THE CHURCH
Reflection Starters
The following four pictures and statements are meant to be reflection starters as you articulate your image or story of what you think about God.
> Should you choose the far right statement and the one on the bottom, then select the Bottom Right
picture.
OR
choose the left statement along with either the top or bottom one and then the corresponding picture.
2. Then respond to the next two questions
3. Reflect and write down for yourself how you would begin to tell another person who you are
The following four pictures and statements are meant to be reflection starters as you articulate your image or story of what you think about God.
- Choose the two statements which best reflect your current perspective.
> Should you choose the far right statement and the one on the bottom, then select the Bottom Right
picture.
OR
choose the left statement along with either the top or bottom one and then the corresponding picture.
2. Then respond to the next two questions
3. Reflect and write down for yourself how you would begin to tell another person who you are
A Story
One evening a roman centurion, named Martin was riding home, when a beggar called out to him. Martin, who had been learning about Jesus’ care for the poor, stopped, cut his cloak in half and gave half of it to the poor beggar. That night, Martin had a dream. He saw the beggar wearing that half cloak and then Jesus appeared in the beggar's place. |
The Church: A Community of People
Today the media almost always views the Church as if it were just another human organization
with certain gifts and limitations and its share of scandals. But the Church is much more than just an institution. The Church is first and foremost the community of Christ’s disciples who by their love of and service to others Christ visible and real to them.
The Acts of the Apostles provides a comprehensive description of the first Christian Community and identifies the key elements of every true Christian community.
In Acts 2:42 –47 we learn that the first Christians “devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers… All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”
Church: Its meaning
The primary meaning of Church is “assembly” or “those who have been called out". Who calls them? God. God called Moses and the people out of slavery so that they might be formed anew and then sent into the world to proclaim the Good News of God's love.
Jesus called each of his disciples by name, including those who follow him today, but he always called each one as a member of a people, a community. He called the twelve disciples. These twelve represented the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent them into the world to be his witnesses of a new way of living life, the way of self-giving and life-giving love.
The Church as Mystery
By describing the Church as a mystery, we mean that the relationship between the Risen Christ and each of disciples and the disciples with one another and as a community with Christ is one which can keep on growing and developing. It is like the relationship between a loving and committed spouses.
Different images, each revealing a different aspect of this relationship, have been used to describe the Church: She is the Body of Christ (1 Cor 13:27); the Vine and the Branches (Jn 15:5); the flock of the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:1-18).
Today the media almost always views the Church as if it were just another human organization
with certain gifts and limitations and its share of scandals. But the Church is much more than just an institution. The Church is first and foremost the community of Christ’s disciples who by their love of and service to others Christ visible and real to them.
The Acts of the Apostles provides a comprehensive description of the first Christian Community and identifies the key elements of every true Christian community.
In Acts 2:42 –47 we learn that the first Christians “devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers… All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”
Church: Its meaning
The primary meaning of Church is “assembly” or “those who have been called out". Who calls them? God. God called Moses and the people out of slavery so that they might be formed anew and then sent into the world to proclaim the Good News of God's love.
Jesus called each of his disciples by name, including those who follow him today, but he always called each one as a member of a people, a community. He called the twelve disciples. These twelve represented the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent them into the world to be his witnesses of a new way of living life, the way of self-giving and life-giving love.
The Church as Mystery
By describing the Church as a mystery, we mean that the relationship between the Risen Christ and each of disciples and the disciples with one another and as a community with Christ is one which can keep on growing and developing. It is like the relationship between a loving and committed spouses.
Different images, each revealing a different aspect of this relationship, have been used to describe the Church: She is the Body of Christ (1 Cor 13:27); the Vine and the Branches (Jn 15:5); the flock of the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:1-18).
Avery Cardinal Dulles articulated five ways of viewing the Church each providing a different perspective and values.
The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ.
Through the Holy Spirit, Christ and his disciples live in a personal loving relationship, together forming the Mystical (Spiritual) Body of Christ.
Saul, a dedicated Pharisee, thought the early Christians were heretics and set out to capture and imprison them. On his way to the city of Damascus, he was knocked to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” When Saul asked, “Who are you, sir?”, the response was, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4-5)
Saul, whose name was later changed to Paul, reminds us that all are members of Christ’s one body. “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many are one body, so also Christ.” (Acts 12:12) “Now you are one Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.” (Acts 12:27)
“I am the Vine; you are the Branches....Remain in Me as I remain in you.”(John 15 and 17)
The Church as the Body of Christ is organic, living and growing.
