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ONLINE CLASS PORTALINQUIRY 5- The church- the body of christWednesday, September 30th, 2026Evangelists:
Father Greg Beaumont Deacon Darren Caskey |
REAL QUICK HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS:NEW SIGN IN SHEETS:
Sign in according to sacrament you will be starting with.
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CHURCH MERCH:
Grab your Saint Malachy swag before it hits the spotlight! Preorders are now open for tee shirts and sweatshirts featuring our custom design created by last year’s candidate, Madison Bennett.
Grab your Saint Malachy swag before it hits the spotlight! Preorders are now open for tee shirts and sweatshirts featuring our custom design created by last year’s candidate, Madison Bennett.
Website Online Lessons:
The first four online classes are up and running! There will be videos and resource links available online that were not available in class. Please make sure you submit the survey at the bottom of each online session to get credit for participating.
OCIA EXTRAS
There’s far more information than we can fit into a single online session. For all the extra content—like feast days, questions answered in class, scripture passages, prayers, and more—please check out our OCIA EXTRAS blog.
CERTIFICATES:
Everyone who is planning on continuing with our OCIA program will be required to turn in a copy of birth certificates, baptismal certificates, 1st Communion certificates, marriage certificates, divorce papers, etc. (according to your faith path needs) Please make sure you turn this paperwork in as soon as possible so we have time to do the necessary paperwork for the reception of the sacraments)/ There will be an "IN BOX" available during each live session on Wednesdays, or you can drop your copies off in the church office. Thank you!
prayer journal homework:
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Prayer Journal Assignment:
Question 1: What is my main vocation in life and what are two resulting vocations? Question 2: How can I properly order my life to become a working member of the Church, the Body of Christ? Question 3: What is one prayer I can learn to say every day to become more united with the Church? |
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catechism of the catholic church (ccc)
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Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
Record the following topic numbers in your prayer journal, and later this week, start exploring them in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). ARTICLE 9 "I believe in the Holy Catholic Church". 748-757: Names and Images of the Church 758- 769: The Mission of the Church 770- 780: The Mystery of the Church 781: The Church - People of God 787: The Church - Body of Christ 792: Christ Head of the Body, the Church 796: The Bride of Christ 797: The Temple of the Holy Spirit 811- 870: 4 Marks of the Church 871- 962: Who is in the Church |
who am i in the body of christ?
what is a vocation?
As a child of God, we are called to holiness and to become saints. But first we have to understand what our vocation is. This will determine our state in life and how we can turn these ordinary workings of our day into a prayer that unites us to God's Holy Will.
MAIN VOCATION: CHILD OF GOD - Call to holiness
A RESULTING VOCATION is how you are called to live your life as a child of God, such as:
Married, Priest, Consecrated Religious, Single
From these main vocations stems supportive vocations such as parenthood, daughter, son, student, worker, friend.
To build a life of grace and closeness to God, begin by making small changes in your daily responsibilities according to your state in life. Start by thanking God for your vocation, whatever it may be, and ask for the strength to sanctify it. Each day, find one simple thing you can do to live your vocation in a way that would bring joy to God.
GREAT LOVE
God provides everything you need for your holiness right here and now. You don’t have to become a missionary, join a convent, or make drastic changes—unless you’re living in sin. God calls you to be like Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, offering Him your heart. It’s not about great acts of charity, but small acts done with great love. To learn more about St. Thérèse, whose feast day we just celebrated, watch the video at the end of this session.
PRAYERS HELP US UNITE OUR WILL TO GOD
There are so many prayers that can inspire us to offer our vocations to God and to help strengthen us in our state in life. But the Lord hears the cry of your heart just as he hears the prayers uttered by your lips. He is eager to help you; all you have to do is ask! There will be links to common prayers at the end of this session.
A RESULTING VOCATION is how you are called to live your life as a child of God, such as:
Married, Priest, Consecrated Religious, Single
From these main vocations stems supportive vocations such as parenthood, daughter, son, student, worker, friend.
To build a life of grace and closeness to God, begin by making small changes in your daily responsibilities according to your state in life. Start by thanking God for your vocation, whatever it may be, and ask for the strength to sanctify it. Each day, find one simple thing you can do to live your vocation in a way that would bring joy to God.
