BUILDING THE CHURCH, ONE HEART AT A TIME - THE LETTERS OF ST PAUL

 

Building the Church, one heart at a time – the letters of St Paul

Greetings, children!

Today, I want to take you on a little journey—not across countries, but across the early days of the Church, through the powerful letters of a man named Saint Paul.

Now, who was St Paul?

He wasn’t always a friend of Jesus. In fact, at first, he tried to stop Christians! But then something amazing happened. Jesus appeared to him in a bright light, and from that day, Paul’s life changed forever. He became one of the greatest missionaries the Church has ever known.

St Paul didn’t just stay in one place. He travelled from city to city—by boat, by foot, through desert countryside and storms—because he wanted to tell everyone about Jesus. But St Paul did not just visit people. He started communities, founded churches, and then wrote letters to help them grow strong in their faith.

Let’s look at a few of those churches and what St Paul taught them:

1. The Church in Corinth – (Letters to the Corinthians)

Corinth was a big, busy city with people from all over. But there were problems—fighting, pride and confusion. St Paul wrote to the Corinthians in the church saying:

“You are the Body of Christ.” (1 Cor 12:27)

What does that mean? It means we are all important in the Church. Some are teachers, some are helpers, some are encouragers—but together, we are one team in Jesus. Just like in your catechism class, everyone matters!

2. The Church in Philippi – (Letter to the Philippians)

This was one of St Paul’s favourite communities. Even when St Paul was in prison, he wrote to them with joy!

“Rejoice in the Lord always!” (Phil 4:4)

Even in hard times, St Paul reminded them—and us—that Jesus is our joy. We can smile, sing, and share His love no matter what happens.

3. The Church in Ephesus – (Letter to the Ephesians)

Paul taught the people in Ephesus that being a Christian means living with love and unity.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph 4:32)

That’s something we can all do—in our families, schools, and churches. Be kind. Be forgiving. Be like Jesus.

4. The Church in Rome – (Letter to the Romans)

St Paul wrote to the Romans to explain how God's love is for everyone—not just a few people.

“Nothing can separate us from the love of God.” (Rom 8:39)

Isn’t that amazing? No matter what happens—when we feel afraid, or when we make mistakes—God still loves us.

What Can We Learn?

St Paul didn’t just build church buildings—he built communities of faith. He helped people believe, pray, and live like Jesus. And guess what? That work still continues today—in you!

Every time you:

• Pray with your family
• Help a friend
• Come to catechism
• Say something kind…

…you are helping build the Church just like St Paul did!

Words of encouragement:

So, children, remember this: You may not travel across the world like St Paul, but you can still be a missionary. You can still help build the Church—one heart at a time—by sharing the love of Jesus wherever you are.

Let’s ask Jesus to make us brave, joyful, and kind, just like St Paul.

Amen!

Image inspiration Chatgpt and CN Whittle