July 23, 2010
The Christian Journey
Qualities of a parish: Friendly, inspiring, involved
BY FATHER JIM SAUER
Last week’s article presented the first two qualities of the “vibrant” parish gathered by Liturgy Commission members from past years. Parishes must be “people-friendly” and have “inspiring liturgies.”
These two qualities derive from our ancient Jewish roots. The Passover Meal, during which Jesus celebrated the Last Supper, included multiple families if they could not procure a one-year-old unblemished lamb. Luke’s Gospel portrays Jesus dining with the rich, poor, tax collectors, prostitutes — saints and sinners alike — all who were open to receive him and his message. Meal fellowship with Jesus signified union with God. After his resurrection, Jesus continued this meal fellowship — the two disciples walking to Emmaus, with his Apostles on the Sea of Tiberias, and other accounts. This meal fellowship with the risen Christ continues in the Church today when we gather at the table of God’s Word and at the table of the Lord’s Body and Blood. As the Lord welcomed everyone to dine with him, the Church as his Body must extend in a visible way that same hospitality to everyone who joins us for Mass today.
The second quality of the ideal parish was “inspiring liturgies” with a mention of “uplifting music” (which is open to interpretation). The Jewish Passover is rich with songs praising God. Our Liturgy of the Word, originating in the Sabbath service during the Babylonian Exile (587-537 B.C.), includes a Psalm and a scriptural hymn of praise. (Their service contained multiple psalms.) From the Church’s earliest days, singing has played a vital part in Sunday Eucharist because joyful people sing. Singing, however, may be “counter-cultural” in our American Society because we like performers to “entertain” us. (Try singing some of the modern renditions of the National Anthem at sporting events — and it’s not because we don’t know the words!) American Catholics need to recapture the importance of singing — for the liturgy — and for their emotional health! Who cares if your neighbor frowns at you if you hit a sour note! (Not a very “people-friendly” action, is it?)
The third quality of the “ideal” parish is the “involvement of families in Sunday worship.” Children and youth need to be involved in various ministries besides as altar assistants. High school students and adults could also serve at the altar. If a high school student no longer wishes to be a server, invite him or her to become a lector, usher, greeter, Eucharistic Minister. Don’t just let them get “lost in the crowd.” Involve people of all ages — every baptized person can serve as gift bearer. (Have we explained the significance of this action to our people?)
Invite parishioners, who are mentally- or physically-challenged, to be liturgical ministers. (This may require some reconstruction in our churches like a ramp leading into the sanctuary or handrails.) The mentally challenged learn the ropes very quickly, e.g. carrying the processional cross, serving. (As long as we don’t deviate far from what they learned, they will be faithful in their service.) Such a parish gives witness to the dignity of every human person created in the image of God! Instead of one lector reading both readings at Sunday Mass, the new Roman Missal encourages two different readers. Two members from the same family could serve as lectors together — perhaps a child or a youth. What a witness that would be for a parish to see parents handing on the practice of their faith to their children! Parishes need to offer babysitting services, along with pre-school catechesis and Liturgy of the Word for children (ages four to pre-First Communion).
Next week, we will look at more qualities of the “ideal” parish.