What does it mean to be Church?

Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of meeting with some parishioners to discuss the formation of new parish church leadership teams. These conversations have centered on a vision for our parish—one that moves us from a community focused primarily on maintaining structures to one that is more mission-driven. In the course of these discussions, an important question has arisen: What does it mean to be Church?

Many of us, when we hear the word "Church," instinctively think of a building—the place where we gather for Mass, where we pray, where sacraments are celebrated. While this is true, the Church is much more than a physical structure. The word "Church" refers not primarily to a place but to a people—a community called by God to share in His divine life.

In the earliest days of Christianity, believers didn't use the word "church" instead they referred to themselves as followers on “the Way” (Acts 9:2), emphasizing that following Christ was a journey, not just an institution. The Greek word ekklesia, from which we derive the word "Church," means "assembly" or "those called out." It signifies the gathering of God’s people, called out of the world to be His own. Historically, the medieval Church emphasized it's structure—a well-ordered society with hierarchy, laws, and institutions. Accordingly, the Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 811 teaches that the Church is One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic: The Church is One, because we are united in faith, sacraments, and leadership under Christ. Holy, because the Church is sanctified by Christ and called to be a source of holiness for all. Catholic, meaning "universal," because the Church is for all people in all times and places. Apostolic, because it is built on the foundation of the Apostles and continues their mission. In more recent times, Pope Pius XII described the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ, stressing the union of all believers in Christ. And the Second Vatican Council deepened this vision, describing the Church as the People of God and the Sacrament of Communion—a living sign and instrument of unity between God and humanity.

One of the most important developments in modern theology is the idea of the Church as communio. At its heart, communio refers to our participation in the life of the Trinity. It is about our union with God and with one another. In Scripture, this theme is central: In John 15, Jesus describes Himself as the vine and us as the branches—intimately connected. In Acts 2:42-47, the early Christian community is described as sharing everything, praying together, and living in deep fellowship. In 1 Corinthians 12, St. Paul describes the Church as the Body of Christ, made up of many members but united in one Spirit. Church as communio was one of the central themes of Vatican II, though 60 years later is still has not been fully developed nor does has it fully shaped the way we live as Church. Some suggest this is a sign that the Council is still in its infancy, and one of the great challenges of our time is to bring its vision of communion to life in our parishes.

What Does This Mean for Our Parish?

As a parish, we face an important question: How can we embody this vision of communion? We are one parish but made up of six different communities. How do we live out our unity while still honoring the unique character of each community? Thinking in terms of communio challenges us to move beyond merely maintaining our buildings and programs and to ask:

• How can we strengthen our relationships with one another?
• How can we foster a deeper sense of belonging and participation?
• How can we ensure that our parish is not just a set of structures, but a living, breathing community of faith?

The answer lies in relationships. Communio means recognizing that we are all essential members of one body. It means building bridges between our different churches, ensuring that we are not isolated communities but a united parish family. It means renewing our commitment to Jesus Christ, to one another, and to the mission of sharing the Gospel.

A Call to Mission

If we embrace the vision of the Church as communio, then our parish cannot remain inward-looking. Jesus commissioned His disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Being Church means living as a missionary community, reaching out to those who are lost, broken, or disconnected from God. This is where our leadership teams come in. Their purpose is not simply to manage parish affairs but to help us move from maintenance to mission. Their goal is to ask: How can we make our parish a place where people encounter Christ? How can we support one another in faith? How can we be a light to our wider community?

Living as Church

To be Church means to be a people called by God, united in Christ, and sent into the world. It is about communion—with God, with one another, and with the whole body of Christ. This vision is not just a lofty theological idea; it is a call to action. As we continue forming our leadership teams, I invite you to reflect on what it means for you personally to be Church. Are there ways you can deepen your participation in our parish community? Are there ways you can help us live out our mission more fully? May the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to be a parish not just of buildings, but of people—united in faith, alive in Christ, and sent forth in mission. Amen.