Many Catholics today might wonder whatexactly is the relationship between a parish and a (arch) diocese. Is the latter just another level ofadministration, bureaucracy or authority--or is there a more relevant and uniquely empowering connection?

To put it in simple, non-ecclesial language--while each parish might have a unique personality we are all part of the Universal Catholic Church. We are both framed and united in the Word of God and in the Action of Christ’s life and teachings (His mission and ministries)--and then we are called in our own time and place to imitate Christ to the world.

St. Catherine of Siena is no different in its structure from other Catholic parishes: we have a priest, appointed y the Archbishop, to collaboratively work with and to teach and preach God’s Word; to lead the laity who, by their Baptismal priesthood, are called to be God’s cooperators in the vineyard of faith.

The Archdiocese of Hartford, known as the “local church,” connects each parish to Rome and the whole Church--in the teachings of Christ and in God’s Revelation, so that closely connected we are assured that what is taught in one parish is identical in the next. This keeps our faith authentic in her beliefs and practices as well as maintaining our Apostolic nature.

A universal connection and benefit. Yes, most definitely! A universal truth must be equally shared in each parish. An absolute truth cannot vary from place to place if it is to be authentic. And the great traditions (corporal and spiritual works of mercy) are maintained from age-to-age so as to benefit all peoples in every time and place, making it truly universal. Let us remember the words of Christ: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20 )
Looking at the Church’s history we see the growth and continuation of Christ’s own mission and ministry, because of this connection to Him through the Church: healthcare through Catholic hospitals and ministries continues, food and housing shelters to make life less difficult for the needy, moral influence on education and social justice encourages compas-sion and mercy through Christ’s ongoing mission and ministry. Can we imagine an end result if all were left to individual whims, desires and interpretations of each different parish, if not harnessed by the Apostolic nature of the universal Church? Because of this unique Apostolic connection, our Church becomes an Fr. Michael continued….ongoing “chain-link fence of Catholic faith,” and so if unbroken she continues to benefit untold billons of peoples “until the end of the ages.”

The Archdiocese of Hartford both provides our parish with the ecclesial and Apostolic (spiritual)
connection to the universal Church of Rome and also provides us, in practical ways, with assistance. Along the sacramental and direct connection to Christ’s ongoing mission and ministry--His teachings--we are also have a structure to function in the modern world, which in fact we could not afford to do on our own.The Archdiocese provides financial guidance, human
resources knowledge, legal counsel and document reviews as well as budgetary understandings enabling us to function more effectively within the required parameters (laws) of civil society. On our own, we could not afford it, but united together we are able to access the expertise smaller parishes would be hard pressed to have. This “chain-link fence” of ongoing compassion and hope (Catholic faith) and practical support is all part of God’s plan.

So this special connection which we have as an apostolic Church, through the Archdiocese, serves us mightily well in the modern world. And so we continue to be part of that ancient and powerfully strong Catholic chain-link fence that our parents, grandparents and ancestors have all shared in--fromChrist and His apostles until the end of the age.