OCIA Session 5: The Church – The Body of Christ and Catholic Identity

Congratulations - you’ve reached the end of Phase 1 of OCIA! That’s already a big deal. By now you’ve heard about what OCIA is, who Jesus is, how God speaks to us in Scripture and Tradition, and the mystery of the Trinity.

Tonight’s topic is where all those threads come together: the Church. And right away let me say: the Church is not just a building, or a collection of rules, or a Sunday obligation. It is something far more beautiful and far more personal. The Church is the Body of Christ.

What the Church Is

When you say “Church,” most people picture a building with stained glass, candles, and pews that creak louder than your knees. And yes, the building matters - it’s sacred space. But the Catholic Church is first and foremost a people. In Scripture, St. Paul tells us: “Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). That means when you join the Catholic Church, you’re not signing up for a club. You’re being grafted into Christ Himself.

Humor Break

Of course, families can be messy - and the Church is no different. We’ve got saints and sinners, holy people and people who drive you nuts. If you ever find a “perfect parish,” don’t join it… because you’ll ruin it. The beauty of the Catholic Church is that God uses imperfect people (like us) to carry His perfect love.

Four Marks of the Church

The Nicene Creed describes the Church in four words: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic.

One – United in faith and sacraments around the world.
Holy – Not because we’re flawless, but because Christ is holy.
Catholic – “Universal.” The Church is for every nation, language, and people.
Apostolic – Built on the apostles and their successors, the bishops.

Interactive Reflection

Take two minutes. Which of those four words speaks most to you right now - One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic? Why? If you’re in a group, share. If you’re alone, jot it down in your notebook.

Why Parish Life Matters

It’s one thing to say, “I’m part of the universal Catholic Church.” That’s beautiful - but it becomes real in your parish. The parish is where you experience the Church locally:

Where you attend Mass every Sunday.
Where you receive the sacraments.
Where you find community, service, and belonging.

Skipping parish life is like saying, “I’m on a soccer team,” but never showing up for practice or games.

Humor Break #2

And yes, parish life means donuts after Mass, pancake breakfasts in Lent, and fish fries where the line is longer than confession on Ash Wednesday. All of that is part of the Catholic experience. And believe it or not - those small moments of community help us live out being the Body of Christ.

The Church as a Mission

The Church doesn’t exist just for herself. She exists to spread the Gospel. That means you’re not just a passenger on a cruise ship; you’re part of the crew.

Catholic identity means not just showing up, but serving, sharing your faith, and inviting others to encounter Christ.

Parish Connection

Next Sunday at Mass, look around. Every person in the pew is a living stone in the Church. That means you matter. Your presence matters. Your future participation matters.

Interactive Activity

Turn to someone near you and share one gift or talent you bring. Are you good at singing? Organizing? Smiling at people when they walk in? All of these are ways to build the parish. If you’re not sure yet, that’s okay - OCIA is the time to start discovering.

Action Step

This week, go to Mass and stay afterward. Don’t just bolt for the parking lot. Instead:

Introduce yourself to someone new.
Ask about a parish group you could join.
Take the first small step into parish life.

Closing

So what is the Church? It is the Body of Christ, the family of God, the community you are being welcomed into. It is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. And it is waiting for you - not just to sit in a pew, but to become a living, active part of it. This brings us to Phase 2, where we dive into the sacraments - the way Christ continues to live and work through His Church. Next time we’ll begin with an overview of all seven sacraments - what they are, why they matter, and how they will change your life. Until then, remember: the Church is not just something you attend. It is something you belong to. And soon - it will be your home.

next class:
OCIA Session 6: The Sacraments Overview – Signs of Grace, Instituted by Christ