Grade 8
The Church Through the Ages
The story of the Church from Pentecost to today: the apostles and martyrs, the councils and creeds, monks and missionaries, medieval saints, the Reformation and renewal, the modern world and Vatican II, and your own mission as a confirmed witness.
Your path through the book
1. The Church Is Born
Filled with the Spirit at Pentecost, the Church spread from Jerusalem to Rome, led by the apostles and their successors.
2. Martyrs and the Early Church
Through times of persecution, the early Christians witnessed to Jesus with their lives, and the Church grew.
3. Councils and Creeds
Guided by the Holy Spirit, the councils and Fathers of the Church defended the truth about Jesus and gave us the Creed.
4. Monks and Missionaries
After Rome fell, monks kept faith and learning alive, and missionaries brought the Gospel to new peoples.
5. Saints of the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, faith inspired cathedrals, universities and great saints who renewed the Church, even in a time of failures.
6. Reformation and Renewal
The Protestant Reformation divided Western Christians; the Council of Trent and great saints renewed the Catholic Church.
7. The Church in the Modern World
Through revolutions, wars and rapid change, the Church spoke up for human dignity and, at the Second Vatican Council, renewed her mission to the world.
8. Your Chapter of the Story
Every baptized Christian has a mission; Confirmation strengthens us to write our own chapter of the Church's story as witnesses.