Aims

To begin to appreciate the rapid spread of the Early Church.
To become acquainted with the story of St.Augustine of Canterbury.

Lesson

Begin by revising what was taught in the previous lesson about the mission of the church. Can they remember the mission which Jesus gave his followers before He returned to Heaven. Starting in Jerusalem, they were to go and tell the rest of the world about Jesus.

Christians believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit, the story of Jesus began to spread throughout the world very quickly.

Share with children the list of countries / regions and dates around which the story of Jesus reached them. Can they find each country / region on a map of the world?

Following discussion, share with children the story of Augustine, 'the apostle of the English'.

Activity

Following discussion, groups of children could:

• find out about other early Christian missionaries, for example, St.Ninian, St.Columba, St.Boniface.
• interview a present day Christian missionary.
• find out information about Canterbury Cathedral and the present Archbishop.