How Ecclesial Movements Fit In With Parishes
Rome, Jan. 9, 2005 (Zenit.org).- At its plenary assembly in November, the Pontifical Council for the Laity reflected on the need "to rediscover the true face of the parish."  The topic of the relationship between the parish and ecclesial movements was presented by Father Arturo Cattaneo, professor of canon law in Venice, and of ecclesiology in Rome and Lugano.

In our times, the Holy Spirit has brought multiple forms of community which are recognized and lauded by the Church. On May 30, 1998, Pope John Paul II met with the representatives of more than fifty ecclesial movements, including L'Arche Communities, Communion and Liberation, Neocatechumenal Way, Regnum Christi, Focolare, Charismatic Renewal, and said:

"Today the Church rejoices at the renewed confirmation of the prophet Joel's words which we have just heard: "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh" (Acts 2:17). You, present here, are the tangible proof of this "outpouring" of the Spirit.

Each movement is different from the others, but they are all united in the same communion and for the same mission.