GREAT LOVE
God provides everything you need for your holiness right here and now. You don’t have to become a missionary, join a convent, or make drastic changes—unless you’re living in sin. God calls you to be like Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, offering Him your heart. It’s not about great acts of charity, but small acts done with great love. To learn more about St. Thérèse, whose feast day we just celebrated, watch the video at the end of this session.
PRAYERS HELP US UNITE OUR WILL TO GOD
There are so many prayers that can inspire us to offer our vocations to God and to help strengthen us in our state in life. But the Lord hears the cry of your heart just as he hears the prayers uttered by your lips. He is eager to help you; all you have to do is ask! There will be links to common prayers at the end of this session.
WHAT DOES THE WORD "CHURCH" MEAN?
When we say, “Church,” we can be talking about many different things – we might be talking about a building, a group of people, a spiritual idea, or even a charitable institution.
But have you ever wondered what the word Church really means? To answer this, we must turn to the Greek word Ecclesia, which is the basis of the modern term.
Origins and Meaning:
Ecclesia comes from the Greek verb ek-kaleo, meaning “to call out.”
In ancient Greece, an ecclesia was an assembly of citizens summoned to deliberate on important matters.
This secular meaning transformed within Christianity, as the Apostles and early Christians adopted Ecclesia to describe the gathering of the faithful – those “called out” from the world to belong to Christ.
In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, Ecclesia was used to translate the Hebrew qahal, meaning the assembly of God’s people.
So when Christ tells Peter in Matthew 16:18, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church (Ecclesia),” He is not referring to a building, or an institution, but to the living body of believers gathered in His name.
The Church as the Mystical Body:
Through the centuries, the word ecclesia has deepened in meaning.
It does not refer simply to a congregation or place of worship but to the universal body of Christ’s faithful.
St Paul describes the Ecclesia as the “Body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27), emphasizing its unity in faith and mission.
The Second Vatican Council reaffirmed this understanding, teaching the Ecclesia is both visible and spiritual, a communion of the faithful united with Christ as its head.
A Call to Belong:
To be part of the Ecclesia means to be “called out” of isolation into communion, from darkness into light.
It is an invitation to participate in the life of Christ, His sacraments, and His mission of salvation.
As Catholics, when we speak of the Ecclesia, we are not speaking merely of an institution but of a family – God’s family – stretching across time and space, bound together in faith, hope, and love.
Joe Higgins - 21 March 2025
But have you ever wondered what the word Church really means? To answer this, we must turn to the Greek word Ecclesia, which is the basis of the modern term.
Origins and Meaning:
Ecclesia comes from the Greek verb ek-kaleo, meaning “to call out.”
In ancient Greece, an ecclesia was an assembly of citizens summoned to deliberate on important matters.
This secular meaning transformed within Christianity, as the Apostles and early Christians adopted Ecclesia to describe the gathering of the faithful – those “called out” from the world to belong to Christ.
In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, Ecclesia was used to translate the Hebrew qahal, meaning the assembly of God’s people.
So when Christ tells Peter in Matthew 16:18, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church (Ecclesia),” He is not referring to a building, or an institution, but to the living body of believers gathered in His name.
The Church as the Mystical Body:
Through the centuries, the word ecclesia has deepened in meaning.
It does not refer simply to a congregation or place of worship but to the universal body of Christ’s faithful.
St Paul describes the Ecclesia as the “Body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27), emphasizing its unity in faith and mission.
The Second Vatican Council reaffirmed this understanding, teaching the Ecclesia is both visible and spiritual, a communion of the faithful united with Christ as its head.
A Call to Belong:
To be part of the Ecclesia means to be “called out” of isolation into communion, from darkness into light.
It is an invitation to participate in the life of Christ, His sacraments, and His mission of salvation.
As Catholics, when we speak of the Ecclesia, we are not speaking merely of an institution but of a family – God’s family – stretching across time and space, bound together in faith, hope, and love.
Joe Higgins - 21 March 2025
The word "church" also comes from the Greek word: kyriake, German: Kirche, translated to English: CHURCH, which means "what belongs to the Lord".
Despite all the different meaning of the word CHURCH, the truest meaning is the Body of Christ, it refers to all people, baptized or not. In charity we do not withhold compassion from souls who are not Catholic or Christian.
