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LEARNING STRAND: THEOLOGY
Expressions of Catholic Life
10H
RELIGIOUSEDUCATIONP R O G R A M M E
FOR CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
Cover: View of Basilica di San Pietro at night, Vatican City in Rome, Italy.BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
THE LOGOThe logo is an attempt to express Faith as an inward and outward journey.
This faith journey takes us into our own hearts, into the heart of the world and into the heart of Christ who is God’s love revealed.
In Christ, God transforms our lives.We can respond to his love for us by reaching out and loving one another.
The circle represents our world.White, the colour of light, represents God.Red is for the suffering of Christ. Red also represents the Holy Spirit.Yellow represents the risen Christ.
The direction of the lines is inwardsexcept for the cross,which stretches outwards.
Our lives are embedded in anddependent upon our environment(green and blue) and our cultures(patterns and textures).
Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, isrepresented by the blueand white pattern.
The blue also represents the Pacific…
Annette Hanrahan RSCJ
LEARNING STRAND: THEOLOGY
Expressions of Catholic Life
10H
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© 2014 National Centre for Religious StudiesFirst published 1991
No part of this document may be reproduced in any way, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, without the prior permission of the publishers.
Imprimatur + Leonard Boyle DD Bishop of Dunedin Episcopal Deputy for Religious Studies June 2003
Authorised by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Design and Layout: Devine Graphics PO Box 5954 Dunedin New Zealand
Published By: National Centre for Religious Studies Catholic Centre
PO Box 1937 Wellington New Zealand
Printed and Distributed By: Printlink 33-43 Jackson Street Petone Private Bag 39996 Wellington Mail Centre Lower Hutt 5045
Māori terms are italicised in the text. The first time a Māori term appears in the text, its English meaning appears in brackets after it. A Māori glossary at the back of the book gives a more detailed explanation of these terms and provides a guide for their pronunciation.
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CONTENTS
Part One: Being Catholic 2 Task One …………………………………………………… page 4
Task Two …………………………………………………… page 6
Part Two: The Parish 7 Workbook Activity: A Parish Profile ………...........…........…………… page 7
Task Three …………………………………………………… page 8
Part Three: The Diocese 9 Workbook Activity: Our Diocese …...……...........…........…………… page 9
Workbook Activity: Questions for the Bishop ........…........…………… page 10
Task Four …………………………………………………… page 10
Part Four: Mission 11 Task Five …………………………………………………… page 13
Task Six …………………………………………………… page 13
Part Five: The Worldwide Church 14 Workbook Activity: The World’s Catholics ..…………………………… page 14
Task Seven …………………………………………………… page 14
Task Eight …………………………………………………… page 15
Task Nine …………………………………………………… page 19
Part Six: Inside the Vatican 20 Task Ten …………………………………………………… page 20
Task Eleven …………………………………………………… page 22
Workbook Activity: Electing a Pope ........….......................…………… page 23
Part Seven: The Eastern Catholic Churches 24 Task Twelve …………………………………………………… page 25
Part Eight: Religious Orders and Congregations 26 Task Thirteen …………………………………………………… page 27
Part Nine: Summary 28 Catholic Identity …………………………………………………… page 29
Glossary of Māori Terms …………………………………………………… page 33
Acknowledgements …………………………………………………… page 34
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Part One: Being Catholic Focus:
• Catholics belong to a worldwide Church whose over one billion members are united in whakapono (faith) around the pope. • Members of the Church form the People of God and are parts of Christ’s
Body. • The Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic.
symbolstexts
Words to Understand
The Catholic ChurchWhen people state they are Catholics they are usually saying they belong to the worldwide Christian Church of over one billion living Christians that has the pope, the bishop of Rome, as its kaiārahi (leader) and visible source of unity. Catholics are by far the largest group of Christians in the world and the largest single religious community on earth.
Catholic communities, including homes and schools, show their Catholic identity in many ways. One way of learning more about what it means to be Catholic is to look at what Catholics believe, what our sacred images, symbols and texts are, how we pray, worship and act, what customs we keep and organisations we belong to.
