Cuevas, Fr. Matthew Dupre, Fr. Matthew Graham, Fr. Miles Walsh
Elected by Retired Priests:
Fr. Bob Stine
Elections were held in September 2023 for a Co-Chair and Secretary for the Presbyteral Council. Fr. Michael Miceli serves as Co-Chair and Fr. Matthew Graham serves as Secretary.