The Church is alive. It’s not just an organisation. It’s not simply a collection of people with similar beliefs. It is the Body of Christ, a living organism, formed by Him and for Him, sent into the world to share His love. This mission is the heart of what it means to be the Church. It’s bold. It’s dynamic. It’s urgent.

Sent to Share, Not Keep

The word Apostle comes from the Greek apostel, meaning “to send.” Jesus didn’t gather His disciples just to keep them close. He formed them, poured His life into them, and then sent them. The Christian faith isn’t a private privilege or a treasure to hoard. It’s meant to be shared, scattered like seed, to grow new life everywhere it touches. This outward call isn’t optional. It’s our identity.

A God Who Gives

At the heart of this mission is the God Jesus revealed—a God of tender mercy, a God whose very nature is love. Think about that for a moment. The Creator of the cosmos chooses to pour Himself out in love. And here’s the extraordinary part: when we find God at the centre of our being, we also find everyone else. This is the bond of creation, the unity of all life in the love of God.

The Gospel is Dynamite

St Paul had a word for it: dunamis. It means “power.” It’s where we get the word “dynamite.” For Paul, the Gospel wasn’t just good advice. It was explosive. It had the power to shake the foundations of the world. And it did. The proclamation that God is love and that Christ has conquered death changed everything. It still does. That’s why the Church can never sit still. The Gospel is too powerful to keep locked away.

More Than a Club

The Church isn’t a club. It’s not a human invention. It is the Body of Christ, a living extension of Him in the world. Through the Eucharist, we are drawn into communion with Christ and with one another. “I am the vine; you are the branches,” Jesus said. This isn’t about admiration. It’s about connection—life-giving, real, and profound. The Church lives because He lives.

One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic

In the Creed, we profess our belief in the Church. That’s an incredible statement when you think about it. Belief in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—makes sense. But belief in the Church? Why? Because the Church is not merely human. It’s a sacrament of Christ, a sign and instrument of His presence. That’s why it’s described as one, holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. These aren’t just words. They’re our mission:
    •    One: Rooted in the unity of God.
    •    Holy: Reflecting the holiness of Christ.
    •    Catholic: Embracing all peoples, everywhere.
    •    Apostolic: Sent to continue the mission of the Apostles.

Each mark points us outward, calling us to live what we profess.

Unity in Diversity

Unity can sound threatening, like the totalitarian regimes we’ve seen in history. But that’s not what the Church’s unity means. It’s a unity in diversity. Christ is the Logos, the divine reason and truth at the heart of everything. Because of this, the Church can embrace what is true and good in every culture, transforming it through Christ. From pagan temples like the Pantheon in Rome to the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle, the Church has the power to integrate, to renew, to give life.

Witnesses of the Mission

History is full of witnesses who lived the Church’s mission. Think of Dorothy Day, spending hours before the Blessed Sacrament and then pouring her life out for the poor. Or St John Paul II, standing firm against tyranny in Poland. During Nazi and Communist rule, he secretly formed young people in faith, preparing them to transform their world. Years later, as Pope, he unleashed that faith, inspiring an entire nation—and beyond—to reclaim their dignity and freedom.

This is the Church at its best. Bold. Courageous. Alive.Here are some thoughtful reflection questions designed to help your RCIA group engage with the themes from the first half of the Catholicism episode. Each question includes relevant Scripture and Catechism references to deepen understanding.

Reflection Questions

1. The Apostolic Mission

• Read: John 20:21 (“As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”) and CCC 857-860 (on Apostolicity).
• Question: Jesus sent His Apostles into the world to continue His mission. What does it mean for the Church today—and for you personally—to be “sent”? How can you live out this Apostolic calling in your daily life?

2. God’s Self-Giving Love

• Read: 1 John 4:8 (“God is love.”) and CCC 221 (“God’s very being is love.”).
• Question: How does the idea of God as love challenge or deepen your understanding of who God is? In what ways have you experienced God’s love in your own life?

3. The Church as the Body of Christ

• Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (Paul’s teaching on the Body of Christ) and CCC 787-791 (the Church as Christ’s Body).
• Question: St Paul teaches that we are all connected as members of the Body of Christ. How does this shape the way you view your relationship with others in the Church? What are some practical ways to live out this connection?

4. Unity in Diversity

• Read: John 17:20-23 (Jesus’ prayer for unity) and CCC 813-816 (the unity of the Church).
• Question: Jesus prayed that His followers would be one. How does the Church achieve unity while embracing diversity? What can you do to contribute to the unity of your parish community?

5. The Power of the Gospel

• Read: Romans 1:16 (“The Gospel is the power of God for salvation.”) and CCC 1246-1248 (the power of the Gospel in Baptism).
• Question: St Paul describes the Gospel as the power of God. How does this idea of “dynamite” Gospel power challenge you to see your faith as transformative? How might this power influence your journey toward Baptism or full initiation?