One of the concepts that we encounter in the Mass and in the New Testament is communion. What is meant here is not the Eucharist. Instead, this communion that we are invited into is sometimes also described by the term fellowship.

In faith and in the Scriptures, those terms lead us to a similar conclusion. That is, a deep joining of mind and heart.

Taken from St. Paul, one of the opening greetings of the Mass says, “the grace of our Lord Jesus, Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Cor 13:13). First and foremost, St. Paul is praying that we receive the grace to be joined to God. But because what he is asking for in prayer is a grace, it is a gift of union that exceeds our human capacity.

Faith in God transforms and strengthens us in this life more than we can recognize. The faithful person’s adherence to God’s love, especially in difficult circumstances, both inspires and mystifies the world. Accepting suffering and illness, and finding a meaning for it in Christ, is a typical result of communion with God. Faith leading to communion with God can be the motivation of the enduring commitment of one who works tirelessly to serve the poor or promote respect for the unborn. It can bring one to the sacrifice undergone by Father Jacques Hamel three weeks ago in France.

At times, people remark about the many points of our Catholic teaching. (The first edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church comprised 2,865 paragraphs explaining what we believe). However, every one of those elements of our faith is another component of what God has told us about Himself.

Understood properly, our doctrine opens us to greater communion with God.

But the communion of the Holy Spirit is not just upward, toward God. It is also a communion that unites those called by Jesus and who have accepted that calling.

Jesus Himself gave us that great command, “Love one another as I have loved you.” (Jn 15:12). This was Jesus’ final prayer for us on Holy Thursday night, before He began His suffering and death.

Communion and fellowship play out strongly in a healthy parish. It is the reason that our personal participation in parish life is more than just an outlet for our energy or enthusiasm.

For example, Sunday Mass is, at its deepest level, our personal contact with Christ at the altar. We join the Church throughout the world and throughout the ages in adoration and in the reception of grace that is given during each Mass.

There is also something special about being with others in that moment of worship. There is a fellowship that is formed. By kneeling and praying with others, we draw strength knowing that we are not alone. We often form personal contacts and relationships with other faithful followers that strengthen our resolve both to carry on in faith and perhaps even to change or amend what in our lives does not belong in this fellowship.

But that fellowship is not restricted to moments shared in church. Often parishes offer evening Bible studies or adult education. Sometimes there will simply be a one-time talk offered on a special topic. Throughout the year and especially during Lent, fish fries are still common in our parishes, to say nothing of the parish breakfasts. During this summer season, many parishes have festivals.

Frequently this aspect of parish life requires us to give of our time and our energy, for planning, decorating, set-up and take-down. These kinds of gatherings are often places for families and our young people to gather. Newcomers can meet the old timers. The joy of faith is shared.

We rightly lament and worry about the decline in Sunday Mass attendance. Sunday Mass is the heart of our identity as Catholics. To be absent is to lose our identity.

The social elements of parish life and our participation in them are also a very real way of strengthening our faith and that of others. They require effort but they help us to keep our lives and our families centered on Jesus and our Catholic faith.

How active is your participation in the whole life of your parish? Joining parish activities in fellowship is good for us and for others.