The Church: Community, Mission, and Sacraments

The Church Community of Believers

• are Christians.
• is the place where Christians gather.
• is an NGO of followers of Jesus.
• is the Pope of Rome, the bishops, and priests.

The word church comes from the Greek ekklesia, which means "meeting or assembly of citizens summoned by a public message."

Thus, in the Church:

• citizens are called Christians.
• the public message that calls is Jesus and his message.

The Church: Mystery of Communion

• Why do we say that the Church is a mystery?
• The Father, from the beginning, thought and wanted the Church.
• The Son was sent to gather the Church by giving his life for her.
• The Holy Spirit animates and continues with its animating force.

The Holy Spirit: Strength of Believers

Pentecost and the Community of Disciples

• Incorporation in Baptism.
• Listening to the apostles.
• Participation in the Eucharist.
• Solidarity and mutual aid.
• Living the life.

Church Organization and Mission

The Church: People of God

• The Church is the new People of God; God chooses and calls people with whom He makes an alliance.
• It is a universal people, for all races and countries.
• You are a member of the People of God through faith and Baptism.
• The main person is Jesus Christ.
• Dignity and freedom of the sons of God, received in the Holy Spirit.
• The law is the commandment to love others as Christ himself loved us.
• The mission is unity, hope, and salvation for every person.
• The destination is the Kingdom of God.

The laity are Christians who live the Gospel according to their particular vocation (married, unmarried, etc.) and work in their responsibilities.

The Mission of the Church

The mission of the Church is to bring the Gospel message to all peoples and cultures.

• Ministries and charisms in the Church:
• Teaching
• Sanctifying
• Service
• Collaboration
• Proclamation
• Witness

Sacraments Serving the Community

• Sacraments continue to act, giving us life, forgiveness, etc.
• Transferring Christ's saving action.

• Visible signs (e.g., bread and wine), accompanied by gestures and words.

Confirmation

• Receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
• Deepening your identity as a Christian.
• Uniting more closely to Christ and the Church.

The Priestly Order

• Bishops
• Priests
• Deacons

Celebration

• Presentation
• Questioning
• Imposition of hands
• Prayer of consecration
• Anointing
• Delivery of symbols