1. A Community of Disciples
Chapter 1

2. A Community of Disciples
People of God = The Church
People:
from all times
from all countries
who believe in God
who respond to Jesus’ call to be holy
who respond to Jesus’ call to serve

3. How do we know that God exists?
The creation
Human reason
Not feeling alone in the world

4. We are made by God to live with God.
Therefore: we are religious by nature
The Church is the means and goal of God’s plan

5. What does the word Church mean?
Ekklesia – Gr. Assembly
Ecclesia – Lt. Convocations or assembly of people
Kirche – Eng/Ger What belongs to the Lord
How is this picture a good representation of the word Church?

6. Church in Christian usage –
People gathered for liturgy
Liturgical assembly in a particular locale
World-wide believers

7. Church is a community of disciples and a communion of saints.
We come to know God’s plan through the Church.

8. The Church is a community
Community – Lt for oneness
Members are a community :
In their faith in Jesus
In allowing Jesus to work through them to better the world

9. “As a member of the Church through Baptism, you have the responsibility to have Jesus work through you as you work to bring justice to the world and peace to all people.” text pg 4

10. Your relationship with Jesus will determine your relationship to the Church

11. Images of the Church 1. The Body of Christ St Paul
Jesus is the head and we are the members of the body

12. 2. Temple of the Holy Spirit
God dwells with his family in the Church
Jesus is the cornerstone
What is a cornerstone?
We are the living stones

13. Jesus’ symbols of the Church
The Sheepfold
Good Shepherd
Lays His life down for the sheep
Gate for sheep to come through

14. 2. The vine and the branches
Jesus vine
Members branches

15. 3. The leaven Power of Jesus spreads throughout the whole world.
You are leaven and spread the goodness of Jesus

16. Marks of the Church 1. The Church is One One Lord One faith
One Baptism
One Spirit

17. 2. The Church is Holy God the Father – most Holy
Jesus gave life to make her holy
Spirit is with Church and helps it to be holy
Perfect holiness is constantly being acquired
All members are sinners
Proclaiming saints as the Holy Spirit’s power of holiness

18. 3. The Church is Catholic Catholic – universal For all people
Speaks to all people
People of all times
Missionary – going out to all people

19. 4. The Church is Apostolic
Built on the foundation of the Apostles
Continues to be taught and guided by apostles’ successors: bishops, priests and pope
Members share in the spreading of the Word

20. Blessed Mother Mary – Mother of the Church Mary – first disciple
Said yes to annunciation
Gave birth to Jesus
Thus, gave birth to the Church
Title given during Vatican II
Mary – first disciple

21. The Sanctifier – Holy Spirit - to make Holy
Spirit – formed the disciples into the community
Guides community
Guides each member
Received Holy Spirit during Baptism
Gives us strength to act as Jesus would act

22. “You become a sign of Jesus’ presence in the world by upholding the life and dignity of all people.”
Text pg 8

23. 3. Bride of Christ
Christ loved the Church so much that he died for her
He constantly cares for her
He joins the Church and himself with a covenant of love