SYNOPSIS OF LESSON 1-10
1.THE CHURCH IN GOD’S PLAN
The tower of Babel -Sin divided the people and took them far away from God.
Jesus came into the world to re-gather God’s people into His family The Church.
2.THE CHURCH IS REVEALED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
At Pentecost Jesus sent the apostles His gift which was the Holy Spirit to empower them and guide them in their mission which was to spread the good news .”Go, then,to all the peoples everywhere and make them my disciples:baptise them in the name of the Father,the Son and the Holy Spirit,and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you”(Mt 28:18-20)The birthday of the church .At Antioch the believers were first called Christians, and Bishop Ignatius of Antioch was the first to describe the church as Catholic.
3.THE CHURCH AS PEOPLE OF GOD
The church is both human and divine.Its members are human but its author is divine.From Exodus to the New Testament we see how God regathers His people .While on earth Jesus fully revealed God’s love, mercy and grace to the people.He chose the Apostles electing Peter the leader .In the Last Supper Jesus established a new covenant by sacrificing himself Body and Blood for the whole world and in doing so saved all of us The Church ,His people from eternal death and opened the way of reconciliation to God.
We become a member of the Church by our baptism, God has chosen us to be His messengers to spread Gods news and mercy to all.
4.THE CHURCH AS BODY OF CHRIST
Each of us has our own part to perform as members of the Church,no matter what our age,background or capabilities are.Just as every body part cannot function independently without the head nor is any more or less important than the other.Christ the head of the church needs all of us to pull our own weight ,use our talents,gifts, time and resources to help the Church grow and be known to everyone. As the Bride of Christ we are closely united with Christ and one another.By Baptism we are incorporated ito th Body of Christ ,the church and in the Sacrament of the Eucharist ,we celebrate one community and partake of the one body of Christ in Holy Communion.
5.THE CHURCH IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In the Old Testament ,God created a covenant with the Israelites and gave them the Ten Commandment which were written on stone and place in a sacred box called the Ark of the Covenant .This was carried by them everywhere they went and symbolised God’s presence.
By our baptism we receive the Holy Spirit who resides in us and thus our body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit ,the home of the Holy Spirit.Thus Gods presence is not confined to any building per se but He is also present within our bodies.We are called to remember this at all times and ,to take care of our bodies by avoiding sin, stain and bad thoughts.Also respect the bodies of others in the same way as they too harbour the Holy Spirit.We should not hurt another physically nor psychologically by our actions,bad words etc.
6.THE MARKS OF THE CHURCH
These are the signs by which we are known as the Catholic Church, because these marks were bestowed upon her by Christ ,through the Holy spirit.without any of these we would not be the church founded by christ.
the Church is one -we are called to unity as a family of God
the Church is holy- we are called to holiness in our daily lives
the church is catholic- we are called to be open and welcoming to all people regardless of race,ethnicity, religion , culture or economic background.
the church is apostolic-we are called to share in the mission of the apostles to proclaim the Good News to all peoples.
What attracted others to the early christian? Their deep respect for the teachings of the Apostles,their strong sense of community , a life of common prayer and mutual service and help.
7.THE CHURCH IS ONE
The unity of the church has its source in the Holy Trinity. Though its members are from different backgrounds ,Catholics all over the world profess the same creed,celebrate the sacraments in the same manner and have many other beliefs and celebrations in common.We are united under the leadership of the bishops who in turn are united with the Pope ,the bishop of Rome.
We as members of the body of Christ therefore through unique as individuals ,we have a common mission that is for the greater glory of God.
8.THE CHURCH IS HOLY
While on Earth Jesus lived a life of Holiness and asked His apostles to be the same.On His ascension He sent The Holy Spirit to keep the church holy.Thats why the Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit. As Christian we are called to holinees by:
- Avoiding falling into sin
- keeping our minds and hearts focused on Jesus and His message
- avoiding sinful desires or things
- Being mindful that our redemption has been paid by the sacrifice of Christ who died for us and therefore aspire by all means to live a pure and meaningful life.
We grow in holiness when we assume a wholesome attitude by being thoughtful and responsibel on our relationship with God and others. Live a life of prayer,reading and reflecting on scriptures,celebrating the sacraments esp the Eucharist and Reconciliation.
9.THE CHURCH IS CATHOLIC
The church welcomes everyone, since God desires to save the whole of humanity.It is not arfaid to integrate with various cultures in accordance with the values and teachings of Christ.
10. THE CHURCH IS APOSTOLIC
The church today is the same that was founded by Jesus and His apostles.As Christs true witnesses they were entrusted to teach and preserve faihfully and truthfully the message of Jesus.There is a continuous succesion of Bishops from Peter till today doing just that.
MEMORY VERSES
- John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that WHOEVER BELIEVES in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Jeremiah 29:11“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- Matthew 7: 7 Ask and you shall receive,seek and you shall find,knock and the door will be opened to you
- Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
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