Apostolic
What do we mean when we say the Church is Apostolic?
We follow the example of the Apostles who began the Church.
4. Through what do we receive holiness?
The sacraments
7. What are the two definitions of catholic?
Universal and open to all
10. What does “one” mean in terms of the Church?
Striving for unity
2. Which Apostle in particular do you believe had one of the biggest roles in founding the Church? Why this Apostle?
Peter - “rock of the Church,” considered 1st pope, given mission to begin Church
Paul - great missionary who converted many to Christianity, supporter of Peter
5. Explain the significance of the story of the Road to Emmaus. When did the disciples recognize Jesus? Why was this important?
On the road to Emmaus, two disciples are joined by Jesus, though they did not recognize him at first. In the breaking of the bread, they realize that this stranger is Jesus. This is important because it is a precursor to the sacrament of Eucharist, through which we can gain holiness.
8. Why is “catholic” one of the Marks of the Church - what is the Church called to do?
The Church is called to be open to all. We want our Church to welcome people from all backgrounds and abilities, because we believe that everyone has the ability to be saved by God.
11. Explain the metaphor of each person being a part of the Body of Christ. How are we all called to be “one” in the Church?
Every person has different gifts and talents, like each part of a body has a different ability and purpose. Together, the parts of the body work together to perform unified tasks. Similarly, people work together in the Body of Christ to perform unified tasks. We are called to be “one” in the Church by using our unique gifts and talents to work toward the unified goal of spreading Jesus’ mission.
3. Explain the significance of Peter visiting Cornelius. What precedent did this set for the Church?
Peter, a Jew, broke Jewish Mosaic law by entering the home of Cornelius, a Gentile. He learned that Gentiles can believe in Jesus’ message, too. This created the precedent that Jews do not need to follow all of the Mosaic laws and that Gentiles can be converted directly to Christianity.
6. What is one way you can focus on holiness in your life?
Regularly participate in the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, and be thoughtful and serious when preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation.
9. How did the Council of Jerusalem make the Church more catholic?
The Council of Jerusalem declared the Gentiles did not need to become Jewish and follow the strict Mosaic laws before being able to convert to Christianity; they could directly convert to Christianity. This made the Church more catholic because it opened us up to people of a different background.
12. How did the story of Pentecost influence the disciples’ ability to be a part of the Body of Christ?
At Pentecost, the disciples were given the ability to speak in tongues, or speak different languages. This influences their ability to be a part of the Body of Christ because they could now spread Jesus’ message in foreign lands they previously would not have been able to communicate with.