LESSON 3: Series of Events that led to the Foundation of the Church

1. PREACHING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

This is when Jesus started traveling and teaching people about God's love and rules. By sharing these teachings, he laid the foundation and gathered the first followers for what would later become the Church.

2. THE CHOICE OF THE TWELVE AND SOME WOMEN DISCIPLES

This is when Jesus picked a specific group of leaders to help him. He chose 12 main men (the Apostles) and a group of women followers to learn from him closely so they could lead the Church and keep it running after he was gone.

3. THE PROMISE TO PETER

This is when Jesus tells his disciple Peter, "You are the rock, and on this rock I will build my Church." Simply put, Jesus chose Peter to be the ultimate leader of the group (making him the very first Pope) to keep the Church united and strong.

4. THE LAST SUPPER

This is the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles before his death. During this dinner, he started the tradition of sharing bread and wine (the Eucharist/Holy Mass), giving the Church its most important way to worship and stay connected to him forever.

5. THE PASCAL MYSTERY (THE SUFFERING, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST)

This is the heart of the whole story. By dying on the cross and coming back to life three days later, Jesus defeated sin and death. This powerful event marks the official spiritual birth of the Church, proving that Jesus' message was true and giving eternal life to everyone who follows him.

6. THE COMMISIONING OF THE DISCIPLES

This is when the resurrected Jesus gives his followers their ultimate marching orders. He tells them to go out into the entire world, make disciples, and baptize people. This officially turns the group from a small band of students into active missionaries.

7. THE SENDING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (PENTECOST)

This is the official "birthday" of the Church. Fifty days after Easter, God sent the Holy Spirit down upon the followers, giving them the ultimate bravery, language skills, and power they needed to leave their hiding spots and fearlessly start preaching to the world.