✝️ Lesson 3 – The Church: Body of Christ on Earth

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📍 Lesson Goals

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand that the Church is not a building, but the living Body of Christ.

• Learn how and why Jesus founded the Church.

• Recognize the role of the Church’s authority, sacraments, and mission.

• See how belonging to the Church transforms their spiritual lives and identity.

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🕯️ 1. Opening Prayer

“Lord Jesus, You promised that the gates of hell would never prevail against Your Church. Help us to understand that this Church is not man’s invention but Your living Body on Earth. Open our eyes to see our place within it and our mission as Your disciples. Amen.”

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🪨 2. The Church: Founded by Christ, Not by Man

Many people today think of “church” as a place, a service, or a group of people with similar beliefs. But according to Scripture and Catholic teaching, the Church is much more — it is the continuation of Christ’s presence on Earth.

📖 Matthew 16:18

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Here we see two key truths:

• Jesus Himself founded the Church.

• He appointed Peter and the apostles as its leaders.

From that moment, the Church became the living community of believers called to bring God’s truth, grace, and love into the world.

💡 Catechism (CCC 751):

“The word ‘Church’ means ‘convocation’ or ‘assembly.’ It designates the People of God called together from all ends of the earth.”

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🌿 3. The Church as the Body of Christ

The Church is not just an institution — it is a living, breathing organism called the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head, and we are the members.

📖 1 Corinthians 12:12–14

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts… so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.”

What does this mean for you?

• You are not an isolated believer. You belong to something bigger than yourself.

• Your gifts and talents matter because the Body needs every part.

• Hurting the Body hurts Christ; serving the Body serves Christ.

🧠 Reflection: If Jesus is the head and you are part of His body, then when you act with love — Christ is loving through you.

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📜 4. Apostolic Succession: The Unbroken Chain

Jesus chose 12 apostles and gave them authority to teach, forgive sins, and celebrate the sacraments (John 20:21–23). These apostles ordained successors — the bishops — who continue their mission today. The Pope is the successor of Peter, the first Pope.

📖 Luke 10:16

“Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me.”

This apostolic succession is what gives the Catholic Church its authority to teach in Jesus’ name. It ensures that the truth of the Gospel remains uncorrupted from generation to generation.

💡 Catechism (CCC 857):

“The Church is apostolic because she is founded on the apostles, she teaches their doctrine, and she continues to be taught, sanctified, and guided by their successors.”

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✝️ 5. The Four Marks of the Church

The Nicene Creed describes four essential qualities of the true Church:

1. One – United in faith, worship, and leadership.

2. Holy – Set apart by God’s grace and presence.

3. Catholic – Universal; open to all nations and peoples.

4. Apostolic – Built upon the apostles and faithful to their teaching.

💭 Discussion: Why do you think Jesus wanted one Church, not thousands of separate groups?

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🕊️ 6. The Church’s Mission: To Continue Christ’s Work

Jesus did not come just to save individual souls — He came to build a Kingdom of love, justice, and truth. The Church continues this mission through:

• Teaching – Proclaiming the Gospel and preserving truth.

• Sanctifying – Giving grace through the sacraments.

• Governing – Guiding believers to holiness and eternal life.

• Serving – Caring for the poor, the sick, and the forgotten.

📖 Matthew 28:19–20

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

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🏠 7. The Church in Your Daily Life

Being part of the Church isn’t just about Sunday Mass — it’s about belonging to a family and living out your faith every day.

Here’s what that looks like for a teenager:

• Community: You are surrounded by people who share your faith and support your journey.

• Worship: The Eucharist connects you directly with Christ’s Body and Blood.

• Guidance: The Church helps you navigate moral decisions and challenges.

• Mission: You are called to serve others with Christ’s love.

💡 Remember: Christianity is not a “me and Jesus” journey — it’s a we and Jesus mission.

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🫀 8. Reflection & Discussion

Reflect & Discuss:

1. How does it change your perspective to think of the Church as Christ’s body?

2. What gifts or talents might you have to offer to the Church’s mission?

3. How can being part of the Church help you grow closer to God?

Activity:
Write a short reflection beginning with:
“Lord, thank You for calling me to be part of Your Church. Help me to…”

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🙏 9. Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You for founding Your Church and inviting us to be part of Your Body. Help us to love the Church as You do, to serve her with our gifts, and to see her as our spiritual home. May we grow in unity, holiness, and mission as Your disciples. Amen.”

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✅ Summary of Key Takeaways

• Jesus Himself founded the Church and built it on the apostles.

• The Church is the living Body of Christ, with Jesus as its Head and us as its members.

• Apostolic succession ensures the Church teaches with Christ’s authority.

• Belonging to the Church connects us to grace, truth, and a global family of faith.

• The Church’s mission is to continue Christ’s work on Earth — and you are part of that mission.