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Something to DiscussWhat are some of the things that show that your home or school is Catholic? Use the following headings and suggestions to help you. Add more of your own:
Important beliefs including…• God is love• Jesus is the Son of God• Jesus rose from the dead to
bring us new life• Mary is the Mother of God
Religious images, symbols andobjects including…• Crucifixes, crosses, icons,
statues, holy pictures• Rosary beads, medals, candles,
holy water, incense
Worship and prayer including…• Participation in Sunday Mass,
Reconciliation and the other sacraments
• Daily prayer• The Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary
and Glory Be• The Rosary
Customs and practices including…• Visiting the sick• Helping those in need• Giving money to the poor• Attending funerals• Doing penance during Lent• Working for justice and peace
Spiritual reading including…• The Bible• Lives of the saints• Catholic magazines (New
Zealand Catholic, Tui Motu, Marist Messenger)
Membership of organisationsincluding…• Saint Vincent de Paul• Young Vinnies• Hearts Aflame• Caritas• Catholic Women’s League
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The Church – The Body of ChristOur word church comes from the Greek term kyriake which means “belonging to the Lord”. The Catholic Church is made up of people – both living and dead – who through their baptism are members of Te Whānau a Te Karaiti (Christ’s family). Through faith they belong to Jesus Christ.
The Church is made up of many different kinds of members – lay people, religious, and priests. These possess a great variety of gifts and carry out many different roles.
There are many ways of describing the Church. In New Testament times the first Christians thought of themselves as an ekklesia, an assembly or gathering. Saint Paul compared the Church to a body made up of many separate parts. Individual Christians are like the different body parts – eyes, ears, hands, feet etc. For the body to be healthy and strong the various parts must function properly and work together for the good of the body as a whole. Christ is the head who controls and co-ordinates the workings of the body. He directs and guides the members of his Church who use their various abilities and gifts for the benefit of the whole.
Task OneRead 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 and Colossians 1:18
Draw a diagram or design a poster that presents some aspect of what Saint Paul is saying about the Church. Label it with a sentence from Scripture.
Something To Think AboutSaint Paul used the image of the human body to speak about the Church.• What other images can you think of to describe the Church?
The Church – The People of GodThe Church is a mystery in that it is at the same time divine, the Body-of-Christ and human, the People-of-God. The Church as the pilgrim People-of-God is a major image of the Church that came from the Second Vatican Council. This image emphasises that the Church is a communion or community on a journey towards God, not just the clergy but all the baptised. Through Baptism we become members of a new community and participate in the mission of Christ as prophet, priest and king. As baptised Christians we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as we travel life’s journey.
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The Four Marks of the ChurchWhen we recite the Creed at Mass on Sundays we say:
We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
This sentence sets out four characteristics that mark the Church.
The Church is Tapu (Holy)
After his death and Resurrection Jesus Christ appeared to his disciples and told them that he would be with them until the end of time. Since then, he has remained among us. By the power of Te Wairua Tapu (the Holy Spirit), Christ continues to live and work in our world, especially through the Church that he established. The Church is called holy because Christ’s loving presence is alive within it.
The Church is One
Many different peoples and cultures come together to form the Church. Among the People of Te Atua (God), there are many different gifts, roles, conditions, ages and ways of life. What makes the Church one is the unity of faith in Jesus Christ that the individual members of the Church share – despite their differences.
The Church is Catholic
The word catholic means universal. The Church is called universal because it is open to everyone. All are welcome in the Church of God and all are called to find a home there. Saying that the Church is universal does not mean that it is the same everywhere. The Church recognises the rich gifts that the different cultures bring to its life and liturgy.
The Church is Apostolic
Jesus gave Saint Peter and the other apostles a special responsibility for passing on what he taught them. The generations of popes and bishops who have followed in the footsteps of the apostles have safeguarded and passed on the faith that they received. The task of the pope and the bishops is to help all members of the Church to follow Jesus Christ. Despite human weaknesses and failings the Holy Spirit ensures that the faith of the Church remains true and alive.
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Task TwoThe Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic. Look at each of the following statements about the Church. Which characteristic or mark of the Church goes best with each statement?
a) Jesus gave the apostles the responsibility to hand on to the Church what he taught them.
b) Through the Holy Spirit Jesus continues to live and work in the Church.
c) Jesus welcomes people from different cultures and backgrounds into the Church.
d) Through faith the Church unites people with Jesus and each other.
e) The members of the Church form one body headed by Christ.
f) Through the centuries the popes and the bishops have safeguarded and passed on the gift of faith within the Church.
g) Jesus is alive and active in the Church. h) The Church is universal and open to everyone.
The Church is All of You
God’s best microphone is Christ,and Christ’s best microphone is the Church,and the Church is all of you.Let each one of you, in your own job, in your own vocation –nun, married person, bishop, priest,high school or university student,day labourer, wage earner, market woman –each one in your own place live the faith intenselyand feel that in your surroundingsyou are a true microphone of God our Lord.
Archbishop Oscar Romero
Teaching ofthe
Apostles
Community
Prayer
Breaking of
Bread –Eucharist
Characteristics of the Church (Acts 2:42-47)
Something to Do
Make a presentation about what it means to be a Catholic. Your presentation could be in the form of:
• A collage • A powerpoint presentation • A prayer, poem or story • A list of beliefs • A mime or piece of scripted drama
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Part Two: The Parish Focus:
• Most people’s experience of Catholic life is within a parish. • Parishes help Catholics live their faith in Hehu Karaiti (Jesus Christ) as members of the Church.
The ParishMost people’s first experience of Catholic life is in their homes and schools. But the main focus of Catholic life in the local area is the parish – a Church community that is based in a certain area of the diocese.
In the parish different whānau (families) and individuals come together to show their faith in Jesus Christ. They do this in many different ways – through worship and karakia (prayer), study and education, hospitality and service to others, care for the poor and needy, and by working for tika (justice) and peace. In the parish, priests, religious and lay people work together to build up Te Rangatiratanga (the reign of God).
The people who make up a parish may come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds and have many different gifts and needs, but when they gather together they form one community of faith, especially when they celebrate the Eucharist. The parish also helps its members to understand that they are part of a larger picture, the worldwide Church. Catholics look beyond their own parish and show concern for the Church around the world.
The parish priest is the usual pastor and spiritual leader of the parish community. He is appointed by the bishop of the diocese where the parish is located. The parish priest is responsible for preaching, instructing, educating, praying, and administering the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, within his parish. Often he is helped by another priest or by a pastoral assistant.
In Aotearoa, as elsewhere in the world, the focus of parish life is always the Sunday Eucharist. Every Sunday, in over 270 parishes, many of New Zealand’s more than 455,000 Catholics gather to celebrate the day of the Lord’s Resurrection.
Workbook Activity: A Parish Profile
RCIA programmepastorethnictertiary
Words to Understand
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Building Up the ParishLay people have their own ministries and roles within the parish. Some read the Scriptures at Mass or are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Some visit the sick or are catechists or sponsors in the RCIA programme. Others serve on the parish council or finance committee. All are called upon to use their own particular gifts for the good of the whole community.
Something to Think About What are some of the ways in which lay people can contribute to parish life?
Something to DiscussParishes exist to help Catholics to live their whakapono in Jesus Christ as members of the Church.
The following words all describe features of parish life. Work in a pair. With your partner decide where you would place each feature on the continuum. You should be able to give a reason for your choice:
very important not important at all
Task Three a) Choose any three of the above features and write a sentence or two about why you think they are important in the life of a parish. b) Write down other words that describe parish life.
Something to Find OutParishes are based in a particular area of a diocese. • What area does the parish where your home or school is situated cover? • What are its neighbouring parishes?
Special ChaplainciesParishes are not the only ways in which the Church is organised locally.
In many dioceses of Aotearoa community chaplains serve the needs of the