Session 3: Witnesses to the Faith

 

St. Stephen, Christian Martyr

Has anyone ever challenged your Catholic beliefs? How did you respond? Christian martyrs are people who gave their lives as witnesses to their faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that these holy people went straight to Heaven because of their sacrifice. That means they skipped the experience of Purgatory. Living with Christ in Heaven, Christian martyrs act as intercessors, praying for our needs if we ask them. The Christian martyrs are also members of the Communion of Saints, which is the community of all those, living and dead, who believe in Jesus and follow his teachings. 

The major periods of Christian persecution were from AD 251-313. During the worst part of that time the practice of Christianity was formally outlawed, and everyone in the Roman Empire was forced to sacrifice to the Roman gods. Some historians say that 200,000 people were killed during this time. Others abandoned their faith and went into hiding. 

The first recorded Christian martyr is St. Stephen. He was also one of the first Deacons. Read along in the Bible as Mrs. Christie reads in the next video. Here are links to the reading as well:

Acts 6:8-15

Acts 7:54-60

 

Think about this: How did St. Stephen have the ability to defend his faith?  

Here is a brief video about the life of St. Stephen.

 How was St. Stephen able to defend his faith to the death? It was only because of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that he had received. You will receive the same gifts in the Sacrament of Confirmation. What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and why do I need them? Watch:

 

Finally, complete this Exit Ticket to show what you've learned about St. Stephen and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.