1. Images of the Church The Church Unit 4, Chapter 11
Document #: TX005561
© 2016 Saint Mary’s Press
Living in Christ Series

2. The Church, People of God
God wants all people to be his.
He invites all people to belong to the People of God, to form one family.
Notes: Point out the summary bullet points about the Church in article 47 of the student book. Discuss with the students which of these points they think would be most attractive to new members of the Church.
© 2016 Saint Mary’s Press
Living in Christ Series
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3. The People of God in the Old and New Covenants
Jews become part of the Chosen People by birth.
Christians become members of the new People of God
through the spiritual birth of Baptism and their faith in Christ.
Notes: Read aloud Jeremiah 31:31–34 and discuss some aspects of the New Covenant that is promised. Then read Luke 22:14–20, where Jesus offers this covenant. Ask where the students have heard the phrase “The blood of the new and eternal covenant ” (the words of Consecration in the Eucharistic liturgy).
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© 2016 Saint Mary’s Press
Living in Christ Series

4. The People of God Are United
The Church includes a great diversity of people
all united through the unity of the Trinity.
Notes: Discuss the kinds of diversity that the students observe in their own parishes. Expand the discussion to the Church in your diocese, in the United States, and in the world.
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Living in Christ Series
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5. The Church Is the Body of Christ
During the Consecration at Mass, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
This change is called Transubstantiation.
Christ himself is present in a true, real, and substantial manner.
Notes: Ask for examples of the ways we show reverence for the Body and Blood of Christ. Explain that this reverence stems from the doctrine of Transubstantiation.
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Living in Christ Series

6. Communion in Christ with Others
We are in intimate communion with Christ and we are united in Christ.
We possess different gifts and, therefore, assume different roles in the Church.
We share joys and sorrows, and we show special concern for those most in need.
Notes: Explain that our unity with Christ calls us to actively live out our unity with others, as in the sidebar in article 47 of the student book, “Mother Laura, Colombia’s First Saint.”
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Living in Christ Series

7. Christ Is the Head of the Body
The Church receives her life from Christ, living in him and for him.
In addition to gaining eternal life for us, Christ also conquered evil.
We trust that he can bring good from painful experiences.
Notes: Explore the idea that Christ can transform painful situations to bring new life from them, pointing out that we will certainly suffer in life, but we can suffer with Christ in hope.
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Living in Christ Series

8. The Church Is the Bride of Christ
This image distinguishes between the Church and Christ
and reveals their unity.
Christian Marriage is an effective sign of the covenant of Christ and the Church.
Notes: Explore the imagery of Marriage as a symbol of the relationship between God and his People, between Christ and the Church, noting characteristics of an ideal marriage that are seen in God’s covenant relationship with us, his Church.
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Living in Christ Series

9. The Church Is the Temple of the Holy Spirit
In the Old Testament, the Temple was where God was present to the people of Israel.
He was present there in a special and unique way.
The Holy Spirit is present in a unique way now in the Church.
Notes: Ask the students to identify some of the many ways that the Holy Spirit is active in the Church, in its ministries, and in the lives of its members.
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Living in Christ Series

10. The Holy Spirit Is the Soul of the Church
The Holy Spirit reveals Christ in the liturgy.
He makes the saving work of Christ real and present in the liturgy
and brings us into communion with Christ.
Notes: Point out that the Holy Spirit empowers us to develop virtues and gives us the talents and skills we need to contribute to the Church’s mission. With the students, brainstorm a list of talents and skills that people in your school community contribute to the mission of the Church.
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© 2016 Saint Mary’s Press
Living in Christ Series