Vibrant Parish logo transparent smallerUnder 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.

LITURGY AND PRAYER

Participation in the liturgical, the sacramental, and prayer life of the holy people of God.

Biblical Sources

Mt. 6: 5-6

When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Ac. 10: 44-48

While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?” He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Writings of the Church Fathers

Although you may not understand the power of the words of prayer, become accustomed to at least to say them out loud. The tongue will be sanctified by the words when pronounced with care.

– St. John Chrysostom

How to retain attention during prayer? Without doubt, keep God’s presence before our eyes.

– St. Basil the Great

Just as a city without walls is easily taken by the enemy, since they are unhindered, so is a soul unprotected with prayer easily overcome by the devil, who makes it subject to every evil and sin.

– St. John Chrysostom