Synod of Montreal IV. Communities that are open, welcoming and fraternal

Foreword

Presentation

I. Communities that proclaim Jesus Christ to the world of today

II. Communities that celebrate their faith and give thanks for the gift of God

III. Missionary communities at the service of the world

IV. Communities that are open, welcoming and fraternal

Introduction

Children and young adults

Families

Immigrants

The sick and the hospitalized

Declaration

V. Communities in which true co-responsibility exists

Comments on the recommendations that are not being promulgated

Conclusion

Table of contents

Montréal

Let us pray with the Holy Father Benedict XVI Benoit XVI
The general intention of prayer of the Pope for the month of november is : That those dedicated to medical research and all those engaged in legislative activity may always have deep respect for human life, from its beginning to its natural conclusion.
His missionnary intention is : That in the Korean Peninsula the spirit of reconciliation and peace may grow.

How to participate in my Christian community pdf

Security and maintenance

Diocese of Montreal

IV. Communities that are open, welcoming and fraternal
Introduction
" I give you a new commandment: love one another, just as I have loved you, you also must love one another. By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples." (Jn. 13:35)
The Church is a fraternity. Following the example of the first Christian communities, today's Church strives to build communities according to the Gospel. Fraternal and welcoming communities are not unaware of differences and do not pretend to ignore them. They seek to remove the obstacles to communion. In a Church of communion, all Christians are recognized as equal disciples of Jesus Christ, as sons and daughters of the same Father-God. They are fully involved in the life of this Church and are artisans of its future.
Everyone - children, youth, and adults, must feel at home in the large family of the baptized. In the Church of Jesus Christ, there is a place for everyone. No one should consider himself or herself excluded, a stranger, or marginalized. In a very special way, the sick and the elderly are respected and loved members of the community. The former, by their sufferings, and the latter, by their wisdom and their rich experiences, contribute to the life and renewal of the Church.
More than a hundred and sixty proposals from the synodal teams insisted on the dimension of welcome as a characteristic trait of their Church. This shows the importance they accord it.
Thus, the criteria for belonging to the Church community must be explicitly seen in the unconditional welcoming of the other person in the name of Jesus Christ, while recalling the faith dimension that is implied in every gathering in the name of Jesus Christ.
The recommendations accepted by the Synodal Assembly show the need for individuals and groups, not only to feel, but also to be, an integral part of the community.