Question: When does Mass start?
Not with the sign of the Cross, or even with the procession, or opening hymn, it starts when God calls His people together.
Despite all the different meaning of the word CHURCH, the truest meaning is the Body of Christ, it refers to all people, baptized or not. In charity we do not withhold compassion from souls who are not Catholic or Christian.
Question: When does Mass start?
Not with the sign of the Cross, or even with the procession, or opening hymn, it starts when God calls His people together.
WHEN DID THE CHURCH BEGIN?
The concept of "church" began when God first called his people together.
Call of Abraham Gen 12:1-3
"The LORD said to Abram: 'Go forth from your land, your relatives, and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will find blessing in you.'"
God did not call His people to an assembly, under their own initiative, or even by leaders, but to be led by God Himself. He called His people to be holy and blameless, to be the highest example of faith to an unbelieving world. By requesting Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, God was foreshadowing the sacrifice of His only begotten son in reparation for the sins of the whole world for all times.
The Old Testament "covenant in blood" (Genesis 15) that God made with the patriarchs is renewed in the New Covenant sacrifice of the Mass.
Call of Abraham Gen 12:1-3
"The LORD said to Abram: 'Go forth from your land, your relatives, and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will find blessing in you.'"
God did not call His people to an assembly, under their own initiative, or even by leaders, but to be led by God Himself. He called His people to be holy and blameless, to be the highest example of faith to an unbelieving world. By requesting Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, God was foreshadowing the sacrifice of His only begotten son in reparation for the sins of the whole world for all times.
The Old Testament "covenant in blood" (Genesis 15) that God made with the patriarchs is renewed in the New Covenant sacrifice of the Mass.
THE TWELVE TRIBES of israel
The 12 tribes of Israel, descending from Jacob’s sons, formed God’s chosen people in the Old Testament—a physical nation promised land, protection, and priesthood. They foreshadowed the 12 Apostles whom Jesus chose to establish the Church as the new Israel under the spiritual covenant. Just as the tribes represented God’s covenant community, the Apostles became the foundation of the renewed holy nation, with Peter as the rock, spreading the Gospel to all peoples.
Israel was governed by judges, kings, and inspired prophets/priests, culminating in the dynasty of King David. Despite conquests by Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, the people longed for an Anointed One, a Messiah and Christ, to restore the priesthood and kingship.
Israel was governed by judges, kings, and inspired prophets/priests, culminating in the dynasty of King David. Despite conquests by Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, the people longed for an Anointed One, a Messiah and Christ, to restore the priesthood and kingship.
Jesus Fulfills This Hope
What was true of physical Israel (land, manna, enemies overcome, priesthood by genealogy/animal sacrifice) becomes spiritually true of the Church. God’s holy nation under the new covenant:
12 Apostles parallel the 12 tribes.
Peter leads a “people peculiarly His own.”
Priesthood is no longer genealogical or sacrificial but eternal just like Melchizedek, Hebrews/Psalm 110, offering bread and wine transubstantiated into the body and blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, as a complete sacrifice.
Jesus’ primary mission was not writing books or philosophy but establishing a new Israel—a chosen people to preach the good news by living sacramentally and apostolically.
12 Apostles parallel the 12 tribes.
Peter leads a “people peculiarly His own.”
Priesthood is no longer genealogical or sacrificial but eternal just like Melchizedek, Hebrews/Psalm 110, offering bread and wine transubstantiated into the body and blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, as a complete sacrifice.
Jesus’ primary mission was not writing books or philosophy but establishing a new Israel—a chosen people to preach the good news by living sacramentally and apostolically.
WHO IS IN THE CHURCH?
The Church Militant:
When we say Church Militant, we are referring to the community of baptized souls who are actively participating in overcoming sin and in participating in the living prayer of the Church, the Liturgy.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 836 "All men are called to this catholic unity of the People of God... and to it, in different ways, belong or are ordered: the Catholic faithful, others who believe in Christ, and finally all mankind, called by God's grace to salvation."
"I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
In these trinitarian words of baptism, a soul becomes a member of the Church. Even if a soul is baptized in a Christian denomination other than Catholic, the baptism is valid.
