For parishes – The Pope Video 2 – February 2023

“Parishes are not a club for the few, which give a certain kind of social belonging.” This is Francis’ vision for parishes, which he explains in his February video, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. It’s not a new vision, but rather the same that Christianity has had since its origins. The Pope tells us that parishes “have to become once again schools of service and generosity, with their doors always open to those who are excluded. And to those included. To all.” They must be “close-knit communities, without bureaucracy, people-centered.” And he ends his message asking us to “be daring” to make parishes be this way again.

"Sometimes I think that we should put a sign on the door of parishes that says, “Free admission.”

Parishes should be close-knit communities, without bureaucracy, people-centered —a place where the gift of the sacraments can be found.

They have to become once again schools of service and generosity, with their doors always open to those who are excluded. And to those included. To all.

Parishes are not a club for the few, which give a certain kind of social belonging.

Please, let us be daring.

Let us all rethink the style of our parochial communities.

Let us pray that parishes, placing communion –communion of people, ecclesial communion– at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, of fraternity and of welcoming the most in need".

Via the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer):

If you want to see more videos and other content about the Pope's intentions, you can find them at

With the collaboration of Vatican Media

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