We exist to bring every person into intimacy with Christ (part 3)

by Fr. Chad King  |  01/25/2026  |  Gospel Meditation

To start this third installment of this article series on our parish vision statement, let me begin with bringing to attention two points from Scripture:

God desires every person to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth (1Tim2:4)

Every person was made by and for God, to have life to the full (Jn 10:10).

God desires every person to be saved, and every person is longing for the fulfillment of happiness and love, that only God satisfies. To that point, I as Pastor of St. Gabriel, am not meant to just shepherd the Catholics who come through our doors. I am not just meant to guide every Catholic who might come to Mass here. I am to help shepherd every person who lives within our parish boundary. What is our parish boundary? The Diocese has laid out our south boundary as Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale Road as our east boundary and about 24th Street as our west boundary. Unfortunately, the map we have doesn't give a clear street to the north. I think that is because there aren't many streets/houses that far north, but for reference, Carefree Highway is about midway between the southern and northern part of our boundary.

Anyway, think about that. The next time you drive home from Mass, think about all the neighborhoods that you pass. They all have people living there that God loves and wants to come to know him, and WE have the responsibility to share the Good News of knowing Jesus Christ. If you're thinking, "that's a lot of people", that is right! That is why it can't be MY responsibility alone, but it is OUR responsibility. I admit, I don't walk our neighborhood like Fr. David did, and which Fr. Tim does most every day. However, maybe you (and me) can start by praying for our neighbors: that they will recognize the longing in their hearts. I assure you, that is happening! Every week we hear about people coming back to faith. I think about how I don't know them, I have done nothing to bring them here, but God has been working on their hearts, and so they come seeking. I know if we are a little more intentional in praying for them, even more people will come (back) to God.

Don't worry, I'm not calling you to go door-to-door (unless you feel called to), but what you can do is what I talked about in last week's article. Befriend your neighbors. Get to know them, let them get to know you. I think back to my parents; they knew a good number of their neighbors by name, not all, and most of them came to know them and their faith. In turn they came to know me as their son the priest. One of them wasn't quite ready to come back to the practice of his faith, but when my parents passed away, he wanted a couple things to remember them by. As I write this, and have him in mind, I have no doubt that my parents are praying for him. It takes time and effort to establish friendships, including neighbors and coworkers, but maybe through your friendships you will be able to be a witness to the love and mercy of God that their heart is longing for. Your invitation might be what brings them with you to grow in faith together at and through St. Gabriel.