September 2025 – Jesus and the Church
Theme: Who is Jesus? – Meeting Christ Personally. What is the Church? One body, One faith.
Scripture: “But who do you say that I am?” — Matthew 16:15
Catechism Focus: CCC 426–429
Goal: To introduce Jesus Christ as the centre of our faith, not as an idea but as a living person who calls us into relationship with Him.
FAMILY SECTION
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, we want to know You more. You are our Friend, our Saviour, and our God. Help our family to listen to Your voice, to trust You in all things, and to love You with all our hearts. Amen.
Simple Catechesis for Families
Our Catholic faith is built on a Person, not on rules or customs. That Person is Jesus Christ.
Jesus is God’s Son, who became man for us. He lived on earth, taught us, healed us, died on the Cross, and rose again.
He is alive now, and we can know Him personally.
Catechism (CCC 426): “At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, the only Son from the Father.”
To be Christian means to know Jesus, to follow Him, and to let Him change our lives.
Family Discussion Prompts
Who do you think Jesus is?
What do you love most about Jesus?
What do you want to ask Him for this week?
How can our family show Jesus that we love Him?
Family Activity Ideas
Jesus Name Collage: Write “Jesus” in the middle of a large sheet. Around it, write His names and titles: Good Shepherd, Light of the World, Friend, Lord, Saviour, King of Kings. Let each family member add a title they like.
Bible Reading Together: Read Matthew 16:13–16. Ask: “If Jesus asked us, ‘Who do you say I am?’ what would we answer?”
Prayer Corner Addition: Place a crucifix or icon of Jesus in the family prayer space. Light a candle and spend a minute in silence, simply saying, “Jesus, I love You.”
Act of Kindness for Jesus: Each member of the family does one secret act of kindness this week “for Jesus.” At the end of the week, share them.
ADULT SECTION
Simple Catechesis for Adults
Christianity begins and ends with Christ Himself. He is not merely a moral teacher, but the eternal Son of God, the Word made Flesh (John 1:14).
To evangelise or catechise is to bring people not just to doctrine, but to intimacy with Christ (CCC 426).
Jesus is fully God and fully Man. He reveals God to us and reveals us to ourselves.
He is the one Mediator (CCC 427) who bridges heaven and earth, time and eternity, sin and grace.
As adults, we need to renew not only our knowledge about Jesus but our personal relationship with Him.
Reflection Questions
Do I know about Jesus only as a figure of history, or do I know Him personally as Lord and Friend?
When I read Scripture, do I hear His voice speaking to me?
Where is Christ calling me to change, to follow more closely, or to let go of fear?
Practical Helps for Adults
Daily Gospel Reading: Begin each day with a Gospel passage (Mark is a good place to start). Ask: “What is Jesus saying to me?”
Prayer Before a Crucifix: Spend five minutes before a crucifix, saying slowly: “He did this for me.”
Visit the Blessed Sacrament: Even a short visit to the church brings us face-to-face with Christ truly present.
The Jesus Prayer: Repeat throughout the day: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Journaling with Christ: Write a letter to Jesus about your day, joys, and struggles. Then pause in silence as if waiting for His reply.
APOLOGETICS HELPS
Why Jesus, and not just “belief in God”?
Because God Himself chose to reveal His heart fully in His Son (Hebrews 1:1–2). Other religions may point to truth, but only Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
Isn’t Jesus just a moral teacher?
C.S. Lewis argued: Jesus claimed to be God (John 8:58). That makes Him either Lord, liar, or lunatic—but not just a “good man.”
How do we meet Him today if He lived 2000 years ago?
In four privileged ways:
Scripture — His Word is alive.
Sacraments — especially Eucharist and Reconciliation.
Church — His Body, united in worship and charity.
Prayer — personal, direct conversation with Him.
What about suffering?
Jesus does not promise escape from suffering but shares it with us, transforming the Cross into victory.
ILLUSTRATION STORIES
1. The Teacher Who Stayed
One afternoon, a violent storm broke over a small town. The rain battered the school roof, and the wind rattled the windows. The children were in their classroom alone—the teacher had stepped out for a moment. Fear spread quickly. Some children cried. Others scrambled under tables. The thunder shook the building.
But one boy sat calmly by the window. The other children shouted at him: “Aren’t you afraid? She’s not coming back!”
The boy shook his head: “She said she would never leave us. She’ll be back.”
