Missioning Parish

This weekend we will celebrate the great solemn feast of Pentecost, rejoicing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and drawing to close the Easter season. Those early apostles were transformed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, from a small band of frightened follower, into a bold and energized community which would go out and share Good News to the whole world. This apostolic zeal continued to build up new communities which began to live a gospel life which was noted by its prophetic stance and charity in the world.

The Church as the Body of Christ, is in possession of the Holy Spirit, who guides and strengthens the Church for it's mission. The Holy Spirit comes upon all peoples, the ordained and the laity, prompting us with different gifts and ministries. Yet all from the same Spirit. These gifts are not for one's own benefits but to be used to continue on the mission and ministry of the Church.

Rev. Ronald Lewinski recently spoke at the Pontifical Mission Societies of the United States. He reflected on the mission that takes place in parishes. Lewinski noted that missionary work is no longer limited to a geographical or cultural context. He suggested nine areas for parish and mission activities. I will not cover them here, you all can read the article.

Lewinski begins with the Redemptoris Missio, promulgated in 1990 by John Paul II the Great. The parish is not an end in and of itself. Benedict XVI challenges parishes to understand that the seeds of faith are planted in the parish atmosphere and take root in the world around us. Lewinski observes that he has never been too overly impressed with parishes that have dozens of ministries and book-like bulletins, if there is no outreach and development of a sense of doing mission. The parish is really about evangelization.

I remember reflecting once that parishes need to produce their own priests. No vocations from your parish, then there is no priest. Our preaching, teaching, and sanctifying really should inspire men and women to encourage the Gospel in the world. Our faith communities need to be counter-cultural, and make a statement of catechesis and evangelization in the community in which we live, and even a globe away.

We had a priest from India come to speak to our parish for the annual Mission Appeal, some years ago. His honest and candid descriptions of his daily challenges, caused many in our parish to be extra generous, but also to ask the question, 'what else can we do.' We have Deacons in our Diocese who have adopted Haiti as their mission ground, and invite others to join them.

As Church we are in the business of sharing good news. We share all that we have seen and heard.