We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
What does Pope Francis expect from parishes? Generous, open communities near to all
- The new Video Message calls parishes to truly be communities: places of listening and welcome whose doors are always open.
- Pope Francis’ message places the accent on parishes functioning as “schools of service and generosity” where people can “find the gift of the sacraments.”
- At the same time, the Holy Father asks us to be “daring,” to be able to rethink “the style of our parochial communities.”
TEXT OF POPES MESSAGE
Sometimes I think that we should put a sign on the door of parishes that says, “Free admission.”
Parishes should be close-knit communities, without bureaucracy, people-centered —a place where the gift of the sacraments can be found.
They have to become once again schools of service and generosity, with their doors always open to those who are excluded. And to those included. To all.
Parishes are not a club for the few, which give a certain kind of social belonging.
Please, let us be daring.
Let us all rethink the style of our parochial communities.
Let us pray that parishes, placing communion –communion of people, ecclesial communion– at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, of fraternity and of welcoming the most in need.
Pope Francis – February 2023