Theology Past Paper PDF

Subject: Theology Good morning everyone, this will be your reading materials for our class in Ecclesiology. The coverange will be the PRELIM. PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR SELF A COPY OF THIS READING MATERIALS. Thank you and God bless. Pointers: 1. LCUP Vision, Mission, and Goals, LCUP CORE Values, Augustin...

Subject: Theology Good morning everyone, this will be your reading materials for our class in Ecclesiology. The coverange will be the PRELIM. PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR SELF A COPY OF THIS READING MATERIALS. Thank you and God bless. Pointers: 1. LCUP Vision, Mission, and Goals, LCUP CORE Values, Augustinian Core Values. 2. The 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit 3. 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit 4. Introduction to Ecclesiology 5. Origin, Foundation of the Church 6. Scriptural Images 7. The BEC (Basic Ecclesial Community) - The Kingdom of Intimacy - Fruitful Faith Origin - Foundation - Mission From the « prev : next »The Trinity's Plan for the Church (758) We study here the Trinity's plan for the Church and her progressive realization in history.The Father's Family (759) The eternal Father chose to create the whole universe and to create men to share his own life. He determined to call into his holy Church those who believed in Christ. This "family of God" took shape in history according to the Father's plan. Present in figure from the beginning, the Church was prepared for by Israel and was established by the Spirit in this last age. She will be gloriously completed at the end of time.The Goal of Creation (760) "The world was created for the sake of the Church" (Shepherd of Hermas). God created man to have communion with him. This is the Church (God's convocation). God permitted the angels' fall and man's sin to show his love. "God's will is creation and is called ‘the world' and God's intention to save us is called ‘the Church'" (St. Clement of Alexandria).Preparing for the Church (761-762) As soon as man sinned, God began gathering mankind into communion. This reunification takes place in the hearts of anyone "who fears him and does what is right" (Acts 10:35). The Church's remote preparation began with the call of Abraham to be the "father of many nations" (Gen 12:2, 15:5-6). The immediate preparation for the Church was God's election of Israel. However, the prophets accused Israel of breaking the Covenant and prophesied the new and eternal Covenant (Jn 31:31-34) instituted by Christ.Jesus Ushers in the Kingdom (763-764) By his preaching of the Reign of God, Jesus inaugurated the Church and ushered in the kingdom of heaven on earth. The Church is "the reign of Christ already present in mystery" (Second Vatican Council). This kingdom shines out in Jesus' Word. To welcome his Word is to welcome the kingdom. The beginning of the kingdom is the little flock, whom Jesus gathered as their shepherd. They formed the "true family" of Jesus who taught them a new "way of acting" and their own prayer (the Our Father).Gives the Church a Structure (765-766) By choosing the twelve apostles, Jesus gave this community a structure which will last until the end of time. These twelve represent the twelve tribes of Israel and are the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:12-14). The apostles and disciples share in Jesus' power, mission, and suffering. The Church is born from Christ's total self-giving. The blood and water flowing from Christ's side symbolize the origin and the growth of the Church. Just as Eve came from the side of Adam, so the Church came from the side of Christ.The Spirit Displays the Church (767-768) After completing his work, Jesus sent the Spirit on Pentecost to sanctify the Church. The Church was openly displayed to the crowds and spread to the nations by preaching. The Spirit gives the Church hierarchical and charismatic gifts. Endowed with these powers, the Church receives the mission to proclaim and establish the Kingdom of God among all peoples. Mystery of the Church From the « prev : next » On Pilgrimage until the Glory (769-770) Until Christ returns and bestows his full glory, "the Church will make her pilgrimage in the midst of the world's persecutions and God's consolations" (St. Augustine). The Church is in exile and will be perfected by great trials until all the just are gathered in the Father's presence. Only by faith can someone see that the Church exists in history (her visible reality) and yet transcends history (her spiritual reality) bringing divine life. Visible and Spiritual (771) Christ established and sustains the Church as a visible organization through which he communicates truth and grace to all. The Church is:A society with hierarchical structureChrist's mystical bodyA visible society and a spiritual communityAn earthly Church endowed with heavenly riches"One complex reality" with human and divine elements "The