For the past four weeks, we've published a series of articles from Echo Associate Director Katie Diltz on the importance of not just participating in parish life at a surface level, but diving deep to embrace life in one's parish community more fully and fruitfully.
In Part 1: Choosing a Parish, Diltz enumerated some things to bear in mind when considering what parish to call home, including what one's geographical parish might be, what the leadership team is like, and how the liturgy is celebrated.
Part 2: Registering took part 1 a step further—rather than merely finding a place to attend Mass, Diltz emphasized the importance of officially registering at a parish. For couples hoping to marry in the Church or for parents hoping to enroll their children in the school, this is often a requirement, but for those who are simply looking for a place to practice their faith, registering is an important step toward making a parish feel like home.
Part 3: Tithing brought the sensitive subject of finances to the surface by encouraging parishioners to prioritize giving to God above everything else. Tithing is making a return gift of one's first-fruits to God as a way of acknowledging him as the source of all gifts. It cultivates an immense trust that, in times of plenty and in times of want, God will provide.
Part 4: Getting Involved intensified the commitment to parish life even more by highlighting the graces one can receive by placing one's time and talent (alongside one's treasure) at the service of the parish family. Relationships are built when one gets involved, and these parish relationships centered on serving God and neighbor can create bonds of deep and lasting friendship in Christ that will carry a person through the heights and depths of life.
If you've enjoyed this series, feel free to comment below and describe ways in which you've embraced parish life, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future posts like these!
Featured Image by George Martell/The Pilot Media Group; CC-BY-ND-2.0.