What does it mean to be Catholic?

Review your definition of religion and how you applied the definition to the Roman Catholic Church

Assess prior knowledge

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest religious group in the world (>1 billion members)

In your small group, answer the following together:◦Who is the leader of the Catholic Church in the

world? How is this leader chosen?◦Who do we believe was the founder of the

Church?◦What is a Catholic worship service called?◦What human beings (living, deceased) are

significant in the Church?

Defining features of the RC church

The Roman Catholic Church:Believes God is known in 3 persons (Father,

Son and Holy Spirit)Can be traced to St. Peter and the apostlesChallenges all members to spread the Gospelhas seven sacramentsBelieves in transubstantiationHas special devotion to Mary and the saintsHas a defined hierarchy with the authority to

teach (known as the Magisterium)Values social justice, charity, mercy, hope

(the resurrection of the dead, 2nd coming )

What do Catholics believe about God?

Our beliefs are summarized in the creeds (Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed)

God:created everythinghas always existedwants to be known by us, through Jesusloves us- allows us to choose to love Himforgives usgives us His love through the sacraments

of the Church

Sunday Eucharist

In your small group, discuss Sunday Eucharist:

What are things that you always see at Mass?

What are things you always hear and do?Who is involved in Mass?Why is it required for Catholics to attend?What does the priest say before he

proclaims the Gospel? What is the response?

Small group activity

We participate in Mass to remember Jesus… but do we know Him?

Complete the worksheet with your small group: “Jesus: How well do you know Him?”

Use a Bible to help you!