A Community of Disciples Chapter 1

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

“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

Your relationship with Jesus will determine your relationship to the Church

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

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

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

2. The vine and the branches Jesus vine Members branches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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