Church is so constructed that the human is subordinated to the divine, the visible to the invisible and this present world to the city yet to come" (Second Vatican Council). "Even if the pain of her long exile may have discolored her, yet heaven's beauty has adorned her" (St. Bernard). Where God and Man are One (772-773) This nuptial of Christ with his Church is "the great mystery" and the Church, by union with Christ her bridegroom, becomes "the hope of glory" (1 Cor 13:8). The Church's whole purpose is to unite men with God. Her structure is totally ordered to holiness and measured by how well the Bride responds to the Bridegroom. Because Mary precedes all of us in holiness, the Marian dimension of the Church precedes the Petrine dimension (Pope John Paul II). A Visible Sign of Salvation (774) Mystery (in Greek) is sometimes translated "sacrament." Later, "sacrament" emphasized the visible sign of salvation. Christ himself is this sacrament (mystery). "For there is no other mystery of God, except Christ" (St. Augustine). Christ's actions are revealed in the seven sacraments. In an analogical sense, the Church herself is a sacrament, containing and communicating this invisible grace. Sign of Man's Unity (775-776) The Church is the sacrament of men's inner union with God. She is also the sacrament of the unity of the human race because man's unity is rooted in God. At the end of time, she will gather men "from all tribes and peoples and tongues" (Rev 7:9). In her present state, she is a sign of a unity yet to come. She is "the visible plan of the love of God who desires that the whole human race become one People of God" (Pope Paul VI). The People of God From the « prev : next » Jew and Gentile Formed by the Spirit (781) God wants to join individuals together to serve him in holiness. Therefore, he chose the Israelites as his own people and made a Covenant with them. This prepared for the New Covenant in Christ's blood, in which God called Jew and Gentile into a race formed by the Spirit not by the flesh" (Second Vatican Council). Seven Characteristics of God's People (782) Definite characteristics distinguish this People of God from every other group in history:The People of God are not the property of any one people groupMembership comes from faith in Christ and Baptism, not from physical birthThis People is messianic; Christ shares with them his anointing of the SpiritTheir dignity is to be children of God because God's Spirit dwells withinTheir law is to love others as Christ loved them (Jn 13:34)Their mission is to be the "light of the world," a hope for the whole human raceTheir destiny is the Kingdom of God, in time and eternity The Three Offices of Christ (783-786) Since Christ was anointed priest, prophet, and king, every member has these three offices and carries their responsibilities. By Baptism believers are consecrated into a "holy priesthood" (Heb 5:1-5). They share in Christ's prophetic office by adhering unfailingly to the truths given to the saints. They share in Christ's royal office by serving the poor and the suffering. "The sign of the cross makes kings of all those reborn in Christ and the anointing of the Spirit consecrates them as priests" (Pope Leo the Great). The Body of Christ From the « prev : next » Abiding in Jesus' Body (787-788) In sharing his mission, Jesus spoke of a more intimate communion: "Abide in me and I in you. I am the vine, you are the branches" (Jn 15:4-5). He announced a real communion between his body and ours. "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him" (Jn 6:56). After the Ascension, Jesus remained with them and even sent his Spirit. By his Spirit, Christ constitutes his mystical body, made up of people called from every nation (Second Vatican Council). Three Qualities (789) The Church as Christ's Body has three specific qualities:She is one bodyShe has Christ as her headShe is Christ's bride Unity and Diversity in the Church (790-791) In the Church, Christ gives his own life to believers through the sacraments. This is especially true of Baptism and the Eucharist (which brings the believer into communion with Christ and with others). Within the Church's unity, there is a diversity of the Spirit's gifts. This unity stimulates charity ("If one member suffers anything, all the members suffer with him") and triumphs over all division. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female for you are all one in Christ Jesus". Growth in Christ (792-794) Through the Church, Christ, the head, extends his reign over all things. In the Church, Christ provides the needed help for our growth in him and for mutual assistance toward salvation. The Whole Christ (795) The saints are acutely aware that Christ and his Church make up the "whole Christ". "Let us rejoice that we have become Christ, for the fullness of Christ is the head and the members" (St. Augustine). "Our redeemer has shown himself to be one person with the holy Church" (Pope St. Gregory the Great). "Head and members form the same mystical person" (St. Thomas Aquinas). At her trial, St. Joan of Arc replied, "About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they are just one thing and we shouldn't complicate the matter." Bride and Bridegroom (796) This unity between Christ and his is best expressed in the image of bridegroom and bride. John the Baptist called himself, "the friend of the Bridegroom" (Jn 3:29). Jesus called himself the bridegroom (Mk 2:19). The Church is the spotless bride (Rev 22:17). The Church and each believer is a bride "betrothed" to Christ and Christ always cares "for his own body" (Eph 5:29). "As head he calls himself the bridegroom, as body, he calls himself bride" (St. Augustine). The Temple of the Spirit (797-798) "What the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to the Body of Christ, the Church" (St. Augustine). By the Spirit, all the parts of the body are joined. "The whole Spirit is in the head (Christ) and in each of the members" (Pope Pius XII). "In the Church there has been deposited the Holy Spirit. Where the Church is, there also is God's Spirit. Where the Spirit is, there is the Church and every grace" (St. Irenaeus). The Holy Spirit is the principle of the Church's saving action. He works by God's Word, by the sacraments, by the grace of the apostles, by virtues and by charisms. The Spirit's Gifts for the Church (799-801) All charisms, extraordinary or simple, are graces of the Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church. Charisms must be accepted with thanksgiving and used for the Church's apostolic vitality. These must be genuine gifts of the Spirit and used with charity (the measure of all charisms). All charisms must be discerned by the Church's shepherds who have the duty to test all things "so that all charisms work for the common good" (1 Cor 12:7). The Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic From the « prev : next » The Four Essential Features (811-812) One, holy, catholic, and apostolic are the four essential features of the Church. They do not belong to the Church but to Christ, who makes the Church one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic. Although faith alone recognizes their divine source, their historical manifestations speak clearly to human reason. The Church's "marvelous propagation, eminent holiness, Catholic unity, and invincible stability give an irrefutable witness of her divine mission" (First Vatican Council). The Church is One From the « prev : next » Unity from the Trinity (813) The Church's unity comes from the undivided Trinity. Christ "reconciled all men to God by his cross" and restored the unity of all people. She is one because her soul is the Holy Spirit. "The Holy Spirit brings about the wonderful communion of the faithful" (Second Vatican Council). "There is one Father of the universe, one Lord of the universe, and also one Holy Spirit. There is also one virgin become mother, and I should like to call her ‘Church'" (St. Clement of Alexandria). Diversity within the Unity (814) The Church also has a diversity of peoples, cultures, gifts, and offices and particular Churches with their own traditions. This rich diversity does not oppose Church unity. Yet, sin always threatens this oneness. St. Paul wrote, "Maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:3). Three Bonds of Unity (815) Besides charity, the Church has three important visible bonds of communion:The profession of one faithThe common celebration of worship (especially through the sacraments)Apostolic succession through Holy Orders Entrusted to Peter and the Apostles (816) This sole Church of Christ was entrusted to Peter and the other apostles. "This Church, constituted and organized as a society in the present world, subsists in the Catholic Church which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him" (Second Vatican Council). Only in the Catholic Church can the fullness of the means of salvation be obtained. To the apostolic college alone (with Peter as its head) did Our Lord entrust all the blessings of the New Covenant. All who belong to the People of God should be fully incorporated into this one Body of Christ (Second Vatican Council). Ruptures of Unity (817-818) St. Paul had to censure certain rifts and divisions. Centuries later, more serious dissensions caused large communities to separate from full communion with the Catholic Church. The blame lies with both sides because these ruptures (heresy, apostasy, and schism) are due to human sin. "Where there are sins, there are divisions. Where there is charity, there is unity" (Origen). Those living today cannot be charged with these sins of separation. The Catholic Church accepts as brothers those who have faith in Christ and have been baptized. They have a right to be called Christians and be accepted as brothers (Second Vatican Council). Outside the Church (819) Outside of the Catholic Church there are many elements of sanctification (God's Word, interior virtues, gifts of the Spirit, and some visible elements). Christ's Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation. Their power derives from the fullness that Christ gave to the Catholic Church. All these blessings lead to Christ and are calls to "Catholic unity" (Second Vatican Council). Recovering Our Lost Unity (820-822) This unity given by Christ "subsists in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose." However, the Church must work and pray to maintain that unity. Jesus prayed "that they may all be one... so that the world may know that you have sent me" (Jn 17:21). The desire to recover our lost unity is a true call from the Holy Spirit which requires:A permanent renewal of the Church in her fidelity to her vocationA conversion of heart by the faithfulCommon prayer (the soul of the ecumenical movement) Also needed are fraternal knowledge, ecumenical formation, dialogue among theologians, and collaboration in services to mankind. The whole Church must be involved in this Reconciliation of all Christians. Our hope lies in Christ's prayer because this gift is beyond human powers. The Church is Holy From the « prev : next » Made Holy by the Bridegroom (823-824) The Church is unfailingly holy because Christ loved the Church as his Bride. He gave himself up for her and has given her the Holy Spirit. Because she is holy, the New Testament frequently calls her members "saints." Sanctified by Christ, the Church herself becomes sanctifying and directs all her activities to the sanctification of the human race. All Called to Be Holy (825-826) Because the Church is endowed with a real (yet still imperfect) sanctity, all her members are called to the perfection of sanctity by which the Father himself is perfect. Charity is the soul of holiness. "I realized that love enables the other members of the Church to act. Love is the vocation which includes all others; it is a universe of its own, comprising all time and space - it is eternal" (St. Therese of Lisieux). Gathering up Sinners (827) Christ came to expiate sins. The Church clasps sinners to her bosom and follows the path of penance and renewal. All Church members, even her ministers, must acknowledge that they are sinners. "Though having sinners in her midst, the Church offers them the life of grace. If they live her life, her members are sanctified. When they move away from her, they fall into sins (Pope Paul VI). Canonizing Saints (828-829) By canonizing saints, the Church recognizes the Spirit's power of holiness within her. "The saints have always been the true source of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church's history" (Pope John Paul I). Their holiness is the hidden source of apostolic zeal. In Mary, the Church has already reached a holiness that is without stain or wrinkle. Let all eyes turn to Mary, in whom the Church is "all holy." The Church is Catholic From the « prev : next » Catholic (Universal) in Means and in Mission (830-831) The Church is Catholic (meaning "universal") in two ways. First, the Church is universal because Christ is present in her. She receives from him "the fullness of the means of salvation." In this fundamental sense, the Church was Catholic on the day of Pentecost and will be so until Christ returns. Second, the Church is Catholic because she has a mission to the whole world. The new People of God (while remaining one) must spread throughout the world. God made human nature one and now he decrees that all the scattered people be gathered together. By its gift of universality, the church seeks the return of all humanity under Christ the Head (Second Vatican Council). Catholic Even When Local (832-833) The Church is really present in all legitimately organized local groups of the faithful united to their pastors (called "churches" in the New Testament). These communities might be small and poor. Yet, in these particular churches Christ is present and the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church is constituted (Second Vatican Council). The diocese (or eparchy) is a community of faithful headed by a bishop ordained in apostolic succession. These particular churches are modeled after the universal Church. In them the one and unique Catholic Church exists. Unity in Rome (834) Particular Churches are fully Catholic by their unity with Rome "which presides in charity" (St. Ignatius of Antioch). "For with this Church (Rome), by reason of its pre-eminence, the whole Church must necessarily be in accord" (St. Irenaeus). "All Christian Churches have held the great Church of Rome as their basis and foundation since, the gates of hell have never prevailed against her" (St. Maximus the Confessor). In a Variety of Cultures (835) The universal Church is not just a federation of different particular Churches. The universal Church is rooted in a variety of cultures and takes on different