Carry on the work of the Disciples and St Paul

Who are they?

Carrying on the Work Read Mt28 :16-20 What instructions are the disciples given? Paul wasn’t there when this happened but do you think he carried out these instructions? When he established His Church, Jesus placed the Apostles in charge of caring for people and telling them about himself. He placed Peter at the head of the Apostles. Now down through time that authority has been handed on from Pope to Pope. This is called Apostolic Succession. The Pope is the successor of St Peter and is at the head of the Church. He leads the Bishops (the successors of the Apostles) who themselves lead the People in their local Churches.

This does not mean what you might think! It isn’t about Power Pope Francis tries hard to follow Jesus. Jesus always tried to serve and help others. So being Pope means to have to give an example by what you say and do of helping others. In fact the Pope is often called the servant of the servants of God

Look at these pictures. What do they tell us about Pope Francis ? This is Holy Thursday, the Pope is washing the feet of Prisoners Do you think someone as important as the Pope would normally travel on a bus?

This is a picture from a shanty town in Argentina Here is Pope Francis making time for children

Here are some words of Pope Francis: Firstly to young People Dear Young Friends, Jesus is calling you to be a disciple with a mission! Today, in the light of the word of God that we have heard, what is the Lord saying to us? Three simple ideas: Go, do not be afraid, and serve. Careful, though! Jesus did not say: “if you would like to, if you have the time”, but: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Sharing the experience of faith, bearing witness to the faith, proclaiming the Gospel:

Bringing the Gospel is bringing God’s power to pluck up and break down evil and violence, to destroy and overthrow the barriers of selfishness, intolerance and hatred, so as to build a new world. Jesus Christ is counting on you! The Church is counting on you! The Pope is counting on you!

Next to Everyone “Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us;” By preaching Jesus Christ, who is himself peace (, the new evangelization calls on every baptized person to be a peacemaker I want a Church which is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us. Take care of God’s creation. But above all, take care of people in need.

Having looked at the pictures and read his words explain how you think Pope Francis is teaching us (revealing) about God (you can - follow Pope Francis on Twitter - Pope

Bishop Declan

Bishop Declan’s words If the message of Christ, in all its richness finds a home within us, we cannot be indifferent or ignore the hurt of others. We are part of creation and the planet has been entrusted to us as a gift to be respected and passed on to future generations. We are called not only to have a profound respect for human life, but all life as created by God.” I would like us to ask how do we ensure that our parishes are welcoming and hospitable. How do make strangers feel welcome?

What kind of things do you think are important to Bishop Declan?