Before the Cross | Parish's mission: to transform us into holy people of Christ

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Archbishop Carlson

This is my final article on the seven signs of a vibrant Catholic parish. I believe that parishes are Alive in Christ when: 1) the holy Eucharist and the sacraments are at the center of parish life; 2) they are schools of prayer and spirituality; 3) they hand on the faith to future generations; 4) they reach out beyond parish boundaries; 5) they proclaim the Gospel in action as well as in words; 6) they have collaborative leaders and exercise good stewardship of all God's gifts; and 7) they transform parishioners, making a real difference in the way they live on a daily basis.

Vibrant parishes are agents of change. They invite parishioners to encounter the Lord Jesus Christ and, as a result, to live differently.

Everything in parish life is designed to help individuals and families grow closer to the person of Jesus and to meet Him face to face in the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), in prayer and meditation on God's Word, in teaching and giving witness to the Gospel, and in the way we exercise our responsibility as stewards of all God's gifts. If these essential parish ministries do not affect the way we live -- at home, at work or school, in our neighborhoods and in the marketplace and public square -- then these are empty activities (busy work), and we are not really vibrant as a parish community -- no matter how many people are registered or how much money we have on deposit.

Parishes do not exist to perpetuate the status quo. Their mission is to transform us, to make us holy people who have accepted Christ's mandate: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28: 19-20).

Here are some questions to consider when you reflect on the difference your parish makes in your life and the lives of other parishioners:

• If I could not receive the Body and Blood of Christ at least once a week, would I lose intimate contact with Him? Would my friendship with Christ diminish significantly?

• If my parish didn't exist, would I still pray regularly? Would I seek out other opportunities to grow in my spiritual life?

• Would I continue to learn about the teachings of the Church -- or would I settle for what I already know (or think I know) about the Catholic way of life?

• If my parish didn't exist, would I participate in the Church's social ministries or would I be content with minding my own business? Would I search out opportunities to support the Church's worldwide missionary efforts?

• Without my parish, would I share my faith with others -- in small groups or one-to-one? Or would I keep it to myself?

• Would I be a generous steward? Or would I be more likely to be selfish and keep my gifts of time, talent and money to myself?

• Without my parish, how would my life be different? Would I simply fill the void with other activities -- Sunday brunch, jogging or reading the newspaper or online news -- or would there be a noticeable void in my life?

Your answers to these questions say a lot about you, of course. But they also say something important about your parish. Active parishioners in a vibrant parish would be devastated if they suddenly had no spiritual home. Their lives would be diminished and there would be a huge void in their daily lives.

Are you an active member of a vibrant Catholic parish? I hope so. Your chances of growing in holiness, sharing your faith, serving others and being a good steward of all God's gifts are greatly improved if you give yourself wholeheartedly to the life of your parish community.

A wise man once said, "If you find a perfect parish, by all means join it. But keep in mind that the minute you do, it will no longer be perfect." Parishes exist to transform us, but by our active participation in the life and ministry of our parish we help transform our parish -- making it an even better place to encounter the person of Jesus Christ and to journey with Him, and all members of His body the Church, to our heavenly home.

Staying in touch with Jesus transforms our lives

It is not in spectacular events or monumental places that parishes change our lives. It is in the consistent, faith-filled effort to stay in touch with Jesus that we are transformed.

— Msgr. Joseph D. Pins, rector, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis