Under the leadership of the local bishop and close communion with him, the parish plays a fundamental role in the Church. For it is in the parish that the faithful most frequently encounter Christ through Christian instruction, community prayer and service to one’s neighbour. In promoting and enlivening our parish life, we also enliven the entire Church.

SERVICE TO ONE’S NEIGHBOR (DIACONIA)

Care for those in need: of our parishioners, and others outside the parish

Biblical Sources

Jn. 15: 9-12

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Act 2: 41-43

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day. They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

I Pet. 4: 7-11

The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers. Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Writings of the Church Fathers

Anyone who truly loves their neighbor will not fail to serve him as the most humble servant.

– St. John Chrysostom

For in doing good actions, it is not those who receive the kindness that are benefited, so much as those who do it that make gain and profit, for it gives them confidence towards God.

– St. John Chrysostom (Sermon 6: Commentary on Titus)

Blessed is the one who does good for many, at the time of judgment, for he will find many to defend him.

– St. Nilus of Siani