Appointed by God

Monday of Week Four In the one Spirit we were all baptised (1 Corinthians 12:13) Through baptism we enter into communion with Christ’s death, are buried with him, and rise with him (Romans 6:3-4, cf. Colossians 2:12).The baptised, reborn in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, John 3:5), become ‘living stones’ incorporated into the ‘spiritual house’ of the Church (Catechism, 1267).

Thirty to forty years ago the parish community was all important. Important events, moments of transition, were experienced and marked within the ‘spiritual house’ of the faith community. Increasingly though, religion is seen as a private or individualistic affair. Moreover, the commitment to the parish community has to take its place alongside the other demands on our time.

For St. Paul community was everything.Throughout his letters we see a concern to build up the community through a unity of belief and through fellowship. For Paul the building of communio is the antidote to loneliness and isolation. In community the weak are strengthened, anonymity challenged and genuine love and welcome become possible.

From Apostolicam Actuositatem 10. In the manner of the men and women who helped Paul in spreading the Gospel (cf.Acts 18:18, 26; Romans 16:3) the laity with the right apostolic attitude supply what is lacking to their brethren and refresh the spirit of pastors and of the rest of the faithful (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:17-18).

Strengthened 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… and offer their special skills to make the care of souls… more efficient and effective.

We believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the word to come.

Amen.

Part of the Profession of Faith 56