LESSON 4 – THE WORK OF

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE

CHURCH TODAY
Prepared by: Mr. Kyle Angelo B. Cayaban
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Church Today
• The role of the Holy Spirit was not only felt during the apostolic times. Until now, the Holy
Spirit continues to work in the Church by unifying her members with one another.
• The Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity mentions that “throughout all ages, the Holy
Spirit makes the entire Church one in communion and in ministering; He equips her with
various gifts of a hierarchical and charismatic nature, a giving life, soul-like, to ecclesiastical
institutions and instilling into the hearts of the faithful the same mission spirit which impelled
Christ Himself” (AG 4).
• The role of the Holy Spirit of leading the Church in modern times can be gleamed in the
teaching authority of the bishops. Preaching the gospel is the most important duty of bishops.
They are the first catechists in their respective dioceses. Endowed with the authority of Christ,
bishops are united with the Pope in teaching faith and morals.
• In some instances, they issue pastoral letters explaining certain matters that have a bearing in
the lives of the faithful of a given place. This the reason why the Church is at the forefront
whenever there are threats to human dignity.
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Church Today
• The Church is always up to the task of defending the poor and the powerless
and taking the side of the oppressed. This is the reason why in most social
issues the bishops always have a say.
• As a collective body, the bishops issue letters in the name of the episcopal
conference addressing certain issues affecting the life of faith of the members
of the Church. They make sure that God’s voice is heard and God is giving
guidance and hope to His people in distress.
• The Holy Spirit is truly the principal agent of evangelization. All the
members of the Church, not only bishops and priests, are empowered by the
Holy Spirit to evangelize. This empowerment is conferred in Baptism,
strengthened in Confirmation, and nourished by the Holy Eucharist.