The sacraments need to be celebrated within the broad community, reminding us of our need to support one another, and that all that we do affects the holiness of others. The whole community is affected-even members who are not present. As something new happens to those celebrating the sacrament, it happens to the whole community. For example, because the sacrament of reconciliation has been celebrated in a parish, the whole parish should be a more reconciling community. For example, those celebrating marriage need to be surrounded by a courageous, loving community who celebrates with them because the community believes in commitment.
Sacraments are parish celebrations.
These celebrations help the entire parish to pause and reflect on our identity as a Eucharistic community. They can be a deepening renewal of faith for all ages. Eucharist is about the unity of the entire Body of Christ. The gift of the Eucharist unites all of us, not just those I know or those I go to class with. It unites me with all of God's family.