What questions should I ask to ensure that my parish is a place of reverence and welcome ?
HOW TO BECOME A
Merciful Parish
What questions should I ask to ensure that my parish is a place of reverence and welcome ?
Msgr . John P . Zenz
Mercy is another name for God .
Mercy was most fully manifest in the Death-Resurrection of Christ , an event that unfolded within human space and time two thousand years ago . It is also a mystery that transcends the limits of space and time , for “ Jesus Christ is the same , yesterday , today , and forever ” ( Heb 13:8 ).
Our parishes seek to be concrete manifestations of God ’ s mercy in space and time as we celebrate the Paschal Mystery anew each day in the Holy Eucharist and in all our programming .
This stained glass image of the crucifixion suspended before a window at Holy Name Parish is from the original church building of 1921 . It reminds the author that “ Christ ’ s mercy broke through the limits of space and time .”
Markers of Space and Time
I will use two “ markers ” of our lives — space and time — as means for describing how we can become ever more merciful parishes . Parishes necessarily face many “ limitations ”: size of property , age of buildings , circumstances of neighborhood , history and traditions , financial resources , the spirituality of clergy , laity , and religious who have formed and shaped the community over the decades . Yet , these very limitations can be opportunities .
A parish need not be defined by its challenges . The Paschal Mystery proclaims that human limitations , losses , and apparent failures are but the doorway for God to enter , “ take charge ” ( in a subtle way ), and transform people ’ s minds and hearts , making all things new .
Consider the “ first parish ”— the disciples in the Cenacle on the first Christian Pentecost — and the conditions they experienced : wind , fire , locked doors , and fearful hearts . Here in the Archdiocese of Detroit , at Sacred Heart Major Seminary , and in our parishes , we are waiting for a new Pentecost and a fresh outpouring of the mercy of God for us and through us .
12 Sacred Heart Major Seminary | Mosaic | Spring 2016