The Church is the Sacrament of Christ:
Sacraments make visible and present that which is invisible. Jesus is the sacrament of God. He makes visible and present in his person and through his words and deeds, the invisible God. The Church is the Sacrament of Christ. To the extent disciples manifest true love they make visible and present the Risen Christ. In celebrating the seven sacraments of the Church we encounter the Risen Christ and experience God’s own Goodness, Order and Life or Grace. (1 John 1:4 & Col 1:15-20)
The Church is a Herald or Teacher of the Good News
Like Christ, and the prophets before him, followers of Christ call people to conversion and the promotion of Goodness, Order [to right relationships] and Life. (Luke 4: 16-21)
Through the ages various questions have been asked requiring the Church Community to examine its mind and heart to determine what it truly believes and how disciples should act. At one time, for example it was asked, "Is Jesus really human?” Today a variety of questions are being ask such as , "Is Euthanasia morally acceptable?” or “What types of genetic experimentation are morally acceptable?”
The Bishops, united with the Bishop of Rome, are the authentic interpreters of the Good News and ensure the fidelity of the Church to the teachings of Christ and his Apostles. Their role is to examine Scripture, Tradition and the wisdom of the ages to provide authoritative answers to such questions. The teaching function of the Church is called the Magisterium.
There are varying degrees of "teachings". The most solemn are those of Ecumenical Councils when the Bishops gather as a whole, with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, to address certain issues. Through the councils of Nicea and Constantinople the Bishops taught that Christ was truly Divine and truly Human. These councils developed the Nicene Creed which summarizes what Catholics believe. Infallible teachings are those which the Pope, on behalf of the whole Church, teaches. Only in times of crises or at certain peak moments do the Bishops speak through Ecumenical Councils or the Pope teaches infallibly.
Most of what the Church teaches is a result of a growing and deepening understanding of what Christ revealed and what it means to be a Disciple of Christ. The Church learns and teaches in a very ordinary way. Thus, when the Pope or Bishops, individually or as a group, speak about matters of faith or morality, celebrating the liturgy or living life in today's world, their words are to be weighed with care and respect and with the presumption that theirs is an authentic and accurate interpretation of the Good News.
Development of Church Teaching:
Jesus Christ is the fullness of God’s revelation. Those who encountered Jesus wrote down some of their key reflections in Scripture. They also passed on a living sense of what it meant to follow Christ, much as a son or daughter today might explain what it means to be a member of a particular family. The Bishops are the official teachers of the Church. They are the final interpreters of both the Scriptures and Tradition. There are some TRADITIONS that cannot change as they are in harmony with the fundamental message of Scripture but there are other traditions, local customs and practices which grow up from time to time and can change.
The Church is both shaped by history and shapes history. By understanding both World and Church history one can develop a greater appreciation for the efforts of the Church to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Such understanding also sheds light on the Church’s ability to both survive and grow through a wide variety of historical situations.
A review of history helps us understand that the Church grows both in its understanding of Christ's message and in finding better ways to express it. For instance, in the early years of the Church, St. Paul did not speak out against slavery. Today, the Church vehemently opposes every form of slavery.
The Church is a Servant:
The image of Jesus washing of the feet of his disciples reminds us that we, his disciples today, are to reach out in loving service to our neighbor: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13: 1-35) As a result the Church has built hospitals, founded schools, established orphanages, etc. Today in the United States, Catholic Community Services provides the largest Social Services system behind the state. Likewise, in most states, the Church supports the largest private school system and hospital system. The Church cannot do everything but wishes to inspire, model and act as a catalyst or leaven for society to act for the common good of all.
The Church as a Human Community:
The Church is also a human community with its own organization and hierarchical structure. It is an institution with buildings, politics, problems and solutions. Over time it has adapted its organizational structure and grown. (Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 15:1-35)
This model of the Church as a human organization or institution is the one that is most written or spoken about in the news.
The Structure of the Church:
The Catholic Church has a worldwide or universal vision and mission. It is a community of communities united by one faith, one baptism and one Lord under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Bishops.
Often referred to as the Roman Catholic Church because of history and the fact that the Bishop of Rome is the Pope who presides when the Bishops of the world gather together, the Church actually consists of two major groups: the Western or Latin Rite churches (extending throughout Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia) and the Eastern Rite (found in the countries of the former USSR and the Middle East).
Church members, have three major responsibilities:
Bishops, priests and deacons participate in the Sacrament of Holy Orders and are to be a living reminders of these three responsibilities:
Thus the Hierarchy of the Church (Bishop, Priest and Deacon) is meant to provide, in a loving way, a Holy Order to the Catholic Community.
Most Catholics experience the Church at their local parish which consists of people from one or several neighborhoods. Parishes are led by a pastor or canonically appointed leader. A Diocese consists of a larger geographical area such as Western Washington. A Diocese or Archdiocese is led by a Bishop or an Archbishop. An Archbishop is one who presides at meetings of a certain number of Bishops from a region or several states.
Cardinals are usually Archbishops selected by the Pope to be his special advisors. When a Pope dies or retires, the Cardinals are called together to elect the next Pope.
The “precepts or laws” of the Church:
Over the years, like all human organization, the Church has developed certain ways of acting to promote its values, protect its members’ well-being, foster their spiritual growth and maintain good order. Eventually these ways of acting have become codified and are known as the precepts or laws of the Church. Catholics are to:
The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ.
Through the Holy Spirit, Christ and his disciples live in a personal loving relationship, together forming the Mystical (Spiritual) Body of Christ.
Saul, a dedicated Pharisee, thought the early Christians were heretics and set out to capture and imprison them. On his way to the city of Damascus, he was knocked to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” When Saul asked, “Who are you, sir?”, the response was, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4-5)
Saul, whose name was later changed to Paul, reminds us that all are members of Christ’s one body. “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many are one body, so also Christ.” (Acts 12:12) “Now you are one Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.” (Acts 12:27)
“I am the Vine; you are the Branches....Remain in Me as I remain in you.”(John 15 and 17)
The Church as the Body of Christ is organic, living and growing.
The Church is the Sacrament of Christ:
Sacraments make visible and present that which is invisible. Jesus is the sacrament of God. He makes visible and present in his person and through his words and deeds, the invisible God. The Church is the Sacrament of Christ. To the extent disciples manifest true love they make visible and present the Risen Christ. In celebrating the seven sacraments of the Church we encounter the Risen Christ and experience God’s own Goodness, Order and Life or Grace. (1 John 1:4 & Col 1:15-20)
The Church is a Herald or Teacher of the Good News
Like Christ, and the prophets before him, followers of Christ call people to conversion and the promotion of Goodness, Order [to right relationships] and Life. (Luke 4: 16-21)
Through the ages various questions have been asked requiring the Church Community to examine its mind and heart to determine what it truly believes and how disciples should act. At one time, for example it was asked, "Is Jesus really human?” Today a variety of questions are being ask such as , "Is Euthanasia morally acceptable?” or “What types of genetic experimentation are morally acceptable?”
The Bishops, united with the Bishop of Rome, are the authentic interpreters of the Good News and ensure the fidelity of the Church to the teachings of Christ and his Apostles. Their role is to examine Scripture, Tradition and the wisdom of the ages to provide authoritative answers to such questions. The teaching function of the Church is called the Magisterium.
There are varying degrees of "teachings". The most solemn are those of Ecumenical Councils when the Bishops gather as a whole, with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, to address certain issues. Through the councils of Nicea and Constantinople the Bishops taught that Christ was truly Divine and truly Human. These councils developed the Nicene Creed which summarizes what Catholics believe. Infallible teachings are those which the Pope, on behalf of the whole Church, teaches. Only in times of crises or at certain peak moments do the Bishops speak through Ecumenical Councils or the Pope teaches infallibly.
Most of what the Church teaches is a result of a growing and deepening understanding of what Christ revealed and what it means to be a Disciple of Christ. The Church learns and teaches in a very ordinary way. Thus, when the Pope or Bishops, individually or as a group, speak about matters of faith or morality, celebrating the liturgy or living life in today's world, their words are to be weighed with care and respect and with the presumption that theirs is an authentic and accurate interpretation of the Good News.
Development of Church Teaching:
Jesus Christ is the fullness of God’s revelation. Those who encountered Jesus wrote down some of their key reflections in Scripture. They also passed on a living sense of what it meant to follow Christ, much as a son or daughter today might explain what it means to be a member of a particular family. The Bishops are the official teachers of the Church. They are the final interpreters of both the Scriptures and Tradition. There are some TRADITIONS that cannot change as they are in harmony with the fundamental message of Scripture but there are other traditions, local customs and practices which grow up from time to time and can change.
The Church is both shaped by history and shapes history. By understanding both World and Church history one can develop a greater appreciation for the efforts of the Church to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Such understanding also sheds light on the Church’s ability to both survive and grow through a wide variety of historical situations.
A review of history helps us understand that the Church grows both in its understanding of Christ's message and in finding better ways to express it. For instance, in the early years of the Church, St. Paul did not speak out against slavery. Today, the Church vehemently opposes every form of slavery.