Sure enough, the door burst open a few minutes later. The teacher was drenched but smiling, carrying lanterns and blankets. She had fought the storm to make sure her children were safe.
Lesson: Jesus is like that teacher. The world can feel like a storm: fear, sin, uncertainty. But He does not abandon us. “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Catechism Tie-in: CCC 426 reminds us that faith is not first about ideas but about trusting the Person of Jesus. He is faithful when everything else feels unstable.
Application: Parents can tell their children: “Jesus is like the teacher who came back. When you’re scared—at night, at school, in life—He is always with you.” Adults can pray: “Lord, I believe You will return for me, even in storms.”
2. The Doctor Who Became a Patient
In a busy hospital, patients often felt ignored by the medical system. Then came a story that spread hope. A world-renowned doctor, famous for research and teaching, was diagnosed with the same illness his patients suffered. Instead of going abroad for treatment, he chose to be treated in the same hospital, in the same ward, under the same nurses.
At first the patients were shocked—why would a man of his position lower himself? But as the weeks went on, they began to see him differently. He shared their food, endured their tests, and even comforted them when they were afraid. They began to say, “He understands—because he is one of us.”
Lesson: This is what God has done in Jesus. He is the Divine Physician (Mark 2:17), but He did not remain distant. He entered our suffering, sharing hunger, thirst, temptation, and even death.
Catechism Tie-in: CCC 428 says the Christian’s task is “to know Christ” and to learn “the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ.” He knows us because He lived as one of us.
Application: Children can understand: “Jesus knows what it feels like to be tired, hungry, or sad—because He lived like us.” Adults can reflect: “No pain is meaningless. Jesus has made suffering the place where God is closest.”
3. The Friend Who Knew the Way
A group of hikers were lost in the woods. They argued over maps and directions. Some wanted to follow the sun, others a river, others to turn back. The group became anxious and divided.
Then a boy quietly said, “I don’t need the map. My friend lives in these woods. He showed me the way to his house. I’ll take you there.”
At first, they didn’t believe him. But when he spoke with confidence and pointed out familiar landmarks, they followed. Soon, the trees opened into a clearing—and there was the boy’s friend waiting with food and shelter.
Lesson: Many philosophies and religions offer “maps” of life. Some are good, some confusing. But Jesus is not only a map—He is the Way Himself (John 14:6). Following Him leads us home.
Catechism Tie-in: CCC 428 teaches that our mission is not only to announce Christ but to lead others to Him personally.
Application: Teens can be told: “When friends tell you many different things about life—‘Do this, try that’—remember, Jesus doesn’t just show you the path. He IS the path.” Adults can pray: “Lord, be my Way when I feel lost in life’s woods.”
4. The Bridge Builder
Two villages were separated by a deep, raging river. For generations, people shouted across but never met. Attempts to cross ended in disaster.
Then one man decided to build a bridge. He worked alone, day after day, using wood and stone. People mocked him—“It’s impossible, the river is too strong!” But he persevered.
Finally, he laid down the last plank—made from his own house. He had given everything to connect the two sides.
When the bridge was finished, people crossed, embraced, and became one community.
Lesson: Jesus is the one Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). By His Cross, He laid down His own life to unite God and humanity. He is the only bridge strong enough to carry us to eternal life.
Catechism Tie-in: CCC 429: “From this loving knowledge of Christ springs the desire to proclaim him, to evangelize, and to lead others to the ‘yes’ of faith in Jesus Christ.”
Application: Parents can tell children: “When we make the sign of the Cross, we remember the bridge Jesus built between us and God.” Adults can reflect: “My prayer, my sacraments, my faith—these are not my own inventions. They are me walking across Christ’s bridge.”
Additional Illustrations
5. The Empty Chair (Friendship with Christ)
Joe placed a chair by his bed and spoke to Jesus daily. When he died, he was found leaning toward that chair. Prayer had become real friendship.
Application: Encourage families to “leave a chair for Jesus” in their prayer corner.
6. The Candle in the Window (Hope in Christ)
During the war, Mary lit a candle nightly, hoping her father would return. One night he did—saying the candle guided him home.
Application: Prayer is our candle—seemingly small, but it draws Christ close.
7. The Broken Microphone (God Hears Prayer)
A child thought no one heard him at assembly. Later he learned the mic recorded everything. Likewise, God hears every prayer—even the whispers.
Application: Teach children: “God hears every prayer, even when you think He doesn’t.”
