One True Faith?

Many Religions… …But ONE true Church Why is the Church relevant in this world?

Fact The Catholic Church every single day feeds, houses, and clothes more people, takes care of more sick people, visits more prisoners, and educates more people than any other institution on the face of the earth could ever hope to.

The Divinity of Christ Prophecy: the voice of God ◦ Very numerous prophecies about Christ ◦ Very numerous prophecies by Christ ◦ ALL true Jesus showed his power ◦ Performed documented miracles in front of hundreds of people ◦ Forgave sins

The Church Established by Christ for all people for all times!

Supreme authority given to Peter as the first Pope “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.” “Whatever you declare bound on earth shall be bound in heaven.” “You are Rock, and on this rock I will build my Church.” “I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

“Outside the Church there is no salvation” CCC 846 “They could not be saved, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ would refuse either to enter it or to remain in it.” Free acceptance of Christ guarantees salvation; free denial guarantees damnation.

But… “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try by their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience – those too may achieve eternal salvation.” CCC 847

Thoughts to ponder… There is a genius in Catholicism; if we would just take the time to make the effort to humbly explore it There is nothing wrong with Catholicism that can’t be fixed by what is right with Catholicism If you and I are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem If 67 million Catholics in the United States stepped it up a notch, something incredible would happen

Closing Prayer Dear Jesus, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Your spirit and love. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Yours. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as you shine so to shine as to be a light to others. (Mother Teresa)