The Church is a Servant:
The image of Jesus washing of the feet of his disciples reminds us that we, his disciples today, are to reach out in loving service to our neighbor: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13: 1-35) As a result the Church has built hospitals, founded schools, established orphanages, etc. Today in the United States, Catholic Community Services provides the largest Social Services system behind the state. Likewise, in most states, the Church supports the largest private school system and hospital system. The Church cannot do everything but wishes to inspire, model and act as a catalyst or leaven for society to act for the common good of all.
The Church as a Human Community:
The Church is also a human community with its own organization and hierarchical structure. It is an institution with buildings, politics, problems and solutions. Over time it has adapted its organizational structure and grown. (Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 15:1-35)
This model of the Church as a human organization or institution is the one that is most written or spoken about in the news.
The Structure of the Church:
The Catholic Church has a worldwide or universal vision and mission. It is a community of communities united by one faith, one baptism and one Lord under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Bishops.
Often referred to as the Roman Catholic Church because of history and the fact that the Bishop of Rome is the Pope who presides when the Bishops of the world gather together, the Church actually consists of two major groups: the Western or Latin Rite churches (extending throughout Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia) and the Eastern Rite (found in the countries of the former USSR and the Middle East).
Church members, have three major responsibilities:
- To develop a loving unity with the Risen Christ, with one another, all people and all creation;
- To tell the story of God’s saving love, especially a manifested in the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ;
- To reach out in loving service to one’s neighbor both near and far.
Bishops, priests and deacons participate in the Sacrament of Holy Orders and are to be a living reminders of these three responsibilities:
- The primary role of the Bishop is to maintain and develop unity within a diocese, among all other bishops, especially the bishop of Rome;
- The primary role of the priest to keep alive the story of God’s love for the community both by word (preaching/teaching) and action (celebrating the sacraments, especially the Eucharist);
- The primary role of the deacon is to remind us, by his loving service, especially to the poor, of our own responsibility to love and serve others.
Thus the Hierarchy of the Church (Bishop, Priest and Deacon) is meant to provide, in a loving way, a Holy Order to the Catholic Community.
Most Catholics experience the Church at their local parish which consists of people from one or several neighborhoods. Parishes are led by a pastor or canonically appointed leader. A Diocese consists of a larger geographical area such as Western Washington. A Diocese or Archdiocese is led by a Bishop or an Archbishop. An Archbishop is one who presides at meetings of a certain number of Bishops from a region or several states.
Cardinals are usually Archbishops selected by the Pope to be his special advisors. When a Pope dies or retires, the Cardinals are called together to elect the next Pope.
The “precepts or laws” of the Church:
Over the years, like all human organization, the Church has developed certain ways of acting to promote its values, protect its members’ well-being, foster their spiritual growth and maintain good order. Eventually these ways of acting have become codified and are known as the precepts or laws of the Church. Catholics are to:
- Actively participate in the celebration of Mass each Sunday and on Holy Day of Obligation.
- Confess any serious sins at least once a year.
- Receive Holy Communion during the Easter Season.
- Fulfill the Church requirements with regard to Marriage, that is having their marriage witnessed by a Priest or Deacon who represents the Church community.)
- Fast and abstain on the appointed days.
- Contribute to the support of the Church.
- Participate in the Missionary work of the Church by proclaiming the Good News in one’s daily life.
The Ecumenical Church
God wants all people to be saved and enjoy eternal life. Those who do what is right and just, whether they are Christian or not, are pleasing to God. As Christians we believe that Christ is the Light of the World and thus is the best one to shows us how to and helps us live in a loving relationship with God, others, self and all of creation.
The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Good News of God's Kingdom ( God’s way of life) by helping its members and others SEE, CELEBRATE and LIVE life as Christ taught.
With the Second Vatican Council (the gathering of all the bishops of world from 1962 through 1965), the Roman Catholic Church solemnly stated that God's Grace and Kingdom extended far beyond the Catholic Church. It is the role of the Church to witness to and proclaim this Kingdom (God’s way of Life). Along with the Pope, the Bishops of the Vatican Council, acknowledged that peoples of other religions and of no religion are both blessed by God and sometimes act in far more loving and life-giving ways than do some members of the Catholic Church. (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #’s 14-16)
Christ clearly wills that there should be "One Flock and One Shepherd." (John 10:16) In an effort to bring that about the Catholic Church, during the Vatican Council, opened the way for a new and deeper dialogue and action with all Christian denominations. This is known as Ecumenism. While it is clear that there are some significant differences among Christians, it is also clear they agree more than they disagree on what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Ideally, at some point, current divisions among Christians will be healed and ways will be found to understand and accept legitimate differences while maintaining unity.
