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Opening

• The apostles and disciples believed Jesus is the risen Lord and began proclaiming the Good News: "Jesus is Lord!" and "Jesus, the Lord, is Risen!"

• The Church was founded to spread the news of Jesus as the Savior of the world.

• The chapter covers the Church's history, faith proclamation, problems, and heresies that emerged during Christianity's growth.

• Key themes include the teachings of the original apostles, councils convened to maintain faithful doctrine, and reflections on Christ's titles and Filipino religious traditions.

Context

• Faith in Jesus is derived from Sacred Scriptures and Apostolic Tradition (Dei Verbum 10).

• Apostolic Tradition includes teachings and practices from the apostles.

• Emphasis on the need for deeper understanding of Catholic Tradition due to modern ignorance and skepticism.

• Historical sacrifices of early Christians strengthen current faith.

• Example of Pedro Calungsod's martyrdom highlights early evangelization efforts.

Pentecost and the Birth of the Church

• Pentecost, 30 CE: Apostles received the Holy Spirit, empowering them to spread the Gospel.

• Peter's first sermon resulted in about 3,000 conversions.

• Apostolic Church (30-70 CE): Peter and Paul as key figures in early evangelization and Church expansion.

• Paul’s conversion and missionary journeys essential for spreading Christianity to Gentiles.

Early Church Persecutions (70-312 CE)

• Jewish Christians faced persecution from non-believing Jews, leading to their dispersion throughout the Roman Empire.

• Peter and Paul both martyred for their faith, enduring significant persecution during the early years of the Church.

Roman Christian Empire (313-590 CE)

• Shift in Christian status from persecution to acceptance under Emperor Constantine (Edict of Milan, 313 CE).

• Increase in Church membership and construction of churches, but also rise in heresies and weakened faith due to lack of instruction.

• Establishment of key Church doctrines in response to heresies.

Medieval Church Challenges (590-1517 CE)

• The Church became a stabilizing influence during the collapse of the Roman Empire.

• Faced corruption, heresies, and power struggles between Church and State.

• Popes held significant political and spiritual authority, yet faced moral decline by 1492-1521.

The Reformation and Counter-Reformation (1517-1648)

• Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses led to the Protestant Reformation.

• Catholic Church's response involved reforms and the establishment of new orders to address issues raised by Luther.

• The Council of Trent solidified Catholic teachings and ecclesiastical discipline.

The Church in the Modern Age (1517-Vatican II)

• Challenges of secularism and modernity prompted the Church to uphold its doctrines through popes and councils.

• Vatican II aimed to renew the Church and engage with the modern world while preserving faith.

Current Church Initiatives

• Continuation of the new evangelization under popes, focusing on outreach and faith communication.

• Emphasis on Mary's role in evangelization as a guiding figure.

Teaching on Jesus

• Affirmation of Jesus as the eternal Son of God, fully human and divine (Creeds).

• Titles and symbols (e.g., Lord, Son of God, Christ, etc.) illustrate Jesus' identity and significance.

Conclusion

• Apostolic Church's guiding influence has persisted through centuries of faith articulation.

• Mary is honored as the Mother of the Church and a key figure in evangelization efforts.

• The Church continues its mission to share the Gospel and uphold faith and teachings.