The New Saint Joseph Baltimore
Lesson 12
The Marks of the Church
The Church is the sheepfold of Christ
We read in the Holy Bible:
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one fold, one shepherd.
Explanation
The Church is one
Jesus called His Church a sheepfold. He has only one sheepfold.
In the fold of Christ, the Church, the sheep (members of the Church) are very closely united with their Head (Christ) and with one another. They form but one body. This body is called the “Mystical Body of Christ.”
In this Body, the Church, we all believe what the Church teaches. And all the members of the Church receive the same sacraments.
We have one head, the Pope. He is the successor of Saint Peter. He takes the place of Christ on earth, just as Saint Peter did.
The Church is holy
Christ’s Church teaches men how to be holy. Those who live up to live up to these teachings will become holy. The Church gives them help to be holy, especially the sacraments.
The Church is Catholic or Universal
The words “Catholic” and “universal” mean that the Church is spread over all the world. It is not for one country. It is for all people of all countries, of every race and color.
The Church is apostolic
The word “apostolic comes from the word “Apostle.” The bishops of the Church today are the successors of the Apostles. They teach what the apostles taught.
One fold and one Shepherd
Jesus told us that there are many people outside the sheepfold-who do not belong to His Church. Jesus wants to bring all men into His sheepfold, so will be “one fold and one Shepherd” we can help by our prayers and our love for all men.
Practice: Be kind and helpful to those who do not share our Catholic Faith.
A Boy’s Prayer
“Lord, give me that charity, obedience, and truthfulness which will be a good example to my non-Catholic friends.”
CATECHISM
72. Which is the one true Church established by Christ?
The one true church established by Christ is the Catholic Church.
73. How do we know that the Catholic Church is the one true Church established by Christ?
We know that the Catholic is the one true Church established by Christ because it alone has the marks of the true Church
A mark is a sign that points out something. The marks of the Church point out as the Church which Christ started.
74. What are the chief marks of the Church?
The chief marks of the Church are four: It is one, holy, catholic or universal, and apostolic.
75. Are all obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved?
All are obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in some way, in order to be saved.
Discussion Questions
1. Who are the “other sheep” Jesus was speaking of?
2. What does he desire of them?
3. Did Our Lord establish many Churches or just one?
4. How do we know which one he established?
5. How do we help the “other sheep” to know that the Catholic Church is the sheepfold of Christ?
Yes or No
1. Did Jesus found more than one Church?
2. Is the Catholic Church the Church Christ Founded?
3. Does the Church have four chief marks?
4. Is the Church for all races?
5. Does Jesus want “one fold and one shepherd”?
Fill in the Blanks
1. Christ started the………… Church.
2. The Catholic Church is the one………… Church of Christ
3. The Church has these four marks;…………, …………, ………… and…………
4. To be saved, we must belong to the………………
5. Jesus wants to have “one fold and one flock…………”
Other Readings
1. Our Lords prater for unity, John 17
2. The Church must grow in unity and love, though those in it have different functions, Ephesians 4, 1-16; Acts 1, 1-8
Class Liturgical Action
Learn the prayer for the Chair of Unity Octave.
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