The Structure and Authority of the Church

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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental role of the laity within the Church according to Blessed Alvaro del Portillo?

To primarily engage in religious life

To focus solely on personal spiritual growth

To lead the clergy in spiritual matters

To belong to the civitas terrena and participate in its development (correct)

Which virtue is emphasized as essential for a layman to be a good Christian?

Supernatural virtues

Mystical insights

Human natural virtues (correct)

Religious zeal

What sacrament is mentioned as a foundational aspect for the mission of evangelization among the laity?

Anointing of the Sick

Baptism (correct)

Confession

Eucharist

In which areas does the Church need the laity to communicate Christ?

In politics, education, and the arts Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered members of the People of God alongside the laity?

Those in the consecrated life and clergy Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the authority in the Church?

It comes from God and has a supernatural character. Signup and view all the answers

Who ultimately exercises authority in the Church?

God's chosen leaders. Signup and view all the answers

What was the mission given to the apostles by Jesus?

To spread His teachings and baptize nations. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Second Vatican Council, what role does Peter play in the hierarchical constitution of the Church?

He serves as the head of the apostles and source of unity. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Church's hierarchical order primarily represented?

Through the ministerial priesthood of Holy Orders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the authority exercised by church leaders?

To promote sanctification and salvation. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'in persona Christi Capitis' mean in relation to church ministers?

They speak and act as ministers of Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'all power in heaven and on earth has been given to Me' signify?

Christ's authority encompasses all aspects of existence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the ministerial priest?

To effect the Eucharistic sacrifice and offer it to God Signup and view all the answers

What is signified by the term 'episkopos' in relation to bishops?

Overseer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of bishops as successors of the apostles?

To create new doctrines independently Signup and view all the answers

Which function of bishops corresponds to the prophetic office?

Baptizing individuals and teaching commandments Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the collegial nature of the Church's hierarchy?

Bishops act within the college of bishops Signup and view all the answers

Which sacraments are bishops responsible for administering?

All sacraments of the Church Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the priesthood's personal character?

It is related to the sacramental nature of the office Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the three degrees of priesthood?

Their authority to teach and govern Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a priest according to the traditional roles defined in the Church?

To govern, teach, and minister Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can a deacon NOT perform?

Consecrate the Holy Eucharist Signup and view all the answers

In what ways do priests serve the Church?

In collaboration with the bishop Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ministerial priesthood from common priesthood?

Common priesthood applies only to baptized individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles can priests NOT be assigned to?

School principals Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered the laity within the Church?

Those who are baptized but not ordained ministers Signup and view all the answers

What is the hierarchy of the Church with respect to the roles?

Bishops hold the highest authority, followed by priests and then deacons Signup and view all the answers

What does the call to 'make disciples of all nations' imply for priests?

It encompasses global missionary work Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Structure of the Church

The Church's authority is unique and supernatural, originating from God.
Church leaders are chosen by God, not elected.

Authority in the Church

Church authority has a singular and unique nature, having a supernatural character and divine origin.
Ecclesiastical authority originates from God and is exercised by those chosen by God to lead the Church.
Church leaders are not elected officials.
The power of the Church is by the will of Christ.
Jesus gave apostles the power which he received from the Father.
This power is supernatural and sacred, and must be solely for sanctification and salvation.
Jesus gave his apostles authority (Mt 28:18-20) - to make disciples, baptize, and teach.

The Hierarchical Constitution

The hierarchical structure of the Church is defined in the Second Vatican Council document (LG 18).
Christ set up various offices in the Church for the good of the whole community.
The Apostles were given the mission by Jesus.
Bishops are the successors of the apostles.
Peter is placed at the head of the apostles to ensure unity in faith and communion.

Features of the Church's Hierarchy (CCC 874-879)

The Church's hierarchical order is represented by ministerial priesthood of those who've received Holy Orders.
Ministerial authority and mission comes from Christ.
Church ministers or leaders act and speak as ministers of Christ's grace, in the person of Christ.
The hierarchical authority arises from Christ.
It is a real service.
It has a collegial character.
Its character is personal and sacramental to the office.

Degrees of Priesthood

Apostles acted as specifically distinct group exercising power as Christ's ministers.
Jesus willed that the Church have a hierarchy to perpetuate the apostolic powers of teaching, ruling and sanctifying.
Christ sent his apostles and their successors to proclaim faith and establish his reign.
Apostles received power to act in his person (CCC 935).
Bishops, as successors of the apostles, are endowed with power and mission.
Bishops are responsible for teaching doctrine, guarding the deposit of faith and governing life of the Church.
Administer the sacraments.
In the Church there are three degrees of priesthood: bishop, priest, and deacon.

The Bishops

The bishop holds the highest degree of priesthood ("episkopos" - overseer in Greek).
Bishops are successors of the apostles.
They have the authority to govern a diocese.
Bishops are responsible for teaching, governing and sanctifying. (Mt 28:18-20)

The Priests

A priest is ordained and has the triple power of teaching, ministering, and governing.
Priests exercise their ministry in collaboration with the bishops.
Diocesan and religious priests can be assigned as parish priests, seminary formators, school, hospital chaplains, spiritual directors of charitable institutions.
They serve the good of the whole Church in their vocation.
There are two kinds of priesthood: ministerial and common.

The Deacons

Deacons, meaning "servant," hold the lowest position in the Church hierarchy.
Deacons' duties include administering baptism, assisting during burials, officiating marriages, and assisting priests at Mass by proclaiming the Gospel, giving homily, and distributing Holy Communion.
They cannot perform the consecration of the Eucharist and sacraments of Confirmation and Confession.

The Laity

Laity is the majority in the Church (as the base of a pyramid).
Laity, through baptism become members of the People of God.
Lay people are incorported into Christ.
Responsible for their own part, to play in the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and the world.
Lay people are "congregation of the faithful."
Laity are responsible for their part to play in Christ's mission.
Laity is essential to fulfill Christ's mission.
Role of laity is in different strata of society.
Laity plays essential role in evangelization (Baptism, Confirmation, Matrimony).

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Description

This quiz explores the unique and supernatural authority of the Church as ordained by God. It delves into the hierarchical structure established through scripture and the Second Vatican Council, emphasizing the divine appointment of church leaders. Test your understanding of ecclesiastical authority and its divine origins.