When you meet with fellow Christians, you have godly examples of behaviour and beliefs that can spur you in your own spiritual growth.

You can meet people who can actively encourage you and walk beside you in trials and joys. You can grow in Christ through the wisdom and insight that other s can offer.

Consider how the Church  influences those outside of it.  The Church is active and present within the world. Parishes are in the heart of local communities.  Their members try to reach out to serve the wider community, in particular the lonely, poor, isolated and vulnerable.

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Churchgoers and leaders alike help create a community within the Church that glorifies Christ.

Paul discussed the unity and diversity in the Church when he wrote to the Corinthians. He said that “The body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12). Paul asserts that we are all  part of the body of Christ, but individually, each member has different gifts. One person may lack in a certain area, but together the Church, as the body of Christ, is stronger.

Each person has something different to offer, from new and experienced believers to lay and church leaders alike. The unity and diversity within the Church enriches the  community, equipping people in the church for righteousness to glorify Christ and to spread the news of His love and salvation that extends to all people.

You may be wondering how you fit into the Church. Explore your gifts and how you can use them to serve others and Christ both now and in the future. Maybe you can commit to attending Mass regularly, devoting yourself to prayer and reading Scripture, and getting involved in a ministry. You could  step up into some lay or more formal  leadership role.

If you’d like to start or develop your role in your parish community it starts with speaking to your parish priest.

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Coming Together: The Importance of Church Community

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