Chapter 1

1. Chapter 1 Apostolic: Founded on the Apostles

2. Vocabulary • Apostolic- Jesus founded the Church on the Apostles • Church is faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ passed on to her by the Apostles • Magisterium- teaching office of the church • Guided by the Holy Spirit, to accurately and authentically interpret the Word of God • Scripture and Tradition • Trinitarian- “reflecting the unity of the blessed trinity”

3. Peter and the Early Church • First followers of Jesus were primarily Jews • They believed that only Jews were included in the divine plan of salvation • Acts of the Apostles • Peter and others understood that God invites and calls all people to salvation • Luke describes the vision of Peter and of the conversion of Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army. • Read: Acts of the Apostles 10: 31-49 , page 32 in Religion book

4. Holy Spirit Guides Peter • Cornelius sent a letter to Peter inviting him to come and teach his family about the Lord • Peter was troubled because Cornelius was not Jewish • The Holy Spirit prompted Peter to go • This is when Peter realized that Jesus wanted him to teach not only Jews, but all people • Peter was given the authority to teach by Jesus • This authority has been passed on to Pope and bishops

5. Authority/Holy Spirit • The Pope and bishops serve the church by instructing and leading her members • The pope and bishops make up the Magisterium • As they teach they are guided by the Holy Spirit • The Holy Spirit ensures the Church’s fidelity(faithfulness) to the teaching of Jesus • When the Pope or the bishops proclaim a teaching on morality or faith, it becomes infallible (incapable of being wrong)

6. Church Community • Peter and the other Apostles would share stories of Jesus in someone’s home. • They cared for each other’s needs and prayed together during the day and in the evening • They read ancient Israel Scriptures like we read God’s word today • They remember his life, his death, and resurrection • Celebrate with breaking of bread

7. Homework • Read pages 32-33 • Answer the following questions: (write each question) • 1. Have you ever been part of a group in which everyone was treated as an equal? What was it like? How did you feel about belonging to that group? • 2. What important aspects of the early Church life helped the Church grow? • 3. Do the activity on page 33

8. Study Guide • Know who the first leader of the church was • Know the practices of early Christian communities • Know what Peter meant by: “Whoever honors God and acts uprightly is acceptable to God” • “to him all prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive ____________________” • Know the 3 ways the church reflects the unity of the Trinity • Know how the reading of ancient scriptures is similar to today’s mass • Know why Jesus prayed for Peter’s faith to be strong

9. Study Guide • Pope and bishops continue_________________________ • Know what Peter responded when Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” • A summary of Catholic beliefs taught for almost 2000 years is ___________________________ • Know who’s house Peter visited • Know the term magisterium • Know who guides the church to be faithful • Know the term infallible • Know the term Apostolic

10. Study Guide • Jesus early followers believed that God’s salvation was only for__________________ • Peter and the other apostles taught the _________________ • Know who Cornelius sent a message to • Know the term Trinitarian • Know the law about Jews entering homes