World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 28

Understanding Church

– united in faith with the Holy Father, Pope

The Church is not just a building; rather, it is

Francis, who guides and shepherds the

the community of believers gathered by God’s

universal Church.

grace, joined to Christ as his Body and Bride,
and transformed as a Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Collective Brainstorming Process:



The Church’s origins lie with Christ:

“How do we encounter Jesus

through Mary’s “yes” to the angel Gabriel

in and through the Church today?”

(Lk 1:26-38), through the call of the first

Invite participants to name specific experiences,

disciples (Mt 4:18-22), and from the Cross

moments, or parts of our Catholic tradition where we

(Jn 19:23-30).

encounter Jesus. Be specific. The leader (or other

When Jesus commissioned the disciples and

v