This handout explores the Mystery of the Church by considering its nature through different images. It is very useful and helps students to see that the Church can appeal on different levels. Students are also asked which Image of Church appeals to them most.

THE CHURCH: A MYSTERY EXPRESSED THROUGH IMAGES

Over the centuries, Christians have grown in their understanding of what it means to be "Church".

The Church is ONE for her members are made up of people sharing the one Spirit of Jesus. We are Jesus’ Body here on earth.

The Church is also HOLY because of this Divine nature that it has.

The Church is CATHOLIC because it is Universal, Christ’s presence for the whole world, holding a Faith which is not determined by culture or custom but on God’s universal revelation through Jesus.

Finally, the Church is APOSTOLIC because it is founded on the Faith of the Apostles and the ministers of the Church have come down directly from the Apostles, entrusted with the same teachings.

The following images of Church help us to make more sense of this beautiful mystery.

CHURCH AS INSTITUTION: The institutional elements in the Church are the ‘visible elements’ that help us to draw on the Holy Spirit. These include the Sacraments, the teaching office of the Church, the hierarchy of the Church (Pope, Bishops, Priests, Laity), the Liturgy and rules and codes.

CHURCH AS SERVANT: This image reminds us that the Church is Jesus Christ present in the world. Like Jesus we are not in the world to judge but to serve as Mother Teresa does. WE need to have a special concern for the poor and suffering, for Jesus is to be found in the least of his brothers and sisters.

CHURCH AS PEOPLE OF GOD: Here, we are reminded that all the Baptised (Catholic and Non-Catholic) are all one community, following in the footsteps of Jesus. Our Baptism is the essence of this. We are born again and are made His people, given the opportunity to be PRIEST, (offer Sacrifice and worship) PROPHET, (live Jesus’ teachings) and KING (containing the spiritual power to overcome all evil within self and the world as you strive for peace and justice).

CHURCH AS SACRAMENT: Through his members, Jesus reaches out to others. As Jesus’ Body on earth, we are a SIGN of Jesus’ presence and an INSTRUMENT through which the world is offered to share in the life of the Holy Spirit. We need to live up to this call by spreading the good news of the Gospel, caring for the sick, caring for the rejected, providing guidance, forgive others and share in the forgiveness of sins during Reconciliation.

CHURCH AS COMMUNION: This model reminds us of the intimate union we have with each other and with our God, brought about by Jesus, through the Holy Spirit.

CHURCH AS PILGRIM PEOPLE: As a Community, we are on a journey. Our true home is Heaven, so we will not find complete happiness here on earth. The Spirit is here to guide us to overcome all the difficulties we face as we continue on our journey.

Which image of Church mostly appeals to you and why?

Below, are two Scripture references, which refer to the Church as Institution Model as described above. This image is rejected at times. However, these references make it clear how important this model of Church still is and always will be.

1 Tim 3

12 Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well;

13 for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that,

15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.

16 Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

1 Matthew 16

15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.

18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."