Chapter 6 -2 What is the Church? Read pages and answer FO REVIEW on page 153 # 1- 5 Read pages 146 – 153 and answer FRO REVIEW on page 153 #6 - 10

Aim: What is the Church? I. Gathering of Believers who carry on Christ Mission A. Christian church those who profess belief in Jesus Christ and are baptized into the faith B. Active present of Christ in the world with the help of the Holy Spirit C. Carrying out Jesus’ mission by being God’s instrument of salvation in history D. Exists for the world 1. Beacon of light and hope 2. Source of healing and unity E. Christ will come again 1.Second Coming - when Christ will return to earth 2.Last Judgment – when evil will be overcome by good and God’s Reign will be brought to fulfillment

II. Mary as a model of Church A. Mother of the Church = title of Mary B. Assumption the doctrine that Mary went to heave body and soul, she did not go through the corruption o death 2/27 ended III. “Church” at different levels A.Liturgical assembly – gather for liturgy = public worship, eg. Mass B.Parish – local assembly C.Diocese – group of parish led by a bishop D.Worldwide Church

IV. Images of the Church A.People of God- St. Peter’s epistle, not perfect, a “pilgrim” church B.Body of Christ – St. Paul, we are to “be” Christ for the world C.Temple of the Holy Spirit – St. Paul, the Spirit dwells in us V. Small Christian Communities A.Early Christians gathered to worship & celebrate the Eucharist in homes B.Today called base communities or small Christian communities

VI. Splits in Christianity A. denominations – variety of Christians branching off from Catholic Church B. Catholic Church “main trunk” traces its history back to the Apostles through an unbroken line of bishops 1. led by the pope, bishop of Rome, successor of St. Peter C. Christian include Catholics, Orthodox Christian, Protestant D. ecumenism movement to build mutual understanding and respect among Christians

VII. Beyond the Christian Religion A.non-Christian can be saved, Christ died for all B.Fullest revelation of God and God’s truth is found in Jesus Christ VIII. States of Life within the Catholic Church A.laypeople / Laity – most of the church, single, married, divorced, young and old B.Religious – those who take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience 1.variety of ministries, teaching, hospital, social work 2.Sister of Mercy, Dominicans, Franciscans 3.Marist Brothers, Dominicans, Franciscans

C. Ordained clergy celebrate the sacraments 1.deacons 2.priest 3.bishops