The “mission chart” represents the various aspects of our parish life and contains three references to the Gospel: Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:26-29 and Matthew 25:31-46. The three together help us to understand different dimensions of our parish life:

• The first is the parable of the mustard seed. Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which becomes the greatest of shrubs so that the birds of the air come and “make nests in its branches”. We learn that our parish must be a place where those who need to can come and take shelter, can find a home, protection, peace from the challenges of life. It is so important that we build community to allow this. But this cannot be all we do.
• In Mark 4:26-29 Jesus also teaches that the Kingdom of God is “as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground…and the seed should sprout and grow”. A large part of our energy has to be focused on this aspect of the Kingdom to ensure the faith is passed on to future generations.
• Finally, Jesus teaches us that our relationship with Him is expressed in what we do to the “least of my brethren” (Matthew 25:31-46). Having received the gift of faith and knowledge of God’s love for us, we give it back to Him by serving Him in others, especially those most in need.
• All of this comes together at Sunday Mass. As we get to know Him, we learn of His love for us and we gather to praise Him and allow Him to nourish us before going out to build community and serve others. This is all represented on the chart above. The red areas represent how we get to know God, the blue how we praise Him and the green how we serve Him.

You are this parish and each of these areas needs parishioners to be involved if they are going to thrive. Please consider offering yourself to get involved in at least one of the areas listed on the final page of this booklet.