The word parish itself originates in Judaism and identifies the body of people. "Parish" denoted the Israelites living in exile in Egypt. Later, "parish" signified the earthly existence of Israel living in this world but not as part of this world; rather, as a parish of pilgrim people of God, the Israelites looked forward to the heavenly Jerusalem.
In Christianity the term was similarly used to denote the Church community living in the Kingdom of God now in this world but with a view to its fulfillment in the heavenly Kingdom. St. Peter reminded the early Church, "Conduct yourselves reverently during your sojourn in a strange land" (1Pt 1:17), highlighting that idea of a pilgrim people journeying toward heaven.