1. BLEST ARE WE
THE STORY OF OUR CHURCH

2. THE BEGINNING OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
APOSTOLIC AGE & EARLY CHURCH
(A.D )
PENTECOSTE- The Birthday of the Church
It is the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples.

3. NEW TESTAMENT
ST. PAUL –Wrote letters to the early Christian communities between A.D. 50 and 60.
THE GOSPELS- Were written between A.D. 65 and 100.
The New Testament was completed by A.D. 120.

4. SAINT PETER Originally called Simon
Named Peter by Jesus. Peter means rock.
Jesus said ”upon this rock (petra), I will build my Church”
Brother of Andrew
Fisherman by trade
Scholars believe he was a widower
The first POPE
He was crucified upside down in Rome

5. SAINT PAUL Paul was named Saul before his conversion
Saul hated Christians and persecuted them.
He was blinded by a light and heard Jesus say to him “why are you persecuting me?” p. 322
APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES, OR NON-JEWS
HE WROTE EPISTLES OR LETTERS- to help new Christians understand Jesus and how to live his message.

6. 10 Interesting Facts about St. Paul
From Roman City of Tarsus, located in southern Turkey
He was not physically impressive or a good speaker
He was a Pharisee & a tentmaker
He was a Roman citizen from a wealthy family and educated in Jerusalem
Paul witnessed the stoning of the first Martyr, St Stephen
He became very effective in creating Christian communities
Paul wrote most of the books of the New Testament
He never met Jesus

7. THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help guide the apostles and disciples to do God’s will.
The Holy Spirit guides the Church today!
The Holy Spirit is almost always portrayed as a dove.
The Holy Spirit inspired the sacred authors of the Bible. Even though different men wrote the Gospels, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit helped them to write the words God wanted written down!

8. THE MARKS OF THE CHURCH:
APOSTOLIC- it is faithful to the teachings of the Apostles.
ONE- it is unified in Christ
HOLY- it is in communion with God
CATHOLIC- it is open to all

9. MISSION OF THE CHURCH
The Church preaches the GOOD NEWS of Jesus and helps people grow in holiness.

10. THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
1.Apostolic Age and Early Church (A.D )
2.Early Middle Ages (A.D )
3.Late Middle Ages (A.D )
4.Reformation and Counter-Reformation
(A.D )
5.Modern and Post-Modern Era
(A.D The present)

11. THE CHURCH THEN NOW
St. Peter & the rest of the Apostles spread the good news around the world as they baptize people in Jesus’ name
First Christians considered themselves to be Jews and kept their traditions while celebrating the Eucharist.
People celebrated the sacrament of reconciliation only once usually before death.
People were separated from the altar and stood during liturgy
Many did not receive the Eucharist they felt unworthy.
Priest said Mass with back to the people and in Latin.
The Pope and the Bishops help carry on the mission of the first Apostles. They form the Magisterium, or teaching office of the Church.
Church members define themselves as Catholics. They use the Old and New Testament.
The sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated often.
Altar is no longer separated by rails, but we continue to believe that the Eucharistic celebration is holy.
During the Mass people sit , stand, and kneel. More people receive communion.
Mass is celebrated in the language of the community. Masses are communal celebrations with the priest facing the people.

12. THE CHURCH COMMUNITY POPE AND BISHOPS PRIESTS AND DEACONS
RELIGIOUS SISTERS AND BROTHERS
THE LAITY

13. COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM
The Church’s first gathering arranged by St. Peter and St. Paul.
As a result Gentiles (non-Jews) were allowed to belong to the Church.

14. FAITH FAITH IS A GIFT FROM GOD
Faith is a personal adherence of man to God. It is a free assent to the whole truth that God has revealed.
Faith is a personal act, it is the free response of the human person to the initiative of God who reveals himself.
Faith is not an isolated act. No one can believe alone, just as no one can live alone.
FAITH IS A GIFT FROM GOD

15. SUNDAY READINGS PROPER HEADING SUNDAY’S DATE:
FIRST READING: LIST WHERE THE READING IS FROM. 3 TO 5 SENTENCE SUMMARY
SECOND READING:SAME AS 1ST READING
GOSPEL:SAME AS 1ST READING
HOMILY: 1 TO 3 SENTENCES. What would your main point be if you had to give the homily?