The Church Continues Jesus’ Mission on Earth

The Church can be understood as the family of God, the Body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Day 2 & 3

Church: The community of disciples founded by Jesus that will exist until the end of time. The Church is at the same time human and divine. It is the gathering of God’s people on earth and it is the mystical Body of Christ. The Church is also the Temple of the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the Body of Christ and unites its members. (777, 779, 805, 809, 810)
Family of God: The Family of God is a title for the Church. By our Baptism, we are made sons and daughters of God and members of His family, the Church.
Body of Christ: (n.): Another name for the Church. Just as a body has many parts, so too does the Church have many members. Each of us plays a specific and important role in the Body of Christ. Together we continue Christ’s work in the world as His hands and feet.
Temple of the Holy Spirit: The dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us and helps us to be holy. Because we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are temples of the Holy Spirit.