Parish as mission

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger

Forgive me if I am or seem to be repeating myself. Older people often do that, not only to be sure they said it already, but also to remind others — and maybe themselves! — of something important. To me, nothing is more important for our Diocese than the integral health and well-being of our parishes. By integral I would include their spiritual, material and community components. Their mission is — should be — a commitment to the persons, communities and material resources entrusted to them for the sake of the Gospel.

“The church exists to evangelize,” Pope Saint Paul VI announced in “Evangelii Nuntiandi” (“Evangelization in the Modern Word”) on Dec. 8, 1975. Evangelization does not mean proselytizing — trying to “convert” people. Conversion to anything is a personal decision that must come from the heart. The Gospel — or “Good News” — is proposed, never imposed, which means it is offered best by example. Or, as I have heard it said, faith more effectively caught than taught. 

Every parish is more than a church, more than the place its congregants worship in. Its mission is not only to those who come to or are in a church, but to all among the many persons and communities it services. The heart of every parish, of course, is Jesus Christ himself. Everything it is or does flows from his Great Commission, the very last words Jesus speaks, which define the mission of the Great Commission (cf. Mt 18:16-20). 

When we speak of “Remade for Mission,” we are not talking about some program, and certainly not any top-down plan for closing or merging parishes or shutting churches down. One can never really “close” a parish. Although I have done little of this over my tenure, we know from experience that parishes are people. People form relationships and have memories. They remain even if, voluntarily or involuntarily, structural changes happen at times.

The synodal process we have begun is about listening to the Holy Spirit, the needs and hungers of one another and our neighbors, understanding where we are, who is here among us, what our hopes are. It is really about what God desires for us. We listen to the Holy Spirit who speaks to us in prayer and through our conversations, we notice also our neighbors, many of whom may not even be believers, whether or not they once were. 

No two parishes are exactly alike — demographically, territorially, economically, liturgically or even spiritually. What ALL have in common is a commission to be missionary, that is, faced outward, not just a house people visit one hour a week, but a home with arms open to embrace everyone in the community, wherever we live, work or even travel to. We take Jesus on the road with us, bringing the Gospel or “Good News” with us. Ite Missa est (the old Latin Mass “dismissal,” noting the cognate) means go, the Mass IS — not was. 

The Holy Eucharist feeds us with the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. Jesus feeds us with himself and, therefore, transforms us into himself since that is what food does. We become what we consume. Food is, or should be, appetizing, something delightful to see, smell and taste. Scripture speaks of tasting and seeing the sweetness, the goodness of the Lord. At times we prolong our worship, beholding that Real Presence in our Eucharistic adoration. The purpose of food, however, is not just to be looked at and admired, but chewed, ingested and consumed so we are nourished and energized by it. Shall we let our Lord do that with us, fill us with the joy of his Presence in us so we may then carry his Presence into the highways and byways of our lives throughout the week? 

As we continue our synodal dialogue, we are asking the Holy Spirit and one another to see, hear and know better what needs, hungers, the wounds and passions we and those among us are experiencing each day. Are we aware, for example, of the terrifying loneliness of a woman who becomes pregnant at a time when she has no confidence she alone can nourish, support and raise, let alone clothe and feed, educate and discipline, the tiny human being she is now carrying? Where in our community can she live, find that support, not only for the child not born, but the children she may already have, even for herself?

Who among us is caring for an ailing or aging person with physical or mental debility, or struggling with depression or addiction — their own or of a person who relies on them, too? These and other situations fall within the objectives of “works of mercy.” Charity begins at home, we say. Do we have enough “home” for that charity even to begin in?

My favorite description of a parish is a family of families and a family for those without, away or alienated from family. How many among us have little stability, safety or security even in their “family?” How many young people know for sure where — or if — they will eat or sleep the next night, or what condition the furniture may be in or who, if anyone, is on it? 

Food insecurity is prevalent as our urban food banks may attest. Some of our parishes have kitchens or underutilized buildings — schools or churches empty during hours when not serving their prime purpose. Might they be of community service, if enough generous, prepared volunteers are invited? So many dysfunctional families where basics like budgeting, shopping, meal provision, home maintenance, child and elder care are not supported — what were once taught as “home economics.” Without a doubt we have among us teachers and other skilled persons who might impart some much-needed expertise to those open to learn more about what they could do with their own hands and some simple (home grown? donated?) ingredients or materials. Community gardens, even poultry farming, can offer fresh and local food sources. 

Most importantly, creating occasions for people to come together, praise God and pray for blessings, could extend what we celebrate sacramentally. Service animals and some musical vibes might even enrich the ambience. Every day may not be Sunday, but that is no excuse not to offer daily, in word and action, our Sunday best.