Parish Ministry Today

The parish apostolate is, under certain circumstances, an appropriate apostolate for carrying out our mission of serving the faith and promoting justice.

Goals and Characteristics of a Jesuit Parish

A Jesuit parish is committed to the pastoral goals and policies of the local church, but it also "participates in the apostolic priorities of the Society" and in the mission plan of the province, according to "our way of proceeding." Members gather to celebrate "in well-planned, creative and inculturated ways." It is energized by Ignatian spirituality and by individual and communal discernment. It opens itself progressively to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue and reaches out to alienated Christians as well as to nonbelievers. It opposes all forms of discrimination and contributes to a genuine culture of solidarity which transcends parish boundaries.

The Jesuit in a Parish

A Jesuit is in a parish to contribute meaningfully to its total life. Jesuits there should have contact with other Jesuits, diocesan pastors and other religious ministering in the region. He must be trained well in "homiletics, liturgy, catechesis, sociocultural analysis, social communication, and conflict management." His formation in parish life must be ongoing.