In what ways can the faithful contribute to their parish to help create a vibrant and thriving community that effectively spreads the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now that we have looked at the history of parishes and what a parish should provide to the faithful, it’s time to look at how the faithful are asked to give back.

The relationship between a parish and the faithful is somewhat cyclical in nature–the parish feeds into the faithful and the faithful give back to the parish and called to sanctify the world. That relationship is what makes great parishes not just successful but vibrant and thriving in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So, what is your role?

Active Participation in Worship
Actively participating in the Mass is an essential responsibility of the faithful. Attending Mass regularly and being fully present and active in the liturgy strengthens one’s faith and supports the communal aspect of worship. As Pope Paul VI proclaimed in Lumen Gentium, paragraph 11, “[†]aking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice, which is the fount and apex of the whole Christian life, they offer the Divine Victim to God, and offer themselves along with It.” It is in taking part of the Eucharistic sacrifice that all other acts come from. Pope Paul VI also proclaimed in the Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People, paragraph 10, “[s]trengthened by active participation in the liturgical life of their community, they are eager to do their share of the apostolic works of that community. They bring to the Church people who perhaps are far removed from it, earnestly cooperate in presenting the word of God, especially by means of catechetical instruction, and offer their special skills to make the care of souls and the administration of the temporalities of the Church more efficient and effective.”

Building a Strong Community
Our Parish is known for being a welcoming community. It is the number one thing we hear when someone new comes to the parish – “everyone is so nice and friendly here”. That is a great example of how we, as a parish, are living up to our responsibility of having a supportive and welcoming parish community. Each parishioner has the responsibility to reach out to fellow parishioners, particularly newcomers or those who may be struggling, building relationships, offering encouragement, and extending hospitality help to create a warm and authentically Catholic environment. I know those responsibilities can seem daunting for some, especially if one leans towards shyness or being introverted because I am one of you, but it is what the Church calls us to do. Sometimes we must ask the Holy Spirit for fortitude (or courage) to do what is best for the parish and the Church.

Volunteering and Service
For Catholics, volunteering demonstrates their commitment to the parish. The Church relies heavily on volunteers to run various ministries and activities. There are never too many volunteers as there is always room for more. Liturgical Ministers, Rosary Leaders, Pastoral Care Ministers bringing Holy Communion to the Sick, Catechetical Leaders, Choir Members, Office Volunteers, Gift Shop Volunteers, Knights of Columbus, Queen of Peace Women’s Guild, St. Vincent de Paul, St. John Paul II Pro-Life Ministry…the list could go on. Serving in these roles not only aids the parish in its mission but also fosters personal growth and a sense of belonging. Volunteers help to build a sense of community and ensure that the parish can effectively serve the needs of its members and the wider community.

Financial Support
The faithful have a responsibility to financially support the parish according to their own means. Financial support is not just about meeting budgets, but it is also about investing in the parish’s mission and vision. Contributing generously helps sustain the parish’s operations and facilitates its outreach efforts to serve the broader community. What exactly do your donations pay for? We will go into that next week.

Upholding Church Teachings and Values
Lastly, Catholics are responsible for upholding and living out the teachings and values of the Church. This involves integrating Catholic principles into daily life and being a witness to the faith. It includes practicing moral and ethical behavior, advocating for social justice, and promoting peace and compassion within and outside the parish. By embodying these teachings, Catholics not only contribute to the spiritual health of the parish but also reflect the mission of the Church in their personal lives and interactions with others.

When each of us takes on these responsibilities to the parish, not only do we build up a stronger parish and therefore a stronger Body of Christ, we, ourselves, grow closer to Christ.

In part four of this series, I will highlight how your generous donations are making a significant impact. These contributions support parish ministries and outreach programs, benefiting both our parish community and the wider Phoenix area. I look forward to sharing next week’s article with you.

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