The Meaning of Church

OVERVIEW

The Church's theology of itself has continually changed over the centuries while retaining its

essential characteristics. The Church is rooted in Christ and has as its mission the proclamation

of the kingdom. There are various ways or models to help us understand the mystery of the

Church. A catechist's image of the Church influences both the method and content of the way he or she teaches.

OBJECTIVES

1. To compare and contrast the meaning of Church before and after Vatican II.

2. To understand the essential nature and mission of the Church.

3. To explore some approaches for teaching students about the Church.

AIMS

1. The participants will be able to articulate the essential characteristics of the Church.

2. The participants will be able to appreciate the varieties of historical and cultural images the

Church has used to understand itself.

3. The participants will be able to name the model of the Church out of which they operate.

4. The participants will reflect on how they might teach about the Church.

Working with the Catechism

The following will help you gain a better under-

standing of church as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

From the Catechism

"The 'Church' is the People that God gathers in

the whole world" (#752).

Read the Catechism

Read P748 – #870.

Discuss the Catechism

1. For what purpose does God gather the People?

2. How does the plan continue to unfold?