Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan told members of St. Paul of the Cross parish Sunday that Christians work out their salvation through service to their brothers.

In his first visit to an archdiocesan parish, the archbishop said, “I come to you with joy and the expectation that we will work out our salvation together through our service to our brothers.”

“We shall be known by our fruits, not by our status in life,” the archbishop said. “The world has pragmatic tests. Business wonders what are your works, what do you produce. In sports you are asked what have you done this year, not last year.”

“Christians prove their love for Christ by loving their brother. We wish to go to God and we do it through our fellow man,” Archbishop Donnellan said.

He pointed out that the Second Vatican Council in its opening message focused on the hardships, hopes and sorrows of the poor.

“Let our concern focus on those who are lowly, weak and poor,” the archbishop said. “Our test is how do we recognize ourselves. Does our attention focus on the lowly?”

“Are we concerned about our fellowman? Do we give our own possessions and time to lift up the poor?...We can’t tell Christ of the comfort we have or be so concerned with order that we could not be disturbed.”

The archbishop in opening remarks during his homily said, “My brothers and sisters in Christ there are many concerns and worries of a bishop and many joys. One of the joys is visiting parishes because in a real sense the bishop is pastor of each church. When he visits he is coming home and I have joy in coming home to you.”

After Mass Archbishop Donnellan was presented gifts by P.Q.Yancy, who was instrumental in the establishment of the parish, and Renee Allain, 11, a sixth grader at the parish school. The archbishop concelebrated Mass with Father Edward Banks, C.P., pastor, and Father Vincent Conners, C.P.

The archbishop also spoke to a breakfast meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society after Mass.

“I am happy my first public contact is with the St. Vincent de Paul Society,” Archbishop Donnellan said. “I have always had interest in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Legion of Mary who carry the message of personal involvement.”

“I’m not so sure I have a great deal to say to you. I’ve refrained from outlining programs until I know the problems. I know the principles of the Gospel and we can’t really love God without loving our neighbor.”

Archbishop Donnellan said the work of the society’s conferences should be adapted to the changing times. “The poor are Christ’s poor whether or not they live in your parish and they should have your concern. All of God’s people are our people and our concern.”

“We can’t fulfill our Christian duty by writing checks -- it helps and don’t stop -- but you must give the personal witness of Christ in the presence of His poor. Helping the poor is a manifestation of our common priesthood, and I give you my assurance of my interest in your conferences.”

The archbishop was introduced by Henry de Give, president of the society’s Particular Council.