Pope Francis focuses on parishes

Pope Francis' prayer intention for September:
'For parishes at service of mission'

This month’s intention is for parishes at the service of the mission: "That they not be simple offices, but that animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen."

Pope Francis has released a video message accompanying his prayer intention.?

The text of the video message reads:

Parishes must be in contact with homes, with people’s lives, with the life of society.

They have to be houses where the door is always open so as to go forth toward others.

And it is important that this going-forth follows a clear proposal of faith.

The doors must be opened so that Jesus can go out with all of the joy of his message.

Let us pray for our parishes, that they not be simple offices, but that animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen.

The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network of the Apostleship of Prayer developed the "Pope Video" initiative to assist in the worldwide dissemination of monthly intentions of the Holy Father in relation to the challenges facing humanity.

Story first appeared on Vatican Radio

We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -