Chapter 4: The Church as the Sacrament of Salvation

Chapter 4: The Church as the

Sacrament of SalvationTHE CHURCH: Sacrament of Salvation

BASIC QUESTIONSWhat does it mean to say that the Church is the Sacrament of Salvation?What does it mean to say that the Church is a mystery?What does it mean to say that the Church is the Sacrament of Communion?

KEY IDEASThe Church is the Sacrament of Salvation because she is both a sign and instrument of God’s salvation for humanity.The Church is a mystery with human and divine, visible and invisible, and horizontal and vertical dimensions. The Church is the Sacrament of Communion because she is God’s instrument to bring human beings into communion with God and with each other through the grace of the Sacraments.

1. The Church is the Sacrament of Salvation and Communion

Anticipatory Set The ultimate purpose of Christianity is salvation: either eternal happiness with God or eternal damnation without God. Read the questions from “In this chapter” in the student text. Respond, in writing, to this doctrine: Outside the Church there is no salvation. Discuss why this doctrine might seem harsh, unjust, or untrue to some people. This chapter will clarify what the Church means by this statement.


What is a Sacrament? It is a sign that accomplishes what it signifies. Extension: For example, Baptism is a sign of washing that actually purifies the soul.

What does it mean to say that the Church herself is the Sacrament of Salvation? It means that the Church is a sign of salvation and that she actually brings about salvation.


THE CHURCH IS THE SACRAMENT OF SALVATION What was God’s intent in creation? To share his divine life with all people through the Church that he would create through his Son, Jesus Christ.

What is the etymology of the Latin ecclesia (“church”)? The Latin ecclesia comes from the Greek ekklesia and means “assembly” or “to call out of.” More significantly, this was the word used throughout the Old Testament (translated from the Hebrew qahal) to refer to Israel, the People of God.

Why did the early Church continue to use Old Testament terminology to describe herself? The early Christians understood themselves to be the New People of God.

What is the etymology of the English word “church”? It derives from the Greek kyriake, meaning “what belongs to the Lord.”


Who calls together the Church? Jesus Christ.

Who is the visible foundation of Christ’s Church? St. Peter.

Who established the way the Church is governed? Christ.

What is the proper response to the call of Christ to be in the Church? Faith and cooperation.

What are the three meanings of “church” according to the Catechism, no. 752? (1) The liturgical assembly. (2) The local community. (3) The whole universal community of believers.


Guided Exercise Free write on what Christ meant when he said the following to his disciples (this message includes all Christians, including the students in this class): “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit” (Jn 15:16).


THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH What are the meanings of the Latin translations of the Greek word “mysterion”? The Greek mysterion is translated into Latin by two words: sacramentum and mysterium. The term sacramentum describes the Church as a visible sign, while the term mysterium outlines the hidden reality of salvation.


Guided Exercise Think/Pair/Share: What does it mean to say that the Church is the universal Sacrament of Salvation?


A visible and invisible society What is the Church as a visible society? It is the members of the Church on earth with her hierarchical governors and her institutions and various organizations.

What is the Church as an invisible society? It is the spiritual community of all the members of the Church, including those on earth, in Purgatory, and in Heaven.

How is the Church’s nature akin to the nature of Christ? Just as Christ is one divine Person with two natures, the Church is also a single reality with a dual composition: human and divine.


How does the Church fulfill man’s nature as a social being? Man’s nature and deepest need as a social being is to be in communion with God and neighbor.

How is the Church a “mixed composition”? The visible Church on earth is comprised of human members who are sinners and subject to the weaknesses of the flesh yet who are also (hopefully) on the way to holiness.

Even though the Church on earth is made up of sinful members, why is the Church, herself, not sinful?The Church is holy and without sin because she is united to Christ.


Why is the Church a mystery? Neither our senses nor our reason can fully unveil the reality of the Church.

How is the Church “like a sacrament” according to the Catechism, no. 775? She is a sign and instrument of communion with God and of unity among all people.

How does the Church unify the human race? The Church is the instrument by which human beings are united with God and with one another. In Christ, the Church gathers them “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues.”


Guided Exercise Think/Pair/Write/Share: How does the Sacrament of the Eucharist specially contribute to the Church as the Sacrament of Salvation?


