Unit II Lesson 6: Hierarchy of the Church PDF

WITNESS TO THE WORD: SOCIETY, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SOCIAL TEACHINGS **UNIT II: CHURCH: APPRECIATING HER NATURE AND MISSION** **LESSON 6: Hierarchy of the Church** **Number of Hours: 3** **LEARNING OUTCOMES:** +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **Course Learni...

WITNESS TO THE WORD: SOCIETY, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SOCIAL TEACHINGS **UNIT II: CHURCH: APPRECIATING HER NATURE AND MISSION** **LESSON 6: Hierarchy of the Church** **Number of Hours: 3** **LEARNING OUTCOMES:** +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **Course Learning Outcome/s:** | **Lesson Learning Outcomes:** | | | | | **CLO1** Discuss the significance | At the end of the lesson, the | | of founding the Church by Jesus | students are able to: | | Christ. | | | | - Discuss the apostolic | | **CLO2** Show a mastery of | succession of the Church, and | | knowledge about the hierarchy of | its structural organization | | the Church, and the importance of | *(cognitive)* | | each office. | | | | - Reflect on how the different | | **CLO3 Participate in some | offices (ex. episcopate, | | apostolates/ministries in your | presbyterate) carry on their | | local Church as your expression | magisterial duties and | | of love of God.**. | responsibilities; | | | | | | - Evaluate the participation of | | | the Church to the affairs of | | | the world through her | | | hierarchy *(affective)* | | | | | | - Demonstrate active | | | participation in the common | | | mission of the Church | | | *(psychomotor)* | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ **TEACHING-LEARNING ACTIVITIES (TLA)** **Part I: CONTEXTUALIZATION** What Is A Hierarchy? - YouTube Group activity guided with the following questions: 1. What is your idea about hierarchy? 2. Create an imaginary organizational chart following the example above. 3. State the nature of your organization (ex. Education, business). **Part 2: EXPOSITION/ DISCUSSION/ DEEPENING** The **hierarchy of the Church** is a system that organizes the roles and responsibilities within the Church. This system is structured in a way that respects the diversity of gifts and ministries necessary for genuine unity. This is what is meant by the term "hierarchy" - it is the "holy ordering" of the Church, the Body of Christ. **Reasons for the Hierarchy:** **Leadership and Order:** Just like any organization or institution, the Church needs leadership to function effectively. This leadership comes in the form of the Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, and Priests. Each has specific roles and responsibilities that contribute to the overall mission of the Church. - **Leadership:** The leaders of the Church are responsible for guiding the faithful, making important decisions, and ensuring the teachings of the Church are upheld. For example, the Pope, as the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, has the responsibility of shepherding the entire Catholic community. - **Planning and Coordination:** The leaders of the Church also need to plan and coordinate various activities and initiatives. This could include organizing religious events, coordinating missionary work, or planning educational programs. These activities require careful planning and coordination to ensure they align with the Church's mission and values. The hierarchical structure of the Church plays a crucial role in maintaining order. It helps prevent chaos and confusion by clearly defining roles and responsibilities. Each level of the hierarchy has specific duties, and this clear delineation helps the Church function smoothly. - **Maintaining Order:** The hierarchy ensures that there is a clear line of authority and a system for decision-making. This helps to maintain order within the Church. For example, a local issue would be handled by a Priest or a Bishop, while a matter affecting the entire Church would be addressed by the Pope. - **Preventing Chaos:** Without a clear hierarchical structure, there could be confusion and chaos. Different factions might form, each with its own interpretation of the Church's teachings. The hierarchy helps to prevent this by providing a unified direction and interpretation of the faith. **Succession:** The concept of succession in the Church's leadership is a fundamental aspect of its hierarchical structure. This concept is based on the belief that Jesus Christ established a line of succession to ensure the Church remains faithful to its mission. - **Establishment by Jesus:** According to Christian tradition, Jesus appointed the Apostle Peter as the first leader of the Church. This is often referred to as the "Petrine Primacy". Jesus said to Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church" (Matthew 16:18). This is interpreted as Jesus giving Peter the authority to lead the Church. - **Line of Succession:** The line of succession refers to the unbroken chain of leadership from the Apostles to the current leaders of the Church. Each bishop and pope is part of this line. When a bishop is ordained, it is believed that he receives the same spiritual authority that the Apostles received from Jesus. This line of succession is also known as "apostolic succession". - **Faithfulness to the Mission:** The purpose of this line of succession is to ensure that the Church remains faithful to the teachings of Jesus and the intent of its mission. The leaders of the Church, through their succession from the Apostles, are seen as carrying the authority to interpret the teachings of Jesus and guide the Church accordingly. **The hierarchy in the Catholic Church** At the top of this hierarchy is the **Pope**, who is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. The Pope has the highest authority and jurisdiction in the Church. Next in the hierarchy are the **Cardinals**. Cardinals are appointed by the Pope and are usually bishops. They have the responsibility of electing a new Pope when the position becomes vacant. **Bishops** come next in the hierarchy. They are responsible for a diocese, a community of believers in a particular region. Bishops have the power to ordain priests and deacons. They also have the authority to administer the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders. **Priests** are next in line. They serve in various capacities within the Church, such as pastors of parishes or as chaplains of hospitals, prisons, and schools. Priests have the authority to celebrate the sacraments of the Eucharist, Penance (Reconciliation, Confession), and Anointing of the Sick. Finally, **Deacons** are the last in the hierarchy. They assist priests and bishops in a variety of roles, such as preaching, teaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, and conducting funeral liturgies. **Roots of these Hierarchies:** It's important to note that while there is a hierarchy, all members of the Church - clergy and laity alike - are considered equal in dignity and holiness in the eyes of God. The hierarchy serves to organize the Church and facilitate the efficient and effective carrying out of its mission. It does not denote value or worth among its members. Each role, from the Pope to the laity, is vital to the life of the Church. **Apostolic Origin:** The term "apostolic origin" refers to the belief that the Church's structure and authority directly originate from the apostles, who were chosen and taught by Jesus Christ himself. - **Establishment by Christ through His Apostles:** According to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ selected twelve of his followers to become his apostles. These apostles were given the authority to teach, heal, and cast out demons in Jesus' name. After the resurrection of Jesus, the apostles were commissioned to spread his teachings, leading to the establishment of the first Christian communities. This is the beginning of the Church's hierarchical structure. - **Hierarchical Structure of an Episcopal Nature:** The term "episcopal" refers to the system of church governance where authority is vested in bishops. In this system, bishops hold the responsibility of overseeing the clergy within their dioceses and maintaining the unity of the Church. This structure was established by the apostles and has been maintained throughout the history of the Church. - **Primacy of Authority in the Successor of St. Peter:** Among the apostles, St. Peter is considered to have been given a special role by Jesus. He is often referred to as the "rock" upon which Jesus built his Church. The successors of St. Peter, known as the Popes, are believed to hold a primacy of authority within the Church. This means that the Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, has the highest authority in the Church and serves as the principal leader of the worldwide Catholic community. - In the nascent stages of the Church, decisions were collaboratively made. The apostles and other members convened in councils, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, to discern God\'s will (Acts 15:1-35). This exemplifies early synodality. - As the Church expanded, this communal approach persisted. Bishops, clergy, and laity gathered in synods to deliberate matters of faith, doctrine, and practice. - Synodality, therefore, isn\'t a novel notion but a fundamental aspect rooted in the Church\'s origins. It mirrors the Church\'s identity as a united People of God, journeying together under the Holy Spirit\'s guidance. The hierarchy in the Church, such as the Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, and Priests, is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. This structure was established to maintain order, provide leadership, and ensure the Church's mission is carried out faithfully. The hierarchy has evolved over time, influenced by historical events and the needs of the Church and its followers. It serves to guide the faithful, maintain order, and ensure the continuity of the Church's mission. **Part 3: INTEGRATION** **In any organization hierarchy of authority is the basic necessity. The common direction of an organization lies in the commitment of those who serve as the key players of leading the organization concretizing the vision by carrying the mission through its objectives and goals.** **The Church, however, more than what the structural organization implied, has a deeper cause. The hierarchy of the Church is not just by means of organizing the Church but rather structurally responding to the call of the founder, Jesus Christ.** **The Church\'s vision is to continue to actualize the saving act of God through her mission, propagating faith, and safeguarding the morals anchored to the very Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus, the hierarchy of the Church is not only responsible but, also the sole representative of Christ to feed, tend, and lead the faithful to salvation and holiness.** **References:** 1. Bock, D. L. (2012). *Jesus according to Scripture: Restoring the portrait from the Gospels*. Baker Academic. 2. Brown, R. E. (1994). *An Introduction to New Testament Christology*. Paulist Press. 3. Dulles, A. (2002). *Models of Revelation*. Orbis Books. 4. Erickson, M. J. (2013). *Christian Theology*. Baker Academic. 5. Grudem, W. (1994). *Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine*. Zondervan. 6. Hahn, S. (2009). *Covenant and Communion: The Biblical Theology of Pope Benedict XVI*. Brazos Press. 7. Johnson, E. A. (2002). *She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse*. The Crossroad Publishing Company. 8. Kärkkäinen, V. M. (2014). *Christology: A Global Introduction*. Baker Academic. 9. McGrath, A. E. (2011). *Christian Theology: An Introduction*. Wiley-Blackwell. 10. O'Collins, G. (2009). *Christology: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus*. Oxford University Press. 11. Pannenberg, W. (1968). *Jesus---God and Man*. Westminster John Knox Press. 12. Rahner, K. (2004). *Theological Investigations Volume IV: More Recent Writings*. The Crossroad Publishing Company. 13. Schillebeeckx, E. (1989). *Christ: The Christian Experience in the Modern World*. The Crossroad Publishing Company. 14. Wright, N. T. (1992). *The New Testament and the People of God*. Fortress Press. 15. Zizioulas, J. D. (1985). *Being as Communion: Studies in Personhood and the Church*. St Vladimir's Seminary Press. **Assessment (Exercises and Activities)** **HOLY NAME UNIVERSITY** **CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND MISSION (CREaM)** **LESSON 6: Hierarchy of the Church** **Name: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Class Schedule:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_** I. Describe the following picture in a short paragraph. 1.  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 2. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 3.  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ II. Using Venn Diagram compare and contrast the similarity and difference of a pope, a bishop, and a priest.