Dear Parishioners and Guests,
We were not created to be alone. As Rick Warren puts it in “The Purpose Driven Life”, “we are
called to belong, not just believe.” We Christians belong to an awesome family – God’s family – the
Church. Together strengthened by fellowship and community, we strive to fulfil God’s purposes.
Church members form far more than an organization. They are vital organs of a living
. body, the Body of Christ. For proper functioning of this Body, every member must be connected
to a local body, the Body of Christ made visible in the local church.
IT IS OUT OF LOVE FOR THE CHURCH THAT JESUS CHRIST
GAVE EVERYTHING HE HAD, HIS VERY LIFE ON THE CROSS.
Today’s culture downplays commitment and accountability. As a result, many shop for a local
church or just don’t see the need for joining one. But, there are several reasons why we need a
church family.
Belonging to a local church identifies us as believers. In this community of love, we witness to
the presence of Christ in the world. The Body of Christ depends on all its members working
together, each member being indispensible.
Living apart from the church isolates us. Just as in any family, so too in God’s family, its
members care for one another, rejoice and suffer together, pray together and encourage one
another.
As a church community, each member’s holiness is tested and is strengthened. “We learn from each
other and are accountable to each other,” says Rick Warren.
Every member of Christ’s Body has a special role to play for the growth of the Body. In local
fellowship, prayer, and openness we soon find out what that specific role is and we fulfill it to
the best of our ability.
We are called to love real people, not just ideal people. The church is made up of imperfect
people like you and me, whom we are called to love, just as Jesus does.
In the Redeemer,
Fr. Frank Szadiak