THE CHURCH AS A SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION What is the definition of the Church presented in this section? The Sacrament of Communion refers to a community of men and women united in Christ’s fullness of grace as Head of his Mystical Body.

What does the New Testament word koinonia (in Latin, communio) mean? Communion.

What are the two “spatial” dimensions of communion? The vertical dimension is communion with God and the horizontal dimension is communion among men.


What are the visual dimensions of communion? The invisible dimension is the intimate communion with the Holy Trinity and other human beings. The visible dimension is communion in the teaching of the Apostles, in the Sacraments, and in the hierarchical order.

How does each individual enter into the Church’s communion? By faith and Baptism.

How does Christ build up and sustain the members of his Body on earth? Through the Eucharist.

How is the Eucharist the source of communion among the members of the Church? The Eucharist unites each member of the Church with Christ himself.


Sidebar: POPE BENEDICT ON THE MEANING OF COMMUNION What Greek and Latin words express the very essence of the Church? In Greek, koinonia, and in Latin, communio.

Why do we refer to receiving the Eucharist as “receiving Holy Communion”? As St. Paul wrote, the bread and wine is a koinonia, or communio or participation, in the Body and Blood of Christ.

How do we enter a blood relationship with Christ in the Eucharist? According to the Hebrew way of thinking, blood stands for life. Participation in the Blood of Christ is participation in his life.


Closure Write a paragraph explaining as simply as you can how the Church is a mystery that is both the Sacrament of Salvation and the Sacrament of Communion.


Homework Assignment

Reading: The Hierarchical Structure of the Church

through St. Peter and the Papacy, including How a pope is elected.

Questions: Study Questions 1–4. Workbook Questions 1–5.


Free write on the meaning of one of the following quotes in light of the Church as the Sacrament of Communion:

“Because the bread is one, we, though many, are one body, all of us who partake of the one bread” (1 Cor 10: 17).

“When we share in the body and blood of Christ we become what we receive” (St. Leo the Great, Sermon 63, no. 7).


BASIC QUESTIONSWhat is the hierarchical structure of the Church?Who is the Pope?

KEY IDEASChrist endowed the Church with a hierarchical structure in which those in authority—the Pope and the bishops in communion with him—serve her members by teaching, ruling and sanctifying them.The Pope is the apostolic Successor of St. Peter and possesses St. Peter’s authority to rule the Church, possessing the gift of infallibility in defining doctrines of faith and morals.

2. Authority in the Church: The Hierarchy and the Papacy.

Anticipatory Set Work with a partner to identify the key ideas in the selection from Pope St. Clement of Rome’s Letter to the Corinthians (Supplemental Reading 1).


THE HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH Why is it logical that Christ should have established his Church with a particular organization? Every kingdom needs a certain organization or it will fall apart, and the kingdom Christ established will endure until the end of time.

When was the hierarchy of the Church established? When Christ chose his Twelve Apostles.

Why was the hierarchy of the Church established? To pass down the Apostles’ authority and traditions so the Church would continue on the course Christ had set for it.


What is the college of bishops? It is the bishops of the Church in union with the Pope as their head.

What is Apostolic Succession? It is the line of bishops that stretches back to the Apostles, each consecrated by the previous one.


What are the three distinct ministerial offices within the Church? Bishops, priests, and deacons.

Where do bishops, priests and deacons get their authority and powers? From Christ.

What is the equality and inequality in the visible Church on earth? There is a true equality of dignity among the faithful with each member contributing to the Church’s mission. At the same time, the Church’s government is hierarchical; some members, because of the graces available through their ordained roles, possess greater authority than others.


Why is the Church not a democracy? In a democracy, political power derives from the consent of the people. The power of the Church comes from Christ, not from the baptized members.

Which Sacrament imparts the ministerial authority of Christ? The Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Who make up the Church’s hierarchy or sacred order? The clergy, i.e., bishops, priests and deacons.


Guided Exercise Perform a focused reading of the final four paragraphs of the section “The Hierarchical Structure of the Church” (p. 115) using the following question: How is the Church’s attitude to authority different from the world’s?