Interfaith Dialogue
As a result of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) the Catholic Church also began and intensified dialogues with religious leaders of non-Christian religions. This has led to greater understanding and cooperation in working together to meet the needs of people everywhere.
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
Jesus said to Peter, “Upon this rock (meaning Peter) I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18) The netherworld refers to the abode of the dead and means that the power of death will not triumph over the Church.
The Church is
God wants all people to be saved and enjoy eternal life. Those who do what is right and just, whether they are Christian or not, are pleasing to God. As Christians we believe that Christ is the Light of the World and thus is the best one to shows us how to and helps us live in a loving relationship with God, others, self and all of creation.
The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Good News of God's Kingdom ( God’s way of life) by helping its members and others SEE, CELEBRATE and LIVE life as Christ taught.
With the Second Vatican Council (the gathering of all the bishops of world from 1962 through 1965), the Roman Catholic Church solemnly stated that God's Grace and Kingdom extended far beyond the Catholic Church. It is the role of the Church to witness to and proclaim this Kingdom (God’s way of Life). Along with the Pope, the Bishops of the Vatican Council, acknowledged that peoples of other religions and of no religion are both blessed by God and sometimes act in far more loving and life-giving ways than do some members of the Catholic Church. (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #’s 14-16)
Christ clearly wills that there should be "One Flock and One Shepherd." (John 10:16) In an effort to bring that about the Catholic Church, during the Vatican Council, opened the way for a new and deeper dialogue and action with all Christian denominations. This is known as Ecumenism. While it is clear that there are some significant differences among Christians, it is also clear they agree more than they disagree on what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Ideally, at some point, current divisions among Christians will be healed and ways will be found to understand and accept legitimate differences while maintaining unity.
Interfaith Dialogue
As a result of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) the Catholic Church also began and intensified dialogues with religious leaders of non-Christian religions. This has led to greater understanding and cooperation in working together to meet the needs of people everywhere.
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
Jesus said to Peter, “Upon this rock (meaning Peter) I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18) The netherworld refers to the abode of the dead and means that the power of death will not triumph over the Church.
The Church is
- One in that there is one faith, one Lord, one baptism and one worldwide mission.
- Holy in the sense that Christ, the head of the Church is Holy and there men and women in every age who faithfully follow Chris even when the Church is in need of repentance and reform.
- Catholic meaning that all welcomed and embraced by the Church.
- Apostolic meaning that the Church faithfully hands on the teaching of the apostles and has continuity through the ordination of Bishops.
Our Catholic Story:
As Catholics we believe
Your story
Would you modify your story of what the Church is for you in some way?
Other Questions
What other questions do you have or would like to ask?
A) ________________________________________________________________
B) ________________________________________________________________
C) ________________________________________________________________
As Catholics we believe
- The Church is a community united by the Spirit is the living Body of Christ so that where two or three are gathered there Christ is present.
- The Church community has Good News about how to live in right relationships for its members and neighbors.
- The Church community is sent by Christ to be a witness to God’s love and make that love real, concrete and specific for all both near and far.
Your story
Would you modify your story of what the Church is for you in some way?
Other Questions
What other questions do you have or would like to ask?
A) ________________________________________________________________
B) ________________________________________________________________
C) ________________________________________________________________
Some Additional Resources
Links
Why did God establish the Church and how did it come to be?
Where did the Church come from and how did it start? Why is it important?
When did the Catholic Church start?
Isn’t the Catholic Church just another Christian denomination?
What is Peter’s role in the formation of the Church?
What is the significance of the Pope and the Bishops to the Church?
What is the laity?
What do we mean when we refer to “The Body of Christ”?
Who are the people of God?
Why is the Church missionary? What does “mission” mean?
What gifts does God give the Catholic Church?
I am a spiritual person, why do I need the Church?
As long as I’m a good person, does it really matter what we believe?
pu
Links
Why did God establish the Church and how did it come to be?
Where did the Church come from and how did it start? Why is it important?
When did the Catholic Church start?
Isn’t the Catholic Church just another Christian denomination?
What is Peter’s role in the formation of the Church?
What is the significance of the Pope and the Bishops to the Church?
What is the laity?
What do we mean when we refer to “The Body of Christ”?
Who are the people of God?
Why is the Church missionary? What does “mission” mean?
What gifts does God give the Catholic Church?
I am a spiritual person, why do I need the Church?
As long as I’m a good person, does it really matter what we believe?
pu