Canon Law Perspective

While the names may vary, the eight focus areas reflect what the Church considers the basic pastoral work in a parish community as expressed in The Code of Canon Law (cf. Canons 528-529):

• ensuring that the word of God is proclaimed in its entirety to those living in the parish
• instruction in the truths of faith, especially by means of the homily and by catechetical formation
• works that promote the spirit of the Gospel, including its relevance to social justice
• Catholic education of children and youth
• bringing the gospel message to those who have given up religious practice or who do not profess the true faith (outreach to inactive Catholics)
• promotion of Eucharist as the centre of the parish assembly
• celebration of the sacraments, especially Eucharist and Reconciliation (including programs of sacramental life and preparation)
• nourishment of the prayer life of parishioners, especially within families
• active participation of parishioners in the liturgy
• methods of acquaintance with parishioners, the welcoming of newcomers, home visiting, efforts at building community
• care for the sick and especially the dying
• seek out and care for the poor, the suffering, the lonely, those who are exiled from their homeland, and those burdened with special difficulties
• foster the growth of Christian life in the family
• recognize and promote the specific role that the lay members of the parish have in the mission of the Church
• foster in parishioners concern and works that promote the community of the parish and that help them consider themselves to be members of the diocese and the universal Church.