Sidebar: The Hierarchy of the Church Established by Christ

What three tasks did Christ entrust to the college of the Twelve? To teach, rule and sanctify the Church.

Who remains forever the chief Cornerstone and Shepherd of souls? Even thought Christ made St. Peter (and his successors) the foundation of the Church and the chief pastor on earth, Christ himself remains the Head of his Church.

In what ways do the successors of the Apostles teach, rule and sanctify? The bishops—in union with St. Peter’s successor as their head—preach the Gospel faithfully, rule the Church by service, and sanctify the Church through the Sacraments.


ST. PETER AND THE PAPACY How do the Roman Pontiff and the bishops relate to St. Peter and the Apostles? The Apostles were a collegial body with St. Peter as their head. The bishops are the successors of the collegial body of the Apostles with the Roman Pontiff, the successor of St. Peter, as their head.

What is infallibility? It is a guarantee, made by Christ, that St. Peter and his successors would be free from error in their public teachings on matters of faith and morals.


Guided Exercise In a small group, examine one of the examples of St. Peter exercising authority in the Apostolic Church (p. 118).

Explain (1) the example and (2) what it indicates about St. Peter’s role in the Church.


Sidebar: HOW A POPE IS ELECTED

What is the most important duty of a cardinal? To act as a papal elector.

What is a conclave? It is a papal election, which takes place in the Sistine Chapel.

How many votes does a candidate need to be elected Pope? Two-thirds of the cardinals.


What is the significance of white and black smoke emanating from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel? Dark smoke means a ballot has been cast but there is no winner. White smoke (which is accompanied by the peal of bells) means a Pope has been elected.

What is Urbi et Orbi? “To the City and to the World”: It is the Pope’s first blessing given to the city (of Rome) and the whole world.


Guided Exercise Think/Pair/Share: Why is it prudent that the papal electors be locked into the Sistine Chapel until a Pope is elected?


Closure Write a paragraph summing up the hierarchical structure of the Church and the special role of St. Peter and his successor.


Homework Assignment

Reading: Roman Curia through Pontifical Councils.

Questions: Study Questions 5–11. Workbook Questions 6–11.


Alternative Assessment Read the following selection:

[Jesus] said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over [their people]; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.… I am among you as one who serves.” (Lk 22: 25-27)

Free write on the following question: How does the way Christ ordered his Apostles to exercise their leadership in the Church reflect (1) the way God the Father rules over creation and (2) how Christ brought salvation into the world?


BASIC QUESTIONWhat is the Roman Curia?

KEY IDEAThe Roman Curia consists currently of the Secretariat of State, nine Congregations, three tribunals, and twelve Pontifical Councils, all of which assist the Roman Pontiff in governing the Church throughout the world.

3. Authority in the Church: the Roman Curia

Anticipatory Set A Christian who believes only in the authority of the Bible might object to the Roman Curia as a completely unbiblical organization that has no authority over Christians.

Does Christ’s giving the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to St. Peter answer this objection?


ROMAN CURIA What is the Roman Curia? It is the administrative, or governing, body of the Catholic Church, which assists the Pope in his role as pastor of the universal Church.

Why does the Pope have a curia? It is not possible for a Pope to administer his workload in every detail, so Popes have created various offices, or ministries, to assist them in their responsibilities.

Of what does the Roman Curia presently consist? A Secretariat of State, nine congregations, three tribunals, and twelve Pontifical Councils.


Secretariat of State What does the Secretariat of State oversee? The political and diplomatic functions of the Catholic Church.

What does the Secretariat of State section for General Affairs handle? The everyday administrative functions of the Vatican.

What does the Secretariat of State section for Relations with States handle? The Vatican’s diplomatic relations with civil governments.


Congregations

Guided Exercise Complete the following table to learn the purpose of the various congregations of the curia.



Tribunals

What is a tribunal?It is a court.

What does the Apostolic Penitentiary do? It grants absolutions and dispensations in matters reserved to the Holy See. It also has authority over the granting and proper use of indulgences.

What does the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura do? It ensures that justice in the Church is correctly administered.

What does the Tribunal of the Roman Rota do? It is an appellate court charged with safeguarding individuals’ rights within the Church and with providing assistance to lower tribunals.


Guided Exercise Complete the following table to learn the purpose of the various councils of the curia.



