Home > Commissions > Faith Formation > Why do Catholics archive > Church > Christ establish Church

WHY DO CATHOLICS...? ARCHIVE
The following question was answered as a part of our Why Do Catholics...? series. If you would like to submit a question for our Why Do Catholics...? series, email faithform@abecket.org or leave your question in the Faith Formation box in the Parish Office.

Did Christ establish the Catholic Church?

Well, strictly speaking, the answer would be no, at least not when we of the Catholic Church as an institutional structure. Yet, the Catholic Church today can trace its roots to Christ in a direct line. In the Scripture we find Christ telling Peter, that upon him, as “rock” he would build his church. The word church means, people of God; those gathered in his name. He gave his apostles the power to forgive and consecrate the bread and wine. These apostles laid hands and prayed to equip others to do the same, and so down through the ages in an unbroken line the church can trace its authority and teachings. In the bible we see the beginnings of a leadership structure, with specific roles of service found many places: Romans 12:6-8; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Tim 3., but much of the structure we know today developed when it become the official Church of the Roman Empire.

Laura Broyles, Adult Faith Formation Director
laura.broyles@abecket.org

Back to Church Leaders and Buildings questions