Topic 3

MODULE 1: UNIT 1 – General Introduction

Lesson 3: The Church in God's Plan

I – Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, the students shall:

1. Find out the importance of the names and images of the Church;
2. Explain the three meanings of the Church;
3. Sketch the symbols of the Church.

II – Instructional Sequence

A. Share (Activity)

Drawing:
Draw at least an image of a Church according to your concept.

B. Heed (Individual Ponderings/Group Sharing)

Share to your group your drawing.
 What’s the concept that is portrayed in your drawing? Why?
 What’s the group’s realization?

C. Understand Content Discussion

A) Names and Images of the Church (CCC 751)

The word "Church" is from the Greek phrase “ekkalein” which letterally means to call out or the nouns
“Ekklesia” and “Kyriake”. Ekklesia refers to the assembly of the chosen people before God. The Greek “Ekklesia” is
translated to Latin “Ecclesia”. The Greek “Kyriake” is translated to the German “Kirche” which means "what belongs
to the Lord." The German “Kirche” is translated to English “Church”. By calling itself "Church," the first community of
Christian believers recognized itself as heir to that assembly. In the Church, God is "calling together" his people from
all the ends of the earth.

B) The Three Meanings of the Church (CCC 752)

In Christian usage, the church is 1) a liturgical assembly, 2) a local community, and 3) the whole universal
community of believers.
These three meanings are inseparable. "The Church" is the People that God gathers in the whole world.
She exists in local communities and is made real as a liturgical, above all a Eucharistic, assembly. She draws her life
from the Word and the Body of Christ and so she herself becomes Christ's Body.

C) Symbols of the Church (CCC 753-757)

1) The Church is a sheepfold. It is the flock of which God himself foretold that he would be the shepherd,
and whose sheep, even though governed by human shepherds, are unfailingly nourished and led by Christ himself,
the Good Shepherd and Prince of Shepherds, who gave his life for his sheep.
 2) The Church is a cultivated field, the tillage of God. On that land the ancient olive tree grows whose
holy roots were the prophets and in which the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles has been brought about and will be
brought about again. That land, like a choice vineyard, has been planted by the heavenly cultivator. Yet the true vine
is Christ who gives life and fruitfulness to the branches, that is, to us, who through the Church remain in Christ,
without whom we can do nothing.
3) The Church is called the building of God. The Lord compared himself to the stone which the builders
rejected, but which was made into the comer-stone. On this foundation, the Church is built by the apostles and from it
the Church receives solidity and unity.
4) The Church is the spotless spouse of the spotless lamb. It is she whom Christ 'loved and for whom he
delivered himself up that he might sanctify her. It is she whom he unites to himself by an unbreakable alliance, and
whom he constantly nourishes and cherishes.

Summary

1) The term Church is from the Greek “Ekklesia” and “Kyriake.” The English term “Ecclesiology” is a derivation
of the Greek “Ekklesia” while the English “Church” is a derivation of the Greek “Kyriake.” Ecclesiology is the
study of the Church.
2) The Church is a liturgical assembly, a local community, and a universal community of believers. The Church
is found in local communities throughout the world. A peculiar distinction of this community is its faith,
prayer, and liturgy.
3) The Church is described through the following symbolisms: It is a sheepfold, Christ is the shepherd and the
sheep is the Church. It is a cultivated field, Christ is the cultivator and the Church is the field. The Church is
a building, Christ is the corner stone and the Church is the other stones. The Church is a spouse, Christ is
the groom and the Church is the bride.

D. Believe Integration

 What are the challenges that are in your mind while learning or understanding the Church’s images?