When we say Church Militant, we are referring to the community of baptized souls who are actively participating in overcoming sin and in participating in the living prayer of the Church, the Liturgy.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 836 "All men are called to this catholic unity of the People of God... and to it, in different ways, belong or are ordered: the Catholic faithful, others who believe in Christ, and finally all mankind, called by God's grace to salvation."
"I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
In these trinitarian words of baptism, a soul becomes a member of the Church. Even if a soul is baptized in a Christian denomination other than Catholic, the baptism is valid.
Members of the Church Militant:
Laity, Lay person, Married State
These are men or women who live in the world. Because of the nature of their vocation, they have an active participation in the workings of their communal society. They are a physical reflection of the Trinity and their sacramental vocation causes them to bring forth new members of the Church. They are called to be salt to the world, a light to all nations, and a leaven of faith to unbelievers.
These are men or women who live in the world. Because of the nature of their vocation, they have an active participation in the workings of their communal society. They are a physical reflection of the Trinity and their sacramental vocation causes them to bring forth new members of the Church. They are called to be salt to the world, a light to all nations, and a leaven of faith to unbelievers.
Consecrated Religious Brothers and Sisters, Monks and Nuns
These are men or women who have taken a vow of chastity for the sake of the kingdom of God. They have consecrated their lives to praying and laboring in such a way that they are set apart from lay persons and the common world. They may also take vows of poverty and obedience. Because of the nature of their vocation, they have a more intimate participation in the workings of their communal society which is focused on prayer and sacrifice in support of those called to the married life and those called to Holy Orders.
These are men or women who have taken a vow of chastity for the sake of the kingdom of God. They have consecrated their lives to praying and laboring in such a way that they are set apart from lay persons and the common world. They may also take vows of poverty and obedience. Because of the nature of their vocation, they have a more intimate participation in the workings of their communal society which is focused on prayer and sacrifice in support of those called to the married life and those called to Holy Orders.
Ordained Clergy, Deacons, Priests, Bishops, Cardinals, Pope
These are men who have been called to serve the people of God at the altar every day. Priests and Bishops have taken a vow of chastity for the sake of the kingdom of God. They have consecrated their lives to bringing the sacraments to the faithful people therefore nurturing the Body of Christ and preparing souls for the world to come. They are set apart from lay persons and consecrated religious by the education, formation, and anointing they receive to become "Persona Christi" enabling them to prepare the Bride of Christ for her bridegroom, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Because of the nature of their vocation, they have a more intimate participation in the workings of God leading His people to heaven.
These are men who have been called to serve the people of God at the altar every day. Priests and Bishops have taken a vow of chastity for the sake of the kingdom of God. They have consecrated their lives to bringing the sacraments to the faithful people therefore nurturing the Body of Christ and preparing souls for the world to come. They are set apart from lay persons and consecrated religious by the education, formation, and anointing they receive to become "Persona Christi" enabling them to prepare the Bride of Christ for her bridegroom, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Because of the nature of their vocation, they have a more intimate participation in the workings of God leading His people to heaven.
Churches in union with the Catholic Church:
EASTERN RITES: Syrian, Chaldean, Alexandrian (Egypt (Coptic), Ethiopia) Byzantine (Constantinople/ Istanbul), Armenian
WESTERN RITES: Roman, Ambrosian (Milan), Mozarabic (Spain), and also Braga Rite of Portugal - many Hispanic customs for weddings, baptisms, and holy week are derived from this rite. Gallican - France (Lyon) (once also in parts of Ireland) Roman/ Latin
EASTERN RITES: Syrian, Chaldean, Alexandrian (Egypt (Coptic), Ethiopia) Byzantine (Constantinople/ Istanbul), Armenian
WESTERN RITES: Roman, Ambrosian (Milan), Mozarabic (Spain), and also Braga Rite of Portugal - many Hispanic customs for weddings, baptisms, and holy week are derived from this rite. Gallican - France (Lyon) (once also in parts of Ireland) Roman/ Latin
Members of THE CHURCH Suffering:
The Church Suffering:
When our time on earth is over, we face judgement. If we have been very good and have NO SIN on our soul, we get to enter heaven and become part of the Church Triumphant. However, if we have sins on our soul we must go through a purification process before we can enter heaven. This purification is known among Catholics as Purgatory. When a soul enters the state of purification they become part of the Church Suffering.