Closure Write a paragraph describing the work of the Roman Curia with one example of each of the tribunals, councils, and congregations.


Homework Assignment

Reading: The Office of Bishop through The Office of

Deacon.Questions:

Workbook Question 12.


Alternative Assessment Work with a partner to identify three issues in which the Church might be involved, and then decide which branch of the Roman Curia the problem concerns.


BASIC QUESTIONSWhat is the episcopacy?What is an Ecumenical Council?What is the priesthood?What is the diaconate?

KEY IDEASBishops are successors of the Apostles who exercise the fullness of the priesthood of Christ. They serve the People of God in their dioceses and remain in fellowship with their brother bishops, concerned with the universal needs of the Church.An Ecumenical Council is a meeting of all the bishops of the world under the authority of the Pope.A priest assists his diocesan bishop or religious community in the office of the priesthood of Christ, usually taking care of the people of a parish. Deacons are ordained to provide a ministry of service.

4. Authority in the Church: Bishops, Priests, and Deacons

Anticipatory Set Work with a partner to answer the following question based on the Catechism, nos. 883–884 (see “Ecumenical Councils,” p. 122): What is the Pope’s role in an Ecumenical Council?


THE OFFICE OF BISHOP What is a bishop able to confer? The Sacraments of Holy Orders, whether to the episcopacy, the priesthood, or the diaconate.

How does a bishop have both a particular and a universal focus?As the head of a particular church, he takes care of his own diocese, assisted by his priests and deacons. As a member of the College of Bishops, he is concerned with the universal challenges of the Church.

What is a particular church? A diocese, or local church.


What is the office of bishop in a particular Church? He acts as Christ’s chosen representative and the legitimate pastor of all the faithful within that diocese.

What is a bishop’s conference? It is an organization of bishops within a certain geographical region, e.g., a country, that helps the bishops coordinate efforts.


Sidebar: WHAT IS A CATHEDRAL? What is a cathedral? It is the official church of the local bishop.

What is the origin of the word “cathedral”? The Greek kathedra, meaning “chair,” can be a real or figurative seat from which a wise person teaches and guides.

What is the kathedra Mouseos? This Greek phrase refers to the teaching authority (“chair”) of Moses. By extension, it is the seat of religious and moral authority that the scribes and Pharisees occupied figuratively.


How was the kathedra that Christ promised his Apostles superior to the seat occupied by the scribes and Pharisees? Christ promised the Twelve they would sit on thrones, or judgment seats, suitable for kings.

What name did the Apostles give their office in the Church? Episkope, which is Greek for “overseer.”

In whose place did the bishops preside according to St. Ignatius of Antioch? “In the place of God.”

What is the literal embodiment of kathedra? It is the bishop’s chair, which is found in the cathedral of his diocese.


Guided Exercise Search the Internet to view some of the cathedrals of Europe and around the world to get a better idea of the incredible architectural heritage of Christianity.


ECUMENICAL COUNCILS What is an Ecumenical Council? It is a meeting of the bishops of the whole Church.

What was the first Ecumenical Council? The First Ecumenical Council of Nicæa AD 325, whose Council Fathers condemned the Arian heresy and formulated a creed reflecting the Church’s belief.

What scriptural precedent was the prototype for the first Ecumenical Council? The Council of Jerusalem (cf. Acts 15).


What did the first six Ecumenical Councils address? The question of “Who is Jesus Christ?” in response to various Christological heresies.

What does “ecumenical” mean? From the whole inhabited world.

Why do the Eastern Orthodox Churches not recognize any of the Ecumenical Councils held after the year 787? Their bishops did not participate in them.

What was the most recent Ecumenical Council? The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican (Vatican II; 1962–1965).


Guided Exercise Perform a paragraph shrink on the paragraph beginning, “Current canon law” (p. 122), to understand the Pope’s authority over Ecumenical Councils.


THE OFFICE OF PRIEST What is the presbyterate? It refers to the office of a priest or all priests as a whole.

To what does in persona Christi capitis refer? It refers to both the bishop’s and priest’s exercise of the priesthood of Christ: they act in the person of Christ the Head.

