Abstract

The educational function of the community is fulfilled through teaching,
liturgy and pastoral undertakings. These are the fundamental functions of
the Church. If the Good News which the Church proclaims is to remain the
Light “which enlightens every man coming into the world”, the Church must
remain the guarantor of conscience, its guardian, and the defender of the
person, thus of humanity itself. The ecclesial character of Christian morality
does not take away from conscience per se. It simply points to a need for its
ecclesial interpretation since, apart from God, there is no other immutable
basis for the absolute character of law and moral obligation.
The parish plays an important role in the integral education of humans
and the development of their faith. It is the most significant place in which
the Christian community is formed. The parish, therefore, becomes a point
of reference for persons seeking a living Church, looking for a place
of authentic prayer and dialogue, a friendly community which attracts by means of an authentic Christian lifestyle. It is the community of faith
that makes catechesis alive in its teaching, celebration (liturgy), as well
as practice (diaconate). Thanks to these activities, meeting the Church in
the parish becomes real and immediate – it is here that the daily life of the
faithful encounters the reality of Salvation.