Lesson 1-3rd Quarter

Lesson 1: Nature of the Church

One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the nature of the Church

  • Devise a campaign promoting the nature of the Church

  • Compose an ecumenical prayer for all Christians

The Big Question

  • How can you contribute to the tasks and challenges of the Church in being One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic?

The Church as One

  • Source of Unity:

    • The Church is one due to the unity of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    • Founded by Jesus, it calls all to live in faith, hope, and charity.

  • Members' Unity:

    • Members form one body and Spirit, sharing one hope and mission.

    • Characterized by baptism into one faith and worshipping one God.

Visible Signs

  • Represents aspects of the Church in its unity.

Serious Offenses Leading to Formal Break with Church Communion

Three General Offenses:

  1. Heresy:

    • Denial or doubt by a baptized person regarding a truth to be believed.

  2. Apostasy:

    • Total repudiation of the Christian faith.

  3. Schism:

    • Withdrawal from communion with Church members.

The Church as Holy

  • Source of Holiness:

    • Founded by Jesus, who is holy, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

  • Living a Holy Life:

    • Holy actions please Jesus; serving others, especially those in need, demonstrates love for God and achieves holiness.

    • Love serves as a sign of holiness in daily lives.

The Church as Catholic

  • Meaning of Catholic:

    • The term means universal, complete, and all-embracing.

  • Historical Catholicity:

    • Established on Pentecost, foreshadowing the union of all peoples in the Faith.

The Church as Catholic According to a Church Father

  • Universal Presence:

    • Spread throughout the world.

  • Possession of Truth:

    • Holds all saving truth.

  • Mission:

    • Sent to all peoples; able to heal all kinds of sins.

  • Abundance:

    • Abounds in virtues and spiritual gifts.

The Catholicity of the Church

  • Dual Aspect:

    • Catholicity is both a gift and a task, implying mission and inculturation.

  • Inculturation:

    • Expressing faith within Filipino context, deepening Christian faith through local values, attitudes, and traditions.

The Church as Apostolic

  • Foundation and Continuity:

    1. Grounded permanently on the apostles.

    2. Guards and transmits their teachings and witness.

    3. Continuously instructed, sanctified, and guided by the apostles' successors.

Transmitting Apostolic Teachings

  • Living Tradition:

    • Authentic transmission of apostolic teachings across generations.

    • Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Apostolic Church, plays a significant role.

St. Pope John Paul II

  • Early Life:

    • Born Karol Josef Wojtyla on May 18, 1920, in Poland.

  • Papacy:

    • Served nearly 27 years from October 16, 1978, until his death on April 2, 2004; first Polish and non-Italian pope since the 16th century.

Legacy of St. Pope John Paul II

  • Role in Catholic-Jewish Relations:

    • Helped cultivate brotherhood between Jews and Catholics.

  • Global Message:

    • Known for warmth, charisma, courage, and integrity; shared his message broadly.

    • Beatified on May 1, 2011, and canonized with Pope John XXIII on April 27, 2014.

Conclusion

  • Thank you!

    • Appreciating the significance of the Church's nature and our roles within it.