The seeds of faith are planted at baptism, the foundational sacrament of ministry that enables us to participate in the threefold office of Christ as prophet, priest, and king (and queen). Our faith is rooted in the charisms given by the Spirit in Baptism and enhanced by the Spirit at confirmation. The doctrine of the Trinity is the central mystery of our Christian faith and teaches us how to relate to God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As Catholics we proclaim there is one God, three persons in one God: The Father who created everything; The Son who came to redeem; The Spirit who is the gift of the Father and the Son to the Church.

The Acts of the Apostles records the Pentecost experience – the life of the first Christian communities and the beginnings of our Church. The Holy Spirit gave the new Christians the ability to understand God’s will and to live together in love, as evidenced in both Acts 2: 42-47 and Acts 4: 32 – 34.

The early Christian community felt the manifestation of God’s presence and an empowering boldness from the Holy Spirit. They committed themselves to follow the teachings of the apostles, fellowship, Eucharist, and prayer.

Our bible is our primary source of information about the message of Jesus who went about his earthly life feeding the hungry, healing, listening, and reminding people how they were valuable and loved by God. Our study of Scripture enables us to become faithful disciples of Jesus and equips us with the necessary to make faith filled decisions.

Elements of a Christian Community
Acts 2: 42-47

• Prayer: Matthew 18: 19-20
   

• Praise, Worship and Eucharist: Central focus – Romans 12: 1-2; 1 Corinthians 14: 26-33.
   

• Spiritual Friendship: Creating an environment of support responding to human needs of being loved, encouraged, affirmed and forgiven. (Acts 4: 32 – 37)
   

• Faith Sharing: Speak freely about God and about experiences of life. All of Paul’s letters…
   

• Study: Acquiring knowledge of Scripture, church documents, etc. Matthew 4: 1- 11; Cathechism of the Catholic Church; Lives of the Saints, Documents of Vatican II, etc.
   

• Service: Reaching out to the needs of others. Mark 10: 41 - 45