Course Description

This course presents the origin, brief history, nature and mission of the Church. It deals with the nature and reality of the Church as a human community who by their faith, witness and worship make Christs love and presence visible in the world. This course will also engage the students in active participation in the Churchs mission of evangelization.

General Objectives

At the end of the course, the students are led to: 1.Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the origin, history, nature and mission of the Church. 2.Develop a deeper sense of belonging to the Church. 3.Live a life centered on prayer and the sacraments in communion with one another in the Christian community. 4.Become active and committed members sharing in the Churchs mission of evangelization as parish/GKK volunteers.

Course Outline
I The Church in Gods Plan A. The Church Origin and Foundation B. Brief History of the Church II Nature and Mission of the Church A. Nature of the Church B. Images of the Church C. Characteristics and Mission of the Church D. The Church and the Blessed Virgin Mary III Models of the Church IV The Church : Discipleship in Community

References:
Catechism for Filipino Catholics Catechism of the Catholic Church

People on the Move: Church and Sacraments by Dr. Josefina M. Manabat pp.3-66.
Lumen Gentium Second Vatican Council Document

Ecclesiology
An Orientation

Introduction
The Catholic Church is one of the most visible reality that can be encountered. We may not see Christ today, we may not see God, but what we see is the Church that is spread throughout the world, in many nations and cultures.

The Church has been in existence for almost two thousand years. It continues to grow and expand. It does not show any sign of decline or stagnation.

The Church continues to exert influence in the lives of people and in society.

There have been a lot of questions raised about the origin, nature, identity and mission of the Church.

Down through the centuries, the leadership of the Church and the theologians have tried to come up with an understanding of the Church not only from a historical perspective but also a from the perspective of faith.

Thus emerged the field of Ecclesiology.

Etymologically, ecclesiology is the combination of two Greek words: ekklesia and logos.

The word Ekklesia comes from ek-kalein (to call out). Ekklesia originally means a convocation or assembly.

In the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (Septuagint) , ekklesia refers to the assembly of the chosen people before God (e.g. the people that assembled in Mt. Sinai where Israel received the Law and was established by God as his holy people. The Hebrew word for this is Qehal Yahweh.

When the Christian Community is called Ekklesia this implies that this community is regarded as the heir to that assembly. It is the people of God in the new covenant that God assembled from many nations.

The Latin equivalent is Ecclesia. In English this is translated as Church.

 Logos can mean "word" or "speech" or "talk."

Thus, Ekklesia-Logos literally means "word, speech, discourse about the Church.

 Thus, ecclesiology can be

defined as the systematic, theological reflection of the Church's self-understanding -about her origin, identity and mission.

Leveling Off
What is you understanding/vision of the Church? What is the situation of the Church today? What are the developments and trends in the Church?

 Wha is your view of the church?