For parishes to be open communities,

Parishes are not a exclusive clubs

In a press release accompanying the second prayer intention of 2023, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer network explains that with these words Pope Francis wants to remind all of us that there are no special requirements for entering, because, as he says, “parishes are not a club for the few, which give a certain kind of social belonging.” Indeed, in Pope Francis’ vision, parishes are “close-knit communities, without bureaucracy, people-centered — a place where the gift of the Sacraments can be found.” In the video, which begins with an image of the outside of a beautiful but empty parish church, followed by that of the same church full of people, thus becoming even more beautiful, Pope Francis notes that every parish should to put a sign on their door saying, “Free Admission”.