The Parish Model

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARISH

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish exists for its members to develop, grow, embrace, and live the faith and life of Our Lord Jesus Christ as revealed and taught by the Gospel and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Canon 515 of the Code of Canon Law states:

A parish is a definite community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis within a particular church; the pastoral care of the parish is entrusted to a pastor as its own shepherd under the authority of the diocesan bishop.

Furthermore, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

It is the place where all the faithful can be gathered together for the Sunday Eucharist. The parish initiates the Christian people into the ordinary expression of the liturgical life: it gathers them together in this celebration; it teaches Christ's saving doctrine; and it practices the charity of the Lord in good works and love.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish continues to strive to develop and carry out its mission of bringing the Gospel of our Lord to its members through the liturgical, spiritual and ministerial activities listed on these pages. The goal of our life, our faith and our Church is to minister to all people and to bring alive the message of Jesus Christ. As we journey together in faith, may our prayer always be that Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish images, in all ways, the values, teachings and life of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARISHIONERS

All members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish enjoy the rights and privileges as well as the responsibilities and duties granted by the Code of Canon Law. All members carry the responsibility to actively participate in the total - liturgical, spiritual, and ministerial - life of the parish. Canons 208-209 of the Code of Canon Law states:

In virtue of their rebirth in Christ there exists among all the Christian faithful a true quality with regard to the dignity and the activity whereby all cooperate in the building up the Body of Christ. The Christian faithful are bound by an obligation always to maintain communion with the Church.

This "communion with the Church" is accomplished by being an active parishioner and by making a sincere stewardship commitment of time, talent, and treasure. At its most fundamental understanding an active parishioner is:

One who is registered in a parish and actively participates in the life and mission of the Parish and the Church. By "actively participating," it is meant, among other things that:

• the person/family is registered in the parish
• the person/family is attending Mass regularly
• the person/family helps the parish through their stewardship gift of time, talent and treasure
• the person/family is involved in the religious education programs, social activities, and service projects of the parish.

At the heart of this commitment is the full, active, and conscious participation in the Sunday Eucharist on a regular basis. From this, it is hoped that all members will freely and generously give of their gifts and talents to the ministries of the parish. All ministries and activities listed in this brochure are open to all parishioners and new members to specific ministries and committees are always welcomed to join.

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH PARISH MODEL