external expressions. The rich variety shows forth the Catholicity of the undivided Church (Pope Paul VI). All are Called (836) All men are certainly called to this Catholic unity. The Catholic faithful, others who believe in Christ, and all mankind belong to or are ordered to Catholic unity. Some are Incorporated (837-838) The fully incorporated are those who accept all the Church's means of salvation and who, by profession of faith, the sacraments, church government, and communion, are united in the visible structure of the Church. However, a Church member who does not persevere in charity is not saved. He is in the Church's bosom, but "in body" not "in heart" (Second Vatican Council). Others who are baptized and are called "Christian" but who do not profess the Catholic faith are still joined to the Catholic Church in many ways. They enjoy a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. The unity with the Orthodox Church is so profound that it lacks little to attain the fullness to permit a common celebration of Eucharist (Pope Paul VI). The Jews - Awaiting an Unknown Messiah (839-840) Those who have not heard the Gospel are related to the People of God in various ways. The Jewish People were the first to hear the Word of God, and their faith is already a response to God's revelation. To them "belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises" (Rom 9:4-5) and "this call of God is irrevocable" (Rom 11:29). The People of God of the Old Covenant and new People of God expect the coming (or the return) of the Messiah. However, the People of the New Covenant await the return of a risen Messiah. The People of the Old Covenant await the coming of a still unknown Messiah, because they do not know or they misunderstand Christ Jesus. Muslims (841) God's plan of salvation includes those who acknowledge the Creator. Among these, in the first place, are the Muslims who profess the faith of Abraham and believe in one merciful God as mankind's judge on the Last Day. A Common Origin (842) The Church's bond with non-Christian religions is the common origin and goal of the human race. "All nations stem from one stock and all share a common destiny, namely, God. His providence extends to all" (Second Vatican Council). Other Religions (843) The Church recognizes that in other religions there is a search for a God. Any goodness or truth in these religions is a "preparation for the Gospel" (Second Vatican Council). Possible Mistakes in Religious Behavior (844) In his religious behavior, man can make mistakes. "Deceived by the Evil One, men have exchanged the truth of God for a lie and served the creature rather than the Creator. Without God, they are exposed to ultimate despair" (Second Vatican Council). The Church as Noah's Ark (845) The Father wants to reunite all humanity into his Son's Church. According to St. Augustine and St. Ambrose, the Church was prefigured by Noah's ark, which alone saved the world from the flood. "Outside the Church There is No Salvation" (846) How do we understand this saying from the Church Fathers? All salvation comes from Christ through his Body, the Church which is necessary for salvation because Christ is present in his Church. Jesus said, "The man who believes and accepts Baptism will be saved; the man who refuses to believe in it will be condemned" (Mk 16:16). By these words Jesus also affirmed the necessity of the Church, because Baptism is its door to the Church. Refusing to Enter (847) Someone who knows the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God and refuses to enter or remain in it, cannot be saved. Just Not Knowing (848) However, those, who through no fault of their own do not know either the Gospel of Christ or his Church, can achieve salvation by seeking God with a sincere heart and by trying to do God's will (Second Vatican Council). Although God can lead all people to salvation, the Church still has the duty to evangelize all men. The Church on Mission From the « prev : next » Sent to the Whole World (849-850) Because of Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations, the Church has been divinely sent as "the universal sacrament of salvation" and must preach the Gospel to everyone. The Church is missionary because (according to the Father's plan) she has her origin in the mission of Son and Spirit. The Church exists to bring all men into the communion of the Father, Son, and Spirit. To Save All (851) God "desires all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). Therefore, the Church must go out to those who are seeking God and bring them the Gospel. The Church must be missionary because she believes in God's universal plan. Led by the Spirit (852) The Holy Spirit is the "protagonist" who guides the Church on her missionary paths leading her to follow Christ's path of service and self-sacrifice. "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church" (Tertullian). Failures and Patience (853-854) The Church