When our time on earth is over, we face judgement. If we have been very good and have NO SIN on our soul, we get to enter heaven and become part of the Church Triumphant. However, if we have sins on our soul we must go through a purification process before we can enter heaven. This purification is known among Catholics as Purgatory. When a soul enters the state of purification they become part of the Church Suffering.
MEMBERS OF THE Church Triumphant:
The Church Triumphant:
These are the saints in heaven; souls who have lived devoted to Jesus Christ, are free from sin, and have entered into heaven to join in God's glory.
These are the saints in heaven; souls who have lived devoted to Jesus Christ, are free from sin, and have entered into heaven to join in God's glory.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE CHURCH?
The great mission of the Church is to bring souls to God so that all may be in His presence forever. For this reason, the Church is often referred to as a ship, carrying souls through turbulent waters to the safe harbor of heaven. The Church is seen as a building, made of living stones (1 Peter:2), that can weather the storm and stand as a beacon of hope in the darkness. The Church is a vessel of salvation for the world as it sings out the universal call to holiness.
Each soul is called to participate in the great work of the church according to their state in life. Married persons beget children and strive to live a life that reflects the divine nature of love. Consecrated religious use their vocation to support the work of the church by their constant prayers and supplications. The ordained ministers of the church use the merits of their vocation to bring life giving grace to sanctify the world. When everything is ordered properly, grace flows freely among the members and gives glory to God.
Each soul is called to participate in the great work of the church according to their state in life. Married persons beget children and strive to live a life that reflects the divine nature of love. Consecrated religious use their vocation to support the work of the church by their constant prayers and supplications. The ordained ministers of the church use the merits of their vocation to bring life giving grace to sanctify the world. When everything is ordered properly, grace flows freely among the members and gives glory to God.
The Church has a divine mandate to "go out into all the earth and preach the gospel to every creature..." (Matthew 28:16-20). This "going out and proclaiming the good news" is called kerygma. It is the initial gospel proclamation that brings souls to repentance and change of heart. But kerygma isn't enough. We need to build souls up from the initial point of conversion and instruct them in the ways of the Lord. This more extensive teaching on morals and doctrine is called didache, or catechesis. and prepares the soul to follow the narrow path of true Christian faith in which they will be called to be witnesses to the mercy shown to them and preach the good news of the gospel, thus perpetuating the kerygma/diache cycle.
The Four Marks of the Catholic Church
ONE - HOLY - CATHOLIC - APOSTOLIC
The Nicene Creed was written centuries ago to help Christians remember the important beliefs of the faith. In the Nicene Creed we identify the four marks of the Church. The four marks of the Church are not characteristics that the Church creates or develops or learns. They are qualities that Jesus Christ shares with his Church through the Holy Spirit. The four marks of the Church are that it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
The Church Is One
Just as God is one in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so also is the Church one. The founder of the Church is Jesus Christ, who brought us back to God and made us into the family of God. The Church is one in the Holy Spirit, who dwells in those who believe.
The Church Is Holy
The Church is holy because the Church lives in union with Jesus Christ, the source of holiness. Through the Holy Spirit the Church leads others to holiness. The holiness of the Church is seen in the love that the members of the Church have toward one another and the many sacrifices they make for the sake of the world.
The Church Is Catholic
Catholic means “universal.” The Church is universal in two ways. First, the Church is catholic because all baptized people are part of the Church and the Church possesses the means of salvation. Second, the mission of the Church is universal because the Church has been sent to proclaim Christ to the entire human race.
The Church Is Apostolic
The Church traces its tradition directly from the apostles; therefore, the Church is considered apostolic. With the Holy Spirit the Church preserves and continues the teaching of the apostles. The pope and bishops are the successors of the apostles.
-LoyolaPress.com
The Church Is One
Just as God is one in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so also is the Church one. The founder of the Church is Jesus Christ, who brought us back to God and made us into the family of God. The Church is one in the Holy Spirit, who dwells in those who believe.
The Church Is Holy
The Church is holy because the Church lives in union with Jesus Christ, the source of holiness. Through the Holy Spirit the Church leads others to holiness. The holiness of the Church is seen in the love that the members of the Church have toward one another and the many sacrifices they make for the sake of the world.
