Denomination: Roman Catholic
Joyfully building up the Church
"What should be done then my friends? Let all things be done for building up." - I Cor. 14:26
What do we mean by 'the Church'?
Primarily we are speaking about our local parish of St. Philip Neri, where we as individuals have the greatest measure of influence.
St. Philip Neri is not a separate entity or an island unto itself; we are connected to something much greater than our selves, therefore we are also speaking about the Church as being: Diocesan and Universal.
Even though we are a Catholic church, we are indeed connected with all Baptized Christians (Eph. 4:3-6) who may or may not be in full communion with the Catholic Church, therefore this statement is Ecumenical in nature.
"The Church" is made up of many people. Some are poor, some rich, some are young, some are older, some are sickly, some are well, some are married, some are divorced, some are joyful, some are grieving, some have two parents, some have one... the list can go on and on. This statement is Inclusive.
What about those who are not baptized? Does this mission statement include them? Yes it does! In responding to the great Commission given to us by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father..." Mt. 28:19 we reach out to those who know not Christ, in hope that one day they will respond to his call to be part of His Church. Therefore this statement is also Evangelistic in nature.
"What should be done then my friends? Let all things be done for building up." - I Cor. 14:26
What do we mean by 'the Church'?
Primarily we are speaking about our local parish of St. Philip Neri, where we as individuals have the greatest measure of influence.
St. Philip Neri is not a separate entity or an island unto itself; we are connected to something much greater than our selves, therefore we are also speaking about the Church as being: Diocesan and Universal.
Even though we are a Catholic church, we are indeed connected with all Baptized Christians (Eph. 4:3-6) who may or may not be in full communion with the Catholic Church, therefore this statement is Ecumenical in nature.
"The Church" is made up of many people. Some are poor, some rich, some are young, some are older, some are sickly, some are well, some are married, some are divorced, some are joyful, some are grieving, some have two parents, some have one... the list can go on and on. This statement is Inclusive.
What about those who are not baptized? Does this mission statement include them? Yes it does! In responding to the great Commission given to us by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father..." Mt. 28:19 we reach out to those who know not Christ, in hope that one day they will respond to his call to be part of His Church. Therefore this statement is also Evangelistic in nature.