recognizes the great discrepancy between her message and her human weaknesses. Only by walking the way of the cross can she extend Christ's reign. This missionary endeavor begins by proclaiming the Gospel to unbelievers, then by establishing communities of believers, and finally by founding a local church. This involves a process of enculturation, so that the Gospel takes flesh in each culture. Only by degrees can the Church penetrate the culture. The Obstacle of Divisions (855) The missionary endeavor stimulates efforts to Christian unity because the divisions among Christian churches is a serious obstacle to missionary activity. Because of division, the Church cannot display its full Catholic unity. The Truths in Each Culture (856) The missionary task must appreciate those elements of truth which God has already given to the unbelievers. Proclaiming the Good News should raise up this truth, while purifying it from error and evil. The Church is Apostolic From the « prev : next » Apostolic in Three Ways (857) The Church is apostolic in three ways:She is built on "the foundation of the Apostles," those witnesses chosen by Christ.The Church hands on the teaching of the Apostles (the deposit of faith).The Church is guided by the successors of the apostles, the bishops in union with the Pope. Jesus is "the eternal shepherd who never leaves his flock untended" (Preface of Apostles). The Original Twelve and Their Successors (858-860) Jesus "named twelve as his companions whom he would send to preach the Good News" (Mk 3:14). Apart from Jesus, the apostles could do nothing (Jn 5:19) for they had received from Christ their mandate and their power. They knew that they were "ambassadors of Christ" (2 Cor 6:4) and "stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor 4:1). The original apostles were witnesses of Christ's Resurrection and the foundation stones of the Church. They took care to appoint successors, because Jesus promised to remain with them until the end of time (Mt 28:20). The Duty to Pass on the Office (861-862) The apostles gave their successors the duty of completing their work and urged them to shepherd the Church of God (Acts 20:28). They also required that, when these successors died, other proven men should take over their ministry. The apostles' task of shepherding the Church "was destined to be exercised without interruption by the sacred order of bishops" (Second Vatican Council). The bishops, by divine institution, have taken the place of the apostles. Whoever listens to them listens to Christ. Whoever despises them, despises Christ. Sharing in the Mission (863-864) Because the Church is in communion with the apostles, all Church members share in this mission. "Apostolate" means "every activity of the Mystical Body" which "aims to spread the kingdom of Christ over the whole world" (Second Vatican Council). Because Christ is the source of the Church's apostolate, ordained ministers and lay people must be in a vital union with Christ. Guided by his Spirit, their apostolate assumes many forms. The Kingdom Fully Revealed (865) The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic because the kingdom of heaven already exists in her. This kingdom has come in Christ, grows within the hearts of believers, and will be fully manifested on the Last Day, when all are gathered into one People of God. This kingdom is the heavenly Jerusalem which has the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb written on its foundation (Rev 21:14). Christ's Faithful and the Communion of Saints From the « prev : next » Sharing in the Threefold Office (871-872) The Christian faithful, incorporated into Christ by their Baptism and made members of God's People, share in Christ's threefold office as priest, prophet, and king. They are called to exercise God's mission for his Church according to their state (Canon 204). Because all share in the baptismal rebirth in Christ, there is a true equality in dignity and activity whereby all cooperate in building up the Body (Canon 208). Reading Materials: The Church: people of God, body of Christ, temple of the Spirit 153. Why is the Church the ‘people of God’? 781 802-804 The Church is the ‘people of God’ because it pleased God to sanctify and save men not in isolation but by making them into one people gathered together by the unity of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 154. What are the characteristics of the people of God? 782 804 One becomes a member of this people through faith in Christ and Baptism. This people has for its origin God the Father; for its head Jesus Christ; for its hallmark the dignity and freedom of the sons of God; for its law the new commandment of love; for its mission to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world; and for its destiny the Kingdom of God, already begun on earth. 