COMMUNITY

By Jim Pinto, Jr.

"Mobilizing the faithful in a grace filled consecration to promote the love of God and neighbor from the moment of conception to natural death."

While our Faith is deeply personal it is not private or solitary. We are relational beings, made in the image and likeness of God who is communal in His very nature -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He has made us for community with Himself, others, and specifically with those in the Church who are "the body of Christ." St. Paul tells us: "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." The call to community ("koinonia"), is clear throughout scripture and the life and teaching of the Church. Those who were converted and baptized, "….devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers" (Acts 3:42).

Members of the Society freely give themselves to the Lord, His people, communal life and the sacraments. Members are expected to:

Be faithful Communicants of a local parish.

Participate in the Celebration of the Mass at least weekly.

Participate in local Life Cell gatherings for spiritual formation and fellowship.

Keep all other Society members in their Daily Rosary Devotion.

Make a gracious offering of their time, talents and treasure, to the Society and her Mission.

We, who work tirelessly for the inclusion of the unborn into the family of the born, must not exclude ourselves from active participation in the gathering of His body. We must not say either in word or deed, "I have no need of you" (1Cor.12.20). Let us joyfully assemble together in His name, whether for the great Liturgy of the Mass or for small group teaching and sharing. Let us assemble in His name with confidence, for Jesus promised: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Thank you Lord, for the spiritual gift and discipline of community.

Now is the time for God's people to unite in a deeper consecration to God and neighbor, especially "the least." Contact us now and let us discern together your participation as a lay associate in the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life. Contact missionary@priestsforlife.org.

Back