Why I Love My Parish

The parish is the presence of the Church in any given territory, an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration.” (Pope Francis)

Every parish in the Catholic Church has its own unique identity, charism, and flavor. There are no two parishes that are exactly the same. A Catholic calls a parish his or her home because it is a good “fit” for the individual. It is a place where the spiritual needs of the person are met, and those belonging to the parish are a true family offering love and support,  and helping to build up one another as members of the Mystical Body of Christ.

I am blessed and thankful beyond all measure to have found my spiritual home. Often Catholics shop around to find a parish at some point in their life, but my local parish has always been “it”for me. I have at one time or another visited other parishes for various celebrations, occasions, or events, but there is a special kind of indescribable feeling that envelopes your soul only when you are at your parish. There is no other place on earth like it.