The Church tries to carry on the work of the Disciples and St Paul

Who are they?

Carrying on the Work Read Mt28 :16-20 What instructions are the disciples given? Paul wasn’t there when this happened but do you think he carried out these instructions?

The Catholic Church The Catholic Church tries to carry on the work of Jesus. It describes itself as One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic The word Catholic means universal. It is Universal because Jesus came for everyone perhaps especially those who feel failures or outsiders. What stories from the Gospel would show this?

The Catholic Church is Holy The Church is holy because the Church tries to live in union with Jesus Christ, (that means being in a relationship with Jesus, being close to him) the source of holiness. Through the Holy Spirit the Church leads others to holiness. The holiness of the Church is seen in the love that the members of the Church have toward one another and they way they try to build God’s Kingdom. Over one sixth of the world are members of the Catholic Church. Sometimes some of these members of the Church get it wrong. Instead of helping they hurt each other but because some people get it wrong doesn’t mean that the Church as a whole is wrong

The Catholic church is Apostolic The Catholic church is Apostolic. What do you think this word is connected to? After his death Jesus placed the Apostles in charge of caring for people and telling them about himself. He placed Peter at the head of the Apostles. We call St Peter the first Pope Now down through time that authority has been handed on from Pope to Pope. This is called Apostolic Succession. The Pope is the successor of St Peter and is at the head of the Church. He leads the Bishops (the successors of the Apostles) who themselves lead the People in their local Churches.

This does not mean what you might think! It isn’t about Power Pope Francis tries hard to follow Jesus. Jesus always tried to serve and help others. So being Pope means to have to give an example by what you say and do of helping others. In fact the Pope is often called the servant of the servants of God

Look at these pictures. What do they tell us about Pope Francis? Do you think someone as important as the Pope would normally travel on a bus? This is Holy Thursday , the Pope is washing the feet of Prisoners

Here is Pope Francis making time for children This is a picture from a shanty town in Argentina

Here are some words of Pope Francis: Firstly to young People Dear Young Friends, Jesus is calling you to be a disciple with a mission! Today, in the light of the word of God that we have heard, what is the Lord saying to us? Three simple ideas: Go, do not be afraid, and serve. Careful, though! Jesus did not say: “if you would like to, if you have the time”, but: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Sharing the experience of faith, bearing witness to the faith, proclaiming the Gospel:

Bringing the Gospel is bringing God’s power to pluck up and break down evil and violence, to destroy and overthrow the barriers of selfishness, intolerance and hatred, so as to build a new world. Jesus Christ is counting on you! The Church is counting on you! The Pope is counting on you!

These are his words to everyone “Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us;” By preaching Jesus Christ, who is himself peace  every baptized person has to be a peacemaker I want a Church which is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us. Take care of God’s creation. But above all, take care of people in need.

Having looked at the pictures and read his words explain what do you think Pope Francis is teaching us (revealing) about God (you can -follow Pope Francis on Twitter - Pope Francis@Pontifex

Bishop Declan

Bishop Declan’s words If the message of Christ, in all its richness finds a home within us, we cannot be indifferent or ignore the hurt of others. We are part of creation and the planet has been entrusted to us as a gift to be respected and passed on to future generations. We are called not only to have a profound respect for human life, but all life as created by God.” I would like us to ask how do we ensure that our parishes are welcoming and hospitable. How do make strangers feel welcome?

What kind of things do you think are important to Bishop Declan?