Can a priest act independently of his bishop? No. Each priest depends upon his bishop for the proper exercise of his priestly power. Extension: Once he is ordained, a priest has the power to confect the Sacraments, but he may not do so without his bishop’s permission. For example, he may not hear confessions without being licensed to do so, except in case of emergency.


Sidebar: WHAT IS A PARISH? Guided Exercise Free write about your earliest memories of your parish.


THE OFFICE OF DEACON What is the ministry of a deacon? It is a ministry of service. The Greek diakonos means “servant.”

What are the two types of deacons? Men who are preparing for ordination to the priesthood are ordained as transitional deacons before receiving their ordination as priests. Other men, who have no intention to be ordained as priests, may be called to serve as permanent deacons.

What are some examples of service that deacons perform?Distributing Holy Communion, praying for the faithful, preaching, baptizing, blessing marriages, and living charity.


Closure Write a paragraph summarizing the three offices of the priesthood of Christ in the hierarchy of the Church.


Homework Assignment

Reading: The Teaching Authority of the Church through

Infallibility of the Magisterium.Questions:

Study Questions 12–19; 28–29. Practical Exercise 1–2. Workbook Questions 13–18.


Alternative Assessment Visit the website of your diocese to learn about your bishop and his own diocesan curia.


BASIC QUESTIONSWhat is the Magisterium?What is the Deposit of Faith?Does the Church change her doctrines over time?What is infallibility?

KEY IDEASThe Magisterium is the ordinary and universal teaching authority of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him, which guides the members of the Church without error in matters of faith and morals through the interpretation of Scripture and Tradition.The Deposit of Faith is the definitive Revelation of Christ given to the Apostles and, through them, to the entire Church as Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition; it is the heritage of faith handed on in the Church from the time of the Apostles, from which the Magisterium draws all that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed.While public Revelation has ended, the Church grows over the centuries in her understanding and implications of the truths contained in the Deposit of Faith.Infallibility is the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church whereby the Magisterium can solemnly define a doctrine of faith or morals without error.

5. The Church as Teacher

Anticipatory Set Scripture quote for the Opening Prayer:

We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thes 2:13–17)

Discussion question:What did St. Paul mean by advising the Thessalonians to “stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter”?


THE TEACHING AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH How does the Church’s mission derive from Christ’s? As Christ was sent by the Father to be a witness to the truth, so also has the Church been sent by Christ to preach the Gospel to the whole human race, enabling all people to believe and be saved.

What is the Magisterium? It is the teaching office, or authority, with which Christ endowed his Church to defend, guard, and interpret the truth down through the ages.

Why is the sense of the faith of the Church supernatural? The Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles to understand Christ’s teaching and proclaim it.


What is the Deposit of Faith? It is the definitive Revelation of Christ—given to the Apostles and through them to the entire Church—found in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

In what ways did the Apostles hand on the teachings of Christ? Through their oral preaching preserved in the Church’s Sacred Tradition and through their written testimony preserved in Sacred Scripture.

What is the episcopal college? It is the assembly of the bishops that has as its head the Pope, the Successor of St. Peter.


What is the mission of each bishop? To teach, sanctify, and govern the faithful of his own diocese as well as to work together with the Pope and his brother bishops in caring for the worldwide Church.

What does it mean to say that the Pope and bishops in union with him are “custodians and interpreters of both Scripture and Tradition”? It means they preserve faithfully and explain correctly the written and oral truths that Christ entrusted to his Church.

When did public Revelation end? With the death of the last Apostle, which was probably St. John.

Does the Magisterium discover or reveal new truths? No. It defends, guards, and interprets the received Deposit of Faith.


Guided Exercise “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (Jn 14:26).

Think/Pair/Share on the following question: How is Christ’s promise in John 14:26 fulfilled in the Magisterium of the Church?


THE DEPOSIT OF FAITH How did St. Paul witness to the fact that Divine Revelation is passed on both orally and in writing? He told the Thessalonians, “Stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.”

What is Sacred Scripture? It is the Word of God, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, contained in the collection of sacred books that have God as their author, and entrusted to the Church.

What is Tradition? It is the Word of God, received from Christ himself through the Apostles, transmitted to us without alteration by the Church with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.


