This is an imprecise term for the first three to five hundred years in the life of the Church. During the early period following its birth around 30 AD, the young Church gradually overcame persecutors, established structures and liturgies, spread its message beyond Palestine, developed doctrines and fought various heresies. At first the Greek ‘fathers’ and monks were particularly influential but following the conversion of the Emperor Constantine (337 AD) the Church, led by the Popes gradually succeeded the Roman Empire as the dominant influence in the ‘West’.

(verb) in the context of this curriculum, a personal and real experience and sense of connection with God.

(noun) translates as thanksgiving — The Catholic Mass; the presence of Jesus in the form of bread and wine.

(verb) sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.