155. In what way does the people of God share in the three functions of Christ as Priest, Prophet and King? 783-786 The people of God participate in Christ's priestly office insofar as the baptized are consecrated by the Holy Spirit to offer spiritual sacrifices. They share in Christ’s prophetic office when with a supernatural sense of faith they adhere unfailingly to that faith and deepen their understanding and witness to it. The people of God share in his kingly office by means of service, imitating Jesus Christ who as King of the universe made himself the servant of all, especially the poor and the suffering. 156. In what way is the Church the body of Christ? 787-791 805-806 The risen Christ unites his faithful people to himself in an intimate way by means of the Holy Spirit. In this way, those who believe in Christ, in as much as they are close to him especially in the Eucharist, are united among themselves in charity. They form one body, the Church, whose unity is experienced in the diversity of its members and its functions. 157. Who is the Head of this body? 792-795 807 Christ “is the Head of the body, the Church” (Colossians 1:18). The Church lives from him, in him and for him. Christ and the Church make up the “whole Christ” (Saint Augustine); “Head and members form, as it were, one and the same mystical person” (Saint Thomas Aquinas). 158. Why is the Church called the “Bride of Christ”? 796 808 She is called the “Bride of Christ” because the Lord himself called himself her “Spouse” (Mark 2:19). The Lord has loved the Church and has joined her to himself in an everlasting covenant. He has given himself up for her in order to purify her with his blood and “sanctify her” (Ephesians 5:26), making her the fruitful mother of all the children of God. While the term “body” expresses the unity of the “head” with the members, the term “bride” emphasizes the distinction of the two in their personal relationship. 159. Why is the Church called the temple of the Holy Spirit? 797-798 809-810 She is so called because the Holy Spirit resides in the body which is the Church, in her Head and in her members. He also builds up the Church in charity by the Word of God, the sacraments, the virtues, and charisms. “What the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to the members of Christ, that is, the body of Christ, which is the Church.” (Saint Augustine) 160. What are charisms? 799-801 Charisms are special gifts of the Holy Spirit which are bestowed on individuals for the good of others, the needs of the world, and in particular for the building up of the Church. The discernment of charisms is the responsibility of the Magisterium. The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic 161. Why is the Church one? 813-815 866 The Church is one because she has as her source and exemplar the unity of the Trinity of Persons in one God. As her Founder and Head, Jesus Christ re-established the unity of all people in one body. As her soul, the Holy Spirit unites all the faithful in communion with Christ. The Church has but one faith, one sacramental life, one apostolic succession, one common hope, and one and the same charity. 162. Where does the one Church of Christ subsist? 816 870 The one Church of Christ, as a society constituted and organized in the world, subsists in (subsistit in) the Catholic Church, governed by the Successor of Peter and the bishops in communion with him. Only through this Church can one obtain the fullness of the means of salvation since the Lord has entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant to the apostolic college alone whose head is Peter. 163. How are non-Catholic Christians to be considered? 817-819 870 In the churches and ecclesial communities which are separated from full communion with the Catholic Church, many elements of sanctification and truth can be found. All of these blessings come from Christ and lead to Catholic unity. Members of these churches and communities are incorporated into Christ by Baptism and we so we recognize them as brothers. 164. How does one commit oneself to work for the unity of Christians? 820-822 866 The desire to restore the unity of all Christians is a gift from Christ and a call of the Spirit. This desire involves the entire Church and it is pursued by conversion of heart, prayer, fraternal knowledge of each other and theological dialogue. 165. In what way is the Church holy? 823-829 867 The Church is holy insofar as the Most Holy God is her author. Christ has given himself for her to sanctify her and make her a source of sanctification. The Holy Spirit gives her life with charity. In the Church one finds the fullness of the means of salvation. Holiness is the vocation of each of her members and the purpose of all her activities. The Church counts among her members the Virgin Mary and numerous Saints who are her models and intercessors. The holiness of the Church is the fountain of sanctification for her children who here on earth recognize themselves as sinners ever in need of conversion and purification. 