I was so excited to see this new document from the Congregation of the Clergy on Twitter this morning! There is little written on the parish itself in Vatican documents, although there are often sections dedicated briefly to the parish, for example in the recent Directory for Catechesis. And here, we have an entire 25 pages (in English) on the parish, which affords deeper discussion, including on the origins of the parish (§6).
Headlines include a recognition for change in the light of social and cultural change: “the current Parish model no longer adequately corresponds to the many expectations of the faithful” (§16). The entire document seems to be deeply steeped in Evangelii Gaudium, which we need to keep going back to, as we so easily forget that “so many of our brothers and sisters are living without the strength, light and consolation born of friendship with Jesus Christ” (EG, 49).
There’s lots I haven’t referred to here: the pastoral governance of the priest in releasing the gifts of the laity (inspiring), groupings of parishes (less inspiring!). I am highlighting just a few excerpts that seem quite visionary, with a few of my thoughts alongside.
Where you live doesn’t matter
The territorial configuration of the Parish, however, must confront a peculiar characteristic of our contemporary world, whereby increased mobility and the digital culture have expanded the confines of existence. On the one hand, people are less associated today with a definite and immutable geographical context, living instead in “a global and pluralist village”; on the other hand, the digital culture has inevitably altered the concept of space, together with people’s language and behaviour, especially in younger generations.
The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish, §8
Never has this reality been more relevant than now, where we must ask ourselves, ‘who is a parishioner?’ Is the person who watches livestream Mass at your parish 100 miles away a parishioner? I would argue, yes! The document instead speaks of “existential territory” (§16). I wrote a post on why we should no longer think of parishes in terms of geographical territory. Numerous pastoral questions arise, including:
- What does it mean to belong to a parish?
- On what grounds should someone receive sacraments (of initiation, but also marriage), if not living geographically in a parish?
Ultimately, “any pastoral action that is limited to the territory of the Parish is outdated” (§16).
Goodbye, status quo!
…mere repetitive action that fails to have an impact upon people’s concrete lives remains a sterile attempt at survival, which is usually welcomed by general indifference. If the Parish does not exude that spiritual dynamic of evangelisation, it runs the risk of becoming self-referential and fossilised, offering experiences that are devoid of evangelical flavour and missionary drive, of interest only to small groups.
The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish, §17
In other words, “this is the way we’ve always done it” is no longer an option. No longer is there a place for ‘business as usual’!
Belong, believe, behave
We talk about belonging before believing, and this document seems to recognise the deep importance of this as a condition for evangelisation.
a Parish must be a place that brings people together and fosters long-term personal relationships, thereby giving people a sense of belonging and being wanted.
The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish, §25
With the Parish no longer being the primary gathering and social centre, as in former days, it is thus necessary to find new forms of accompaniment and closeness.
The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish, §14
The parish’s earlier social roles (think parish social clubs) are relics of a bygone age, and the parish needs to find new means intentionally build community and “closeness”.
It is noteworthy how such cultural changes and the evolving territorial ties are fostering within the Church, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, a new discernment around community, “which consists in seeing reality with the eyes of God, with a view to unity and communion”[11].
The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish, §10
Renewal of structures
Sometimes there can be a lack of emphasis on structure, where some claim that a focus on structure can distract from personal transformation. Certainly, structures serve personal conversion, and this is precisely why we need to focus on the parish structures that need to change. The document understandably warns against “excessive and bureaucratic organisation” — I think this is particularly relevant to the Covid world where we can become healthy-and-safety-obsessed and debilitatingly risk averse. Yet there’s a recognition that change needs to be “even structural” (§2).
The conversion of structures, which the Church must undertake, requires a significant change in mentality and an interior renewal, especially among those entrusted with the responsibility of pastoral leadership.
The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish, §35
If I’m honest, the latter half of this document is less visionary than the first half. For a document seeming to challenge the status quo, the guidelines on grouping parishes and Pastoral Councils seem precisely to maintain the status quo, with little innovation or creativity evident. You won’t be surprised that I’d recommend Beyond the Parish if you want a much more inspiring read!
