Lesson 6: Why be part of the Catholic Church?

Goal

The goal of this session is to help the teens understand that Jesus established the Church to help us in this life. The Church, through the sacraments, gives us everything we need to get to heaven. The Church's main identity and reason for existence is evangelization.

Key Concepts
Jesus intentionally established the Church and gave Peter the special authority to govern, which he passed down to successors in order to guide and govern the Church with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

The Church has been sent to all nations with the mission of making disciples. The Church exists to evangelize.

The Church is the universal sacrament of salvation. Its purpose is to lead people to heaven.

Small-Group Questions: 

1] What is one way the Church has pointed you, or guided you, toward heaven? 

2] Do you trust the Church? What things make it difficult for you to trust the Church? What would help you grow in your trust in the Church? 

3] What kinds of answers do you think people would give to the questions: 

"What is the main purpose of the Catholic Church?" OR "Why does the Catholic Church exist?"

4] What is a disciple?

5] What is evangelization? 

6] What is conversion? Have you personally had a conversion? 

7] Do you feel personally called to the mission of the Church: evangelization? Why or why not? 

8] Why do you think some Catholics become disconnected from evangelization? 

9] C.S. Lewis said, “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” Think about the quote we heard from C.S. Lewis. Share your thoughts about that quote.

10] What is the next step you want to take on your journey with Jesus? How can the Church act as your guide as you take this step?