The Mystical Body Chapter 24

How did Jesus found the Church? Jesus called and taught his apostles Jesus gave the apostles instructions to continue His mission in the world Jesus gave them power to continue His work Jesus gave them practice: preaching, healing the sick, casting out demons Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with them—instituting the Sacrament of the Holy Orders by giving them the power to consecrate the Holy Eucharist. Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on them, giving them the power to forgive sins

THE POPE Jesus built the Church with the authority of a Pope—a leader to whom all could turn to for truth and guidance Successor of Peter—how is the Pope selected? When the Pope dies (or retires) all the cardinals are called to Rome for a conclave. The cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel and are not allowed to communicate with other people. This is a time of great prayer. As they take votes on who should be the next Pope, a gray smoke rises for the public to see. When the smoke is white, it signals to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.

Members of the Body of Christ We are Members of the Church— Laity Religious Deacons Priests Bishops— (Bishop, Archbishop, Cardinal, Pope) Ministries of the Church: music, extraordinary ministers, lectors, ushers, religious education teachers, service of the poor, sick, elderly…all who bring Christ to the world

VOCATION A vocation is two-fold: what are we called to do (our talents and the job that allows us to use them) and how we are called to do it (in religious life, married life, or as a single person)

THE TRUE CHURCH Do not believe in God: Atheism Believe in many gods: Hinduism and Buddhism Believe in one God: Judaism Believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Son of God: Catholicism, Protestants, Orthodox Believe in fullness of truth: Catholic Church People can share in the fullness of truth in various degrees—they may belong to another religion. Other people do not yet know God, but are trying very hard to be good people and seek out the truth. These people do not know the fullness of truth in the Catholic Church through no fault of their own. We are blessed to have been raised in the Catholic Faith.

Communion of saints The Church Triumphant—saints & angels in heaven The Church Suffering—all the holy souls in purgatory The Church Militant—all those united to Jesus here on earth. Saints & angels in heaven can pray for us and help us to grow in holiness and can intercede for the souls in purgatory. Souls in purgatory can ask for prayers of those in heaven and can pray for us on earth. We on earth, can ask the help of saints in heaven and souls in purgatory. We can help the souls in purgatory by praying and offering penances for them.

Prayer for those in Purgatory The Prayer of St. Gertrude is one of the most famous of the prayers for souls in purgatory. St. Gertrude the Great was a Benedictine nun and mystic who lived in the 13th century. According to tradition, our Lord promised her that 1000 souls would be released from purgatory each time it is said devoutly.  Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.