The Church Is Catholic
Catholic means “universal.” The Church is universal in two ways. First, the Church is catholic because all baptized people are part of the Church and the Church possesses the means of salvation. Second, the mission of the Church is universal because the Church has been sent to proclaim Christ to the entire human race.
The Church Is Apostolic
The Church traces its tradition directly from the apostles; therefore, the Church is considered apostolic. With the Holy Spirit the Church preserves and continues the teaching of the apostles. The pope and bishops are the successors of the apostles.
-LoyolaPress.com
The church is the bride of christ
CCC 796 The unity of Christ and the Church, head and members of one Body, also implies the distinction of the two within a personal relationship. This aspect is often expressed by the image of bridegroom and bride. the theme of Christ as Bridegroom of the Church was prepared for by the prophets and announced by John the Baptist.234 The Lord referred to himself as the "bridegroom."235 The Apostle speaks of the whole Church and of each of the faithful, members of his Body, as a bride "betrothed" to Christ the Lord so as to become but one spirit with him.236 The Church is the spotless bride of the spotless Lamb.237 "Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her."238 He has joined her with himself in an everlasting covenant and never stops caring for her as for his own body:239
This is the whole Christ, head and body, one formed from many . . . whether the head or members speak, it is Christ who speaks. He speaks in his role as the head (ex persona capitis) and in his role as body (ex persona corporis). What does this mean? "The two will become one flesh. This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the Church."240 and the Lord himself says in the Gospel: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh."241 They are, in fact, two different persons, yet they are one in the conjugal union, . . . as head, he calls himself the bridegroom, as body, he calls himself "bride."242
This is the whole Christ, head and body, one formed from many . . . whether the head or members speak, it is Christ who speaks. He speaks in his role as the head (ex persona capitis) and in his role as body (ex persona corporis). What does this mean? "The two will become one flesh. This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the Church."240 and the Lord himself says in the Gospel: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh."241 They are, in fact, two different persons, yet they are one in the conjugal union, . . . as head, he calls himself the bridegroom, as body, he calls himself "bride."242
live session Video
aDditional resources
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA)
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For further reading: Chapter 10: The Church: Reflecting the Light of Christ Chapter 11: The Four Marks of the Church |
Lumen Gentium is translated from Latin to mean "Light to the Nations "and is an official document of the Catholic Church that lays out reasons why we believe the Catholic Church is the Body of Christ. It was written by Pope Paul VI and published November 21, 1964. This link will take you to the document for further study.
catholic PRAYERS TO HELP YOU IN YOUR VOCATION:
A good prayer for anyone seeking a vocation, especially young adults: "Mary my Mother, pick me a spouse, be it your Son, or someone else.”
Prayer of Spouses for Each Other
A traditional Catholic prayer asking God to bless a marriage with love, faith, patience, and harmony
Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another's weaknesses and grow from each other's strengths. Help us to forgive one another's failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to You through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen.
A traditional Catholic prayer asking God to bless a marriage with love, faith, patience, and harmony
Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another's weaknesses and grow from each other's strengths. Help us to forgive one another's failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to You through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen.
THE ANGELUS is a prayer that many members of the Catholic Church recite in the morning, at noon, or in the early afternoon.
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
ST. Therese Apostle of love
One of the handouts during our live session was a map of the 12 different dioceses of California:
OUR NEXT SESSION WILL BE:
APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION
Presented by Deacon Darren Caskey
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, | 6:30 - 8:00 PM in McMullan Hall
We warmly invite you to join us in person next week. While attending in-person sessions is preferred, online recordings will be available within three days for those who are unable to attend.
Presented by Deacon Darren Caskey
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, | 6:30 - 8:00 PM in McMullan Hall
We warmly invite you to join us in person next week. While attending in-person sessions is preferred, online recordings will be available within three days for those who are unable to attend.
You have completed this session and may submit your questions to be addressed during one of our live sessions here:
inquiry session 5: The Church - The Body of Christ
You have completed this session and may submit your questions to be addressed during one of our live sessions here:
Thank you for attending in person and/or online! This session has been completed.
We encourage you to spend time with us on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm in McMullan Hall.
We encourage you to spend time with us on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm in McMullan Hall.