Lesson 5: Meet the Catholic Church

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Summary of Lesson

As members of the Catholic Church we are a part of something huge, something worldwide, something thousands of years old, something started by Jesus himself! There are more than 1 Billion Catholics in the world! The Catholic Church is a family, and a body, with many parts: the faithful (laity), the religious communities, the priests, the Bishops and the Pope. Jesus appointed Peter to be the first leader of the Catholic Church, the first Pope, and since then, there has always been a leader following in Peter’s footsteps and guided by the Holy Spirit. The Bishops have followed in the footsteps of the other apostles and continue to lead the Church. The current pope is Pope Francis, who lives in Vatican City, the “headquarters” of the Catholic Church. Vatican City is an official country, the smallest country in the world, and at the heart of it lies St. Peter’s Basilica. We should always pray for Pope Francis!

Meet the Saints Bullet Points:

Jesus founded the Catholic Church when he was alive.
The Catholic Church is worldwide – present in at least 198 countries!
There are more than 1 Billion Catholics in the world!
The Pope, Pope Francis, is the head of the Catholic Church. He is Jesus’ “vicar” or representative.
Vatican City is the “headquarters” of the Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Basilica is at the heart of Vatican City.

Scripture Passage: Matthew 16:13-19

Now when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you yourselves say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…”

Discussion Prompts/Questions:

What do you think of when you hear the word “Church”?
Have you ever been to a Catholic Church in another state, another country?
What do you know about the Pope? Why do you think Jesus left us a leader?
What is one thing you like about being Catholic?

Saint of the Month: Saint Peter Damian (February 21st)

The Saint of the month is St. Peter Damian. He lived in the late 900s. As a young man, he used to invite the poor to dinner at his house, and he would be their waiter and serve them his own food. Later, he was a monk and a bishop who tirelessly worked to help the Church grow in holiness. He constantly reminded everyone – priests and Bishops included – of the importance of prayer, taking care of the poor, and living like Christ would. He wrote many letters to priests and churches, encouraging them to live their faith and to strive for holiness.