For Parish – The Pope Video

“Parishes are not a club for the few, which give a certain kind of social belonging.” This is Francis’ vision for parishes, which he explains in his February video, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. It’s not a new vision, but rather the same that Christianity has had since its origins. The Pope tells us that parishes “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.” They must be “close-knit communities, without bureaucracy, people-centered.” And he ends his message asking us to “be daring” to make parishes be this way again.