"Parish" is a word that all of us have used innumerable times.
"Parish" is a word that describes who we are and our whole relationship and function.

What does the word "parish" mean in its origin?

Why is it used to describe our Christian Community?

In Latin, the word is parrochia.
Oikia is the Greek for "house" or "home".
Para - as a prefix means "to be away from". - a traveler.

Our word "parish" actually is a place for those who are travelers in this world.
A parish is a home away from home - it is our home while we are travelers on the way.

The Incarnation of Jesus Christ marks the beginning of our "coming home" to the family of God. He brings all humanity back to the Father's house.

The Good News, the Gospel, is that the Kingdom of God is now here.

The Incarnation, the historical presence of Jesus is continued through space and time, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, in His Mystical Body, the Church.

As followers, disciples of Jesus, we are called to be good stewards of His historical presence by the selfless gift of ourselves so that we may give witness to Emmanuel - "God with Us."

Welcome home!