8. The Lighthouse Keeper (Christ as Light)
A stormy sea raged. A lighthouse keeper faithfully kept the flame burning each night, though no ship was in sight. One day a sailor arrived, saying: “Your light saved me.”
Application: Jesus is our Light (John 8:12). Even unseen, His presence guides.
9. The Shepherd’s Voice (Personal Call)
In ancient villages, shepherds kept flocks together. Each sheep knew its shepherd’s unique call. When the shepherd called, his sheep came out and followed.
Application: Jesus calls each by name (John 10:3). Ask children: “What do you think Jesus’ voice sounds like?”
TEEN TRACK
Jesus asks every teenager the same question He asked Peter: “Who do you say that I am?”
He is not just your parents’ religion, but your Lord and Friend.
Teens face pressure, doubt, and distraction, but Jesus offers identity, strength, and truth.
Practical Teen Helps:
Listen to a Gospel audiobook or podcast on your way to school.
Keep a small crucifix in your pocket—touch it when tempted or afraid.
Try “texting Jesus” — write Him a message daily in your notes app.
SEEKER TRACK (for the uncatechised / curious)
Jesus is not an abstract idea or distant figure. He is alive, risen, and personally interested in you.
He calls each person: “Come, follow Me.”
You may have doubts or questions. That’s okay—Jesus welcomed Thomas with his doubts.
Starting Points for Seekers:
Begin with a simple prayer: “God, if You are real, show me Jesus.”
Read the Gospel of Mark slowly, as if meeting Jesus for the first time.
Talk to a Catholic friend or priest—faith grows in conversation.
Consider: If Jesus really rose from the dead, what would that mean for your life?
CONCLUSION & MEDITATION
At the heart of September’s theme is this question: “Who is Jesus for me?”
For a child: a friend and shepherd.
For a teen: a guide and protector.
For an adult: Lord, Saviour, and strength.
For a seeker: the One who makes sense of everything.
Let us each answer Him as Peter did:
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
And let our lives reflect that confession.
Theme: The Church – One Body, One Faith
FAMILY SECTION
Opening Prayer (for daily use)
Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son Jesus to gather us into one family, the Church. Help us to love the Church, to serve one another, and to stay close to You through the sacraments. Amen.
Simple Catechesis for Families
The Church is not just a building we go to on Sundays—it is all God’s people everywhere, joined to Jesus.
The Bible calls the Church:
The Body of Christ — Jesus is the Head, we are the members (1 Corinthians 12).
The Family of God — through Baptism, we become His sons and daughters (CCC 759).
The Temple of the Holy Spirit — the Spirit lives in us and makes us holy (1 Corinthians 3:16).
The Bride of Christ — Jesus loves the Church with a perfect, faithful love (Ephesians 5:25).
When we belong to the Church, we belong to Jesus.
Family Discussion Prompts
What do you think the word “Church” means?
Why do we go to church on Sundays?
How is our parish family like our home family?
How can we show love to our Church this week?
Family Activity Ideas
Body of Christ Game: Draw an outline of a body. Each family member writes their name on a “part” (hand, foot, ear, heart). Talk about how each person has a role in the Church.
Church Family Tree: Write grandparents, parents, children, godparents. Then add saints you admire and call them your “heavenly family.”
Church Visit: Go into the church building when empty. Ask your child: “Where is Jesus here? Where do we pray together?” Light a candle and pray.
Helping the Parish: Pick one way as a family to serve: tidy pews, bring food for the poor, pray for priests.
ADULT SECTION
Catechesis for Adults
The Church is a mystery. Not a puzzle to solve, but a reality we enter into. CCC 748: “Christ is the Light of humanity… the Church has no other light than Christ’s.”
The Church is Christ’s Body. United with Him as Head, we form one living organism (CCC 787–795).
The Church is visible and spiritual. It has structure (pope, bishops, priests, laity) but is also filled with the Spirit’s invisible life.
The Four Marks: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic (CCC 811–870). These are not optional extras—they are essential notes of the true Church.
The Church is necessary for salvation. Not because Christ is harsh, but because He willed His Church to be the Ark of salvation (CCC 846).
Reflection Questions for Adults
Do I see the Church as my family, or just as an organisation I attend?
Have I ever been tempted to separate Christ from His Church?
How do I contribute to the unity and holiness of the Church?
Do I see belonging to the Catholic Church as a gift?
Try This Week
Read Ephesians 4:1–6 slowly each day. Pray: “Lord, make me an instrument of unity.”
Learn one saint’s story connected with defending the faith (e.g. St. Athanasius, St. Catherine of Siena).
Examine your own relationship with the Church: Do I criticise more than I pray? Am I grateful?
Visit the church in silence, pray for the parish family and its unity.
APOLOGETICS HELPS
“Why do I need the Church? Isn’t Jesus enough?”
Jesus founded the Church (Matthew 16:18). He did not leave us with just a book or private spirituality, but a visible community guided by the Spirit.
“Aren’t all churches the same?”
While there are many Christian communities, only the Catholic Church possesses the fullness of Christ’s gifts: one faith, one baptism, apostolic succession, Eucharist (CCC 830–838).
“Isn’t the Church corrupt?”
The Church is holy because Christ is holy, even though members are sinners. We don’t leave Christ because of Judas. The Church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
“Why is the Pope necessary?”
Christ gave Peter the keys (Matthew 16:19). The Pope is the visible sign of unity, the shepherd who confirms the brethren (Luke 22:32).
ILLUSTRATION STORIES
1. The Broken Family Reunited (Unity of the Church)
Two brothers fought bitterly, dividing their family. Years passed. Then the father wrote: “My last wish is for you both to come home.” They arrived, sat together, and realised that what united them—their father’s love—was stronger than what divided them.
Like those brothers, Christians can be divided, but the Father calls us to unity in His Church. (Ephesians 4:4–6)
2. The Lighthouse and the Fleet (One Church, One Light)
A fleet of ships sailed in darkness. Each had its own lantern, but none could pierce the fog. Then one great lighthouse shone, guiding them safely to shore.
The Catholic Church is that lighthouse. Other lights may help, but only one beam comes from Christ, entrusted to His Church. (John 8:12; CCC 845)
3. The Orchestra and the Conductor (Many Members, One Body)
An orchestra tuned up chaotically. The noise was unbearable. Then the conductor lifted his baton, and each instrument played in harmony.
The Church is like this: many people, cultures, gifts—but one Spirit brings unity. (1 Corinthians 12:12–27)
4. The Bride Awaiting the Bridegroom (Christ’s Love for the Church)
In a small town, a bride prepared every day for her wedding. She longed for her beloved to arrive. People mocked her waiting, but she remained faithful. Finally, the bridegroom came, and her joy was complete.
The Church is the Bride of Christ. Jesus loves her with total fidelity. (Ephesians 5:25–27; CCC 796)
5. The Hospital and the Healer (The Church as Sacrament of Salvation)
A town struck by plague saw many suffer. A healer built a hospital where all could come freely for care. Some stayed outside, saying they could heal themselves, but they grew weaker. Those who entered found hope.
The Church is the field hospital of mercy (Pope Francis) where the Divine Physician heals us through sacraments. (Mark 2:17; CCC 846)
6. The Ark on the Flood (Church as Ark of Salvation)
When the flood came, Noah’s family entered the Ark. Outside, there was destruction. Inside, there was life.
The Church is the new Ark, given by God for our salvation. (1 Peter 3:20–21; CCC 845)
7. The Family Table (Eucharist & Belonging)
Every Sunday, a grandmother set the table and invited the whole family. Some came, some refused. But the table was always ready.
The Mass is our family table. To miss it is to miss the meal of God’s children. (John 6:51; CCC 1322)
8. The City on the Hill (The Church as Witness)
A city on a hill shone with light for travellers. Even when storms raged, its lights never went out.
The Church is meant to be visible, a beacon of hope. (Matthew 5:14; CCC 854)
TEEN TRACK
Teens often feel caught between belonging and independence. The Church answers: You belong to something greater—the Body of Christ.
Christ calls young people not just to attend but to be vital members: altar servers, musicians, readers, witnesses among peers.
Your baptism is your membership card—you belong.
Practical Helps:
Read 1 Corinthians 12: each teen identifies their “gift” in the Body.
Visit a cathedral or monastery—see the bigger picture of the Church.
Journal: “What does it mean for me that the Church is my family?”
SEEKER TRACK
Many today say, “I like Jesus but not the Church.” Yet the two cannot be separated.
The Church is Jesus’ Body, His Bride, His visible presence in history. To know Christ is to know His Church.
To explore Catholicism is not to study an institution, but to meet a living family.
Practical Helps for Seekers:
Read Acts 2:42–47 and imagine yourself in that first Christian community.
Visit a Catholic Mass simply to watch, listen, and ask: “Could this be God’s family calling me home?”
Reflect on: If Jesus founded a Church, where is it today?
WEEKLY BREAKDOWN
Week 1: The Mystery of the Church (Body, Bride, Temple, Family)
Illustration: Orchestra & Conductor; Broken Family Reunited
Week 2: The Marks of the Church (One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic)
Illustration: Lighthouse & Fleet; City on the Hill
Week 3: The Church as Sacrament of Salvation
Illustration: Hospital & Healer; Ark on the Flood
Week 4: Living in the Church (Mass, Service, Belonging)
Illustration: Family Table; Bride Awaiting the Bridegroom
Apologetics Section – Jesus and the Church
1. “Why do I need the Church if I already have Jesus?”
Jesus Himself founded the Church. “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18).
The Church is not an optional extra, but Christ’s own Body (1 Corinthians 12:27). To belong to Jesus is to belong to His Body.
CCC 787: “From the beginning, Jesus associated his disciples with his own life… He gave them a share in his mission, joy, and sufferings.”
Analogy: Saying “I want Jesus but not the Church” is like saying “I want a head but not a body.”
2. “Isn’t the Bible enough without the Church?”
The Bible came from the Church. For nearly 400 years, Christians had no compiled New Testament. It was the Catholic Church that, guided by the Spirit, discerned which books were inspired.
CCC 108: “Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by whom it was written.”
Without the Church, the Bible becomes private interpretation. With the Church, it remains the living Word, proclaimed and explained authentically.
Analogy: A letter makes sense when you know the author. The Church is the family that knows the Author.
3. “Why so much emphasis on the Pope and bishops? Isn’t Jesus our only teacher?”
Jesus is our one Teacher (Matthew 23:10), but He chose to teach through His apostles and their successors. “He who hears you, hears Me” (Luke 10:16).
The Pope is not a rival to Christ but His visible representative, the shepherd who holds us together.
CCC 882: “The Pope, Bishop of Rome, and Peter’s successor, is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful.”
Analogy: A king is still king, but he appoints ambassadors. Rejecting the ambassador is rejecting the king who sent him.
4. “Isn’t the Church just full of sinners? Why trust it?”
Yes, the Church is full of sinners — that’s why Christ founded it. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
The holiness of the Church does not come from us, but from Christ the Head and the Spirit who sanctifies.
CCC 827: “The Church… clasping sinners to her bosom, is at once holy and always in need of purification.”
Analogy: A hospital is full of sick people — but that’s where healing happens.
5. “Can’t I just follow Jesus privately without organised religion?”
Jesus did not call isolated disciples but a community. The very word “Church” (ekklesia) means “assembly.”
From the first Pentecost, believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).
Christianity is always communal. Private faith is never enough — we are saved as members of His Body.
Analogy: A coal removed from the fire grows cold. To stay burning, it must remain in the fire with the others.
6. “Why is the Catholic Church different from other Christian churches?”
Other Christian groups share in many gifts of Christ, but only the Catholic Church has the fullness:
Apostolic succession (bishops tracing back to the apostles)
The Eucharist as true Body and Blood of Christ
Unity with Peter in Rome
CCC 816: “The one Church of Christ… subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him.”
Analogy: Other Christian communities have parts of the map, but the Catholic Church is the full GPS with Christ as the Guide.
7. “Is salvation possible outside the Church?”
CCC 846: “All salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body.”
This does not mean all non-Catholics are lost. God can save whom He wills. But if someone knowingly rejects the Church Christ founded, they reject His chosen means of salvation.
The Church is the Ark of Salvation — those who know about it are called to enter.
Analogy: You can survive a flood on driftwood, but the Ark is God’s sure way.
Summary Statement
Jesus is the Head; the Church is His Body.
To separate the two is to tear Christ apart.
To love Jesus is to love His Church, even with her wounds.
As St. Cyprian said: “You cannot have God as your Father if you do not have the Church as your Mother.”
CONCLUSION
The Church is Christ’s Body and our home.
It is visible and invisible, holy yet filled with sinners, weak in us but strong in Christ.
To love Jesus is to love His Church.
To belong to the Church is to belong to His saving plan.
“The Church is the place where humanity must rediscover its unity and salvation.” — CCC 845
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 