From Roots to Renewal
This book examines the parish from its theological and canonical foundations, returning to the earliest forms of Christian community to rediscover its constitutive elements. By tracing the historical and juridical development of the parish in the Latin Church – from house churches to the post-Vatican II context – it identifies the essence of parish life and its significance for the life and mission of the Church.Building on this foundation, it examines the current canonical framework and the pressing challenges of restructuring local communities of the faithful. It argues that reforms must be both realistic and canonically sound, since only juridically secure structures can ensure pastoral care and access to the sacraments. By uniting historical insight, canonical precision and attention to contemporary realities, the book opens perspectives for the future vitality of parishes as living expressions of the Church.
