Parish Movement
We cannot deny that in our digital and rapidly changing world, in many places the role of a parish is far less central than in the past. Yet in recent years a new awareness of its value has begun to develop: “l … the Church herself living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters”. Yes, because “it is not primarily a structure, a territory, a building; rather it is the ‘family of God’”. (John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, 26).
This is also the challenge for the Parish Movement, an expression of the Focolare Movement in the local Church.
In the 60’s,. many parish priests who came into contact with the Focolare Movement realised that its characteristic community spirituality made an impact on their lives, on their pastoral activities and in their parish communities. Many of them participated in the papal audience of 13 July 1966 during which Paul VI encouraged them to bring the spirit of unity to their local church. In response to this desire of the Pope, Chiara Lubich launched the Parish Movement.
The members of the Focolare who work in the service of the parish animate this movement: they work together with the other groups present, ” …. it will prove beneficial for them not to lose contact with the rich reality of the local parish and to participate readily in the overall pastoral activity of the particular Church” (Evangelii Gaudium, 29).
Working together for the good of all makes it possible to appreciate the charism at the heart of every association and movement. There is a growing openness to dialogue: this fosters relationships of fraternal communion among all and supports initiatives aimed at dialogue with members of other Churches or ecclesial communities, with the faithful of other religions and with people of non-religious convictions who are living in the area.
The parish movement is more developed in Europe and Latin America but it is also present in North America and in parts of Asia and Africa.
Contact:
movparrdioc@dev.focolare.org
