Understanding the Church

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Questions and Answers

What dual nature does the Church embody?

A collection of individuals and a historical narrative

A moral authority and a social club

A secular governance body and a religious institution

A visible assembly and a spiritual community (correct)

Who is acknowledged as the only mediator between God and man in relation to the Church's foundation?

The Holy Spirit

The Virgin Mary

The Apostles

Jesus Christ (correct)

What aspect of the Church requires faith for deeper understanding?

Its ecclesial leadership structure

Its historical events

Its supernatural reality (correct)

Its physical locations

Which historical figure is noted for being chosen as part of God's preparation for the Church?

Abraham Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Christ instituting the Church?

To continue His divine mission throughout history Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the Church's mission?

To complete the work of Christ Signup and view all the answers

What does the Church serve as according to the content?

A living extension of Christ’s salvific action Signup and view all the answers

How is the Church described in relation to its visible and spiritual aspects?

They are inter-related and together form the Church's identity Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Ekklesia' refer to in its original Greek context?

An assembly of people Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of the Church according to the content?

A visible reality with religious goals Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT highlighted as part of the Church's identity?

Nation-state governance Signup and view all the answers

What role do rites, ceremonies, and sacraments play in the Church?

They express the Church's way of life Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct etymological origin of the word 'Church'?

It is based on the Greek 'Kyriake' Signup and view all the answers

How is the Church's existence characterized in terms of belief?

It draws life from the word and the Body of Christ Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'People of God' signify in relation to the Church?

A universal gathering of believers Signup and view all the answers

Which concept represents the Church's deeper reality beyond its visible aspects?

Its moral and dogmatic doctrines Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary means by which Jesus accomplished the institution of the Church?

A series of significant actions Signup and view all the answers

Which event is considered most significant in the institution of the Church, according to the content?

The sending of the Holy Spirit Signup and view all the answers

What does the number twelve signify in relation to the Apostles?

The twelve Patriarchs of Israel Signup and view all the answers

How did Jesus manifest the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament?

Through the election of the Apostles Signup and view all the answers

What role did Peter play in the structure of the Church according to Jesus?

He was declared the rock upon which the Church would be built Signup and view all the answers

Which sacrament did Jesus institute that plays a relevant role in the Church?

Eucharist Signup and view all the answers

What does the covenant made between God and Israel signify in relation to the Church?

It represents the foundation upon which the Church is built Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the preparatory acts that contributed to the institution of the Church?

The election of the apostles Signup and view all the answers

What does the Eucharist primarily represent?

The renewal of the sacrifice of Jesus Signup and view all the answers

Which event is identified as the birth of the Church by the Fathers of the Church?

The Crucifixion of Jesus Signup and view all the answers

What were the two sacraments that became the signs of the Church established through Christ's death?

Baptism and Eucharist Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Holy Spirit play on the day of Pentecost?

Completed the institution of the Church Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a sacred power bestowed upon the Apostles by Jesus?

To perform miracles Signup and view all the answers

How is the unity of the Church accomplished through the Eucharist?

Through the spiritual food of the New Covenant Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus mean when He said, 'He who hears you, hears me'?

The Apostles speak on behalf of Christ Signup and view all the answers

What biblical passage refers to Jesus drawing all men to Himself?

John 12:32 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Meaning and Nature of the Church

In Filipino Catholic culture, "Church" often refers to a physical building for worship.
People typically identify "the Church" with leaders like bishops, priests, and religious groups (nuns and brothers).
The term "Church" derives from the Latin Ecclesia and Greek Ekklesia, meaning "to call out of," generally referring to an assembly for religious purposes.
In Christian context, the Church encompasses the liturgical assembly, local community, and the universal community of believers.
The Church is understood as the People of God, gathering worldwide, existing in local communities, and realized in liturgical celebrations, particularly the Eucharist.
The visible aspects of the Church (rites, ceremonies, and laws) direct towards a deeper spiritual and supernatural reality, which connects individuals to the mystical body of Christ.
Jesus established one Church combining divine and human elements to extend His salvific action through history.

Foundation of the Church

The Church's origin lies in God’s will, aiming to share divine life with humanity.
The Holy Spirit is sent to complete Christ's work through the Church.
Key affirmations:
- The Church was instituted by Christ, the sole mediator between God and man.
- The Church continues Christ's divine mission throughout time.

Preparatory Stage of the Church

God prefigured the Church as the family of God, emphasizing man's social and religious nature from creation.
Key biblical covenants (Abraham, Moses, David) signify God's initiative in preparing for the Church.
Each covenant anticipated the coming Church, creating a narrative of salvation history.

Stage of Institution

Jesus instituted the Church through a series of actions, not a singular event.
Important landmark events in the Church’s establishment:
- Election of the Disciples: Initiated a permanent group to support his mission.
- Election of the Apostles: Jesus selected twelve apostles, representing the new people of God.
- Primacy of Peter: Established Peter as foundational for the Church's structure, granting him authority.
- Institution of the Eucharist: Commands the celebration of the Eucharist in memory of Him, serving as spiritual sustenance.
- Death on the Cross: Seen as the Church's birth; water and blood from Christ symbolize Baptism and Eucharist.
- Pentecost: Marks the completion of the Church, as the Holy Spirit empowers believers and extends the Church's mission globally.

Jesus Bestowed Sacred Powers

Jesus empowered the Apostles with sacred responsibilities to carry forth His mission.
Key powers conferred include:
- Authority to baptize.
- Ability to forgive sins.
- Command to celebrate the Eucharist.
This divine mission continues with the Church as it serves as the conduit for Christ's presence and teachings.

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Description

This quiz explores the meaning and nature of the Church, particularly within the context of Filipino Catholic beliefs. It prompts participants to think beyond the physical building and consider who constitutes the Church's community. Delve into the deeper significance and role of the Church in faith and society.