Previously... This course is designed to explain the basics of what we believe, and what the Church is about. God is Love. The Trinity is a community of love. Communion means being united to this communion. We are united to this communion through the Church. We join the Church through Baptism. We renew our communion with God in the Mass.

Session 4: The Apostolic Ministry A bishop is a successor of the Apostles and a Father in God. His is a universal ministry of unity and oversight (episcope). He unites the parishes that are committed to his care in communion with each other and with the Church across the world and through the ages. From the leaflet ‘Communion and Full Communion’ published by The Society.

Ministry in the Church The Church is not run like other organizations. Other organizations are run in the most efficient way, the structure is the servant of the purpose of the organisations. The way the Church is governed is different. Catholics believe it is a gift from God.

Ecce Sacerdos Magnus Behold a Great High Priest Behold a great high priest, who in his days pleased God. Therefore, by an oath, the Lord made him increase among his people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed his covenant upon his head. Glory be to God the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Disciples and Apostles Disciples Apostles Jesus

The Church Today Bishops Disciples

Bible Study Matthew Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Characteristics of the Church The Church is visible. The Church is apostolic. The Anglican Communion, the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox churches are the Church founded by Christ. All the baptised are part of this, at least in some sense.

Questions Do I pray regularly for my Bishop, and my parish priest? Do I accept their teaching as the teaching of the Lord? Is there more I could do to help them in their ministry?

Concluding Prayer Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church; mercifully replenish thy ministers so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life, that both by word and deed they may faithfully serve thee, to the glory of thy Name, and the edifying and well-governing of thy Church; through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.