166. Why is the Church called “Catholic”? 830-831 868 The Church is catholic, that is universal, insofar as Christ is present in her: “Where there is Christ Jesus, there is the Catholic Church” (Saint Ignatius of Antioch). The Church proclaims the fullness and the totality of the faith; she bears and administers the fullness of the means of salvation; she is sent out by Christ on a mission to the whole of the human race. 167. Is the particular Church catholic? 832-835 Every particular Church (that is, a diocese or eparchy) is catholic. It is formed by a community of Christians who are in communion of faith and of the sacraments both with their Bishop, who is ordained in apostolic succession, and with the Church of Rome which “presides in charity” (Saint Ignatius of Antioch). 168. Who belongs to the Catholic Church? 836-838 All human beings in various ways belong to or are ordered to the Catholic unity of the people of God. Fully incorporated into the Catholic Church are those who, possessing the Spirit of Christ, are joined to the Church by the bonds of the profession of faith, the sacraments, ecclesiastical government and communion. The baptized who do not enjoy full Catholic unity are in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. 169. What is the relationship of the Catholic Church with the Jewish people? 839-840 The Catholic Church recognizes a particular link with the Jewish people in the fact that God chose them before all others to receive his Word. To the Jewish people belong “the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, the promises, and the patriarchs; and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ” (Romans 9:4, 5). The Jewish faith, unlike other non-Christian religions, is already a response to the revelation of God in the Old Covenant. 170. What is the bond that exists between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions? 841-845 There is a bond between all peoples which comes especially from the common origin and end of the entire human race. The Catholic Church recognizes that whatever is good or true in other religions comes from God and is a reflection of his truth. As such it can prepare for the acceptance of the Gospel and act as a stimulus toward the unity of humanity in the Church of Christ. 171. What is the meaning of the affirmation “Outside the Church there is no salvation”? 846-848 This means that all salvation comes from Christ, the Head, through the Church which is his body. Hence they cannot be saved who, knowing the Church as founded by Christ and necessary for salvation, would refuse to enter her or remain in her. At the same time, thanks to Christ and to his Church, those who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ and his Church but sincerely seek God and, moved by grace, try to do his will as it is known through the dictates of conscience can attain eternal salvation. 172. Why must the Church proclaim the Gospel to the whole world? 849-851 The Church must do so because Christ has given the command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This missionary mandate of the Lord has its origin in the eternal love of God who has sent his Son and the Holy Spirit because “he desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). 173. In what sense is the Church missionary? 852-856 The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, continues the mission of Christ himself in the course of history. Christians must, therefore, proclaim to everyone the Good News borne by Christ; and, following his path, they must be ready for self-sacrifice, even unto martyrdom. 174. Why is the Church apostolic? 857 869 The Church is apostolic in her origin because she has been built on “the foundation of the Apostles” (Ephesians 2:20). She is apostolic in her teaching which is the same as that of the Apostles. She is apostolic by reason of her structure insofar as she is taught, sanctified, and guided until Christ returns by the Apostles through their successors who are the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter. 175. In what does the mission of the Apostles consist? 858-861 The Word “Apostle” means “one who is sent”. Jesus, the One sent by the Father, called to himself twelve of his disciples and appointed them as his Apostles, making them the chosen witnesses of his Resurrection and the foundation of his Church. He gave them the command to continue his own mission saying, “As the Father has sent me, so I also send you” (John 20:21); and he promised to remain with them until the end of the world. 176. What is apostolic succession? 861-865 Apostolic succession is the transmission by means of the sacrament of Holy Orders of the mission and power of the Apostles to their successors, the bishops. Thanks to this transmission the Church remains in communion of faith and life with her origin, while through the centuries she carries on her apostolate for the spread of the Kingdom of Christ on earth.