Where are testimonies to Tradition found? They are contained explicitly in Sacred Scripture and have been preserved in ancient liturgical and disciplinary texts and practices and in the writings of early Christian authors.

What did Sacred Tradition establish about Sacred Scripture? Tradition revealed to the Church which books are inspired by the Holy Spirit, that is, which belong to the list, or canon, of the books that comprise Holy Scripture.

What comes first, Tradition or Scripture? Tradition comes first because the oral teaching of the Apostles preceded the written accounts of Christ’s life. Extension: For example, St. Peter proclaimed the Gospel fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ, but his sermon was not included in the Acts of the Apostles until St. Luke had written it decades later.


Guided Exercise Have the students complete the following table to organize their understanding of the three stages that occurred in the writing of the Scriptures.



Guided Exercise: Mini-lecture on the word “tradition.” Three distinct but interrelated meanings:“Sacred Tradition,” which is usually capitalized.“Tradition,” which is also usually capitalized.“tradition,” which is usually not capitalized.


Sidebar: WHAT IS APOSTOLIC TRADITION?

Beyond texts, what does the New Testament show us that the Apostles gave the faithful? They passed on rituals like the Mass; they pronounced blessings; they conveyed authority to others; and they healed the sick.


THE MAGISTERIUM Who in the Church is able to proclaim the official teaching of the Church? Only the hierarchy.

Does God reveal new teachings to the Church? No, public Revelation is complete. No new public revelation will occur before the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time.

Does the Church’s understanding of the Deposit of Faith develop over time? Yes. Assisted by the Holy Spirit, the Church has continued to deepen her understanding of the Deposit of Faith.

Can a new or deeper understanding of the faith contradict an earlier teaching? No. Far from discarding earlier teachings, this development presupposes and builds upon them.


INFALLIBILITY OF THE MAGISTERIUM What is the charism of infallibility? It is the inability to teach error.

What does infallibility include? All questions of faith and morals.

Who has the gift of infallibility? The Pope enjoys this infallibility by virtue of his office—supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful—when he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals. The College of Bishops enjoy it when, together with the Successor of St. Peter, they exercise the supreme Magisterium, above all in an Ecumenical Council.

What should be the faithful’s response to a teaching that the Magisterium declares as divinely revealed? The obedience of faith.


What should be the faithful’s response to a teaching that the Magisterium advances but does not define as infallible? The faithful are to adhere to it with religious assent.

What are two recent instances of the invocation of papal infallibility to define a matter of faith and morals? Pope Bl. Pius IX solemnly defined the Immaculate Conception in 1854, and Pope Pius XII’s solemnly defined the Assumption in 1950. These Popes defined beliefs that had been held since the first centuries of Christianity.

What does Church history tell us about the validity of Christ’s guarantee of infallibility? Since Christ founded his Church, she has taught the same truths without change. No other institution can demonstrate this claim.


Closure Write a paragraph summarizing the relationship among the Magisterium, the Deposit of Faith both in its written and unwritten forms, and infallibility.


Homework Assignment Reading:

Sanctifying and Governing Role of the Church through Conclusion.

Questions: Study Questions 20–26. Practical Exercises 4–5. Workbook Questions 19–27.


Alternative Assessment Free write for five minutes on some topic in this lesson that you had the most trouble grasping.


BASIC QUESTIONSWhat does the Church do for her members besides teach them?Is there salvation outside the Church?Why does the Church evangelize non-Catholics?

KEY IDEASThe Church has the mission of sanctifying her members through the Sacraments and her discipline.Properly understood, all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church, which is his Body. Outside the Church there is no salvation, although Christ can save people outside the visible bounds of the Church through his grace, as if in secret.Obedient to her mission, the Church strives to evangelize the entire world, seeing whatever goodness and truth people already possess as a preparation for the Gospel.

6. The Church as Sanctifier

Anticipatory Set Eplore the Code of Canon Law to get an idea of the official body of laws by which the Church governs herself:

www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM


http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM

SANCTIFYING AND GOVERNING ROLE OF THE CHURCH What were the Apostles commissioned to do in addition to proclaiming the faith? They were to sanctify through Baptism.

How was the redemption, which is the basis of our sanctification, principally achieved? By the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death on the Cross, Resurrection from the dead, and glorious Ascension.

How is the redemption perpetuated and made able to affect all people? Through the Sacraments.


Who has the primary mission to bring redemption to all people today? The bishops with their co-workers, priests.

How does a bishop receive divine authority to govern his flock? Through ordination.

Does a bishop exercise his authority autonomously? No. This authority must be exercised in communion with the whole Church under the guidance of the Pope.


What is the model for episcopal governance? The model for a bishop’s rule is Christ the Good Shepherd, who exercises his authority and sacred power not for his own benefit but to give life to the Church.

What is the purpose of laws for the faithful such as the Precepts of the Church? The Church gives basic moral norms for remaining in the grace of Christ.

What is the purpose of specific disciplines prescribed by the Church? They are intended to help us draw closer to Christ.

Can the Church’s laws and disciplines be changed? Yes. Unlike unchanging doctrines, the Church’s laws and disciplines are left to the pastoral discretion of the Pope and the bishops and can be adjusted by them according to the needs of the faithful.


Sidebar: PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH Guided Exercise Chose one of the Precepts of the Church (p. 130) and write about it, considering how this discipline can help the faithful grow in holiness.


SALVATION AND THE CHURCH What did St. Cyprian write about the necessity of the Church? “Outside the Church there is no salvation.”

What is the positive form of this doctrine? “All salvation comes from Christ the Head through his Church, which is his Body.”

Why would a person who, knowing that the Church was made necessary by Christ but refused to enter or to remain in it, not be able to be saved? This person would be refusing salvation on the basis on which God wants to give it.


Are non-Catholic Christians automatically damned? No. They are “separated brethren,” i.e., united in an imperfect manner to Christ and his Church through the Sacrament of Baptism.

What is the level of communion between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches? The communion is so profound that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Eucharist.

Can people who have never heard the Gospel be saved? Yes. “People of good will in whose hearts grace is secretly at work” and people who “do not have an opportunity to come to know or accept the gospel revelation or to enter the Church” can be saved.


How can people who are not explicitly Christians be saved? Moved by God’s grace, if they sincerely seek and strive to do God’s will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience, they can be saved through Christ.

If people of good will can be saved by Christ in secret, why was the Church commissioned by him to evangelize, and why does she continue to do so in earnest? Salvation apart from the Church is arduous, uncertain, and accompanied by many dangers.

What is meant by “Baptism of Desire” in the context of people who are ignorant of the Gospel and of the Church? Such persons of good will who seek to do the will of God in accord with their limited understanding of it would have desired Baptism explicitly if they had known of its necessity.


Guided Exercise Class discussion:

Given that Christ can save people “in secret” who know him imperfectly, should the Church stop trying to evangelize the whole world?


ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS Why cannot the members of the various Protestant communities be considered to be fully incorporated into Christ’s Mystical Body? They have not preserved all of the necessary elements of membership within the Church.

How can a Protestant be in communion with the Catholic Church? Through his or her Baptism, which the Church holds as valid.

How are members of the Eastern Orthodox Churches in communion with the Catholic Church? The Eastern Orthodox Churches possess Apostolic Succession and celebrate the Eucharist validly.


What is the main source of disunity between Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches? The Eastern Orthodox Churches have not maintained unity with the Successor of St. Peter.

What is the Church’s attitude toward the evangelization of Jews? The Church rejoices over their faithful response to God in the Old Covenant and invites them to share in the fullness of the New and Everlasting Covenant of Jesus Christ.

What is the Catholic attitude toward Islam? Islam acknowledges there is one true God and reveres Jesus as a holy man and a prophet. The Church prays that, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, they will come to know him as the Son of God, their Savior.

How does the Catholic Church view the goodness and truth found in every religion? The Church sees them as a preparation for the Gospel.


Closure Write a paragraph summarizing the Church’s efforts to sanctify every person, both inside and outside her visible confines.


Homework Assignment

Questions: Study Questions 27; 30–34. Practical Exercise 3. Workbook Questions 28–35.


Alternative Assessment Work with a partner to complete Practical Exercise 3 on why each Precept of the Church is an important requirement for the faithful.


The End

Documents

Chapter 4: The Church as the Sacrament of Salvation