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Parish Missions at the
Threshold of the Millenium
More and more folks are expressing a desire for spirituality. Perhaps we've
tried other paths, and we're still empty. If anything were to characterize
the journey of contemporary people, it is a real hungering for an authentic
EXPERIENCE of God—a realizable, touchable experience. People today feel
a need to deepen their faith, their relationship with the Lord and one
another.
The origin of the word mission is Latin; it means "to send." While many
associate the word with foreign missions (where persons are sent to preach
and teach), here the word is used interchangeably with retreat… we Passionists
are sent to a local parish (rather than have parishioners travel to a retreat
center) for about a week. It's a fun and inspiring time, a week of preaching
and counseling and spiritual direction, a time of sharing stories and song
and prayer, a time of faith revival, simply listening to God and God's
love for us.
All are invited—young and old, married and divorced, single and widowed;
the appeal is to all who have stayed or strayed over the years. NOW IS
THE TIME TO COME HOME TO THE LORD.
While plenty of activity fills each day, the evening service is the
heart of the Parish Mission. Something happens to individuals and parish
communities when we pack into church each night and are bonded by the preaching
of God's Good News and song. The sermons are focused on practical, down-to-earth
topics (e.g., "coping and wonder" " or "grief and hope") as we ponder how
the Scriptures nourish and heal us in the everyday struggles and joys of
our lives.
Psalm 131 reminds us, "I have stilled and quieted my soul." It is in
that quiet relaxation that real meaning and peace return.
Copyright © 2000 Passionist Community, all rights reserved.
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