GROW IN FAITH 31 – The Church

One Body in Christ

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You call us together as Your people.
Help us understand the gift of the Church.
Teach us to love the family
You have given us.
Amen.

Part One

Not Alone

To be a Christian
is not to walk alone.

When we are baptised,
we are joined not only to Christ
but also to His people.

The Bible says:

“You are the body of Christ,
and members of member.”

This means the Church is not just a building.

It is a living body.

Christ is the Head.
We are the members.

Just as a body has many parts —
hands, eyes, feet —
so the Church has many people
with different gifts.

We belong to one another.

Scripture

“You are the body of Christ,
and members of member.”
(1 Corinthians 12:27)

Think and Discuss

Why do you think God calls us into a family instead of leaving us alone?

What happens if one part of a body is hurt?

How can each person contribute something different to the Church?

Why is belonging important?

Allow thoughtful answers.

Part Two

What the Church Is

The Church is more than an organisation.

It is founded by Christ.

He chose the Apostles.
He gave them authority.
He promised to remain with His Church.

The Church teaches the truth about God.
She celebrates the sacraments.
She gathers for worship.
She serves those in need.

The Church is holy
because Christ is holy.

But the people in the Church
are still learning and growing.

Sometimes members of the Church fail.

That does not mean Christ has failed.

The Church is a family
being formed by grace.

Guidance for Adults

Distinguish clearly between Christ’s holiness and human weakness.
Help children understand that loving the Church includes patience and prayer.

Part Three

Belonging to the Church

When we say in the Creed:

“I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church,”

we are saying something important.

One — we are united in faith.
Holy — Christ makes the Church holy.
Catholic — the Church is for the whole world.
Apostolic — she is built on the Apostles.

We belong to something larger than ourselves.

We belong across countries and cultures.
Across centuries.
Across generations.

The Church includes:

Those on earth.
Those in heaven.
Those being purified.

We are part of a great communion.

Belonging to the Church means:

Praying together.
Receiving the sacraments.
Supporting one another.
Living the faith publicly.

The Church is our spiritual home.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Think about your parish church.

Imagine the people who gather there.

Now say quietly:

“Lord, help me love Your Church.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Pray for your parish.
• Thank God for your baptism into the Church.
• Learn one mark of the Church (one, holy, catholic, apostolic).
• Help someone in your parish community.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“You are the body of Christ.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Place your hand over your heart and say:
“I belong to the Church.”

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the gift of the Church.
Help us remain faithful members
of Your Body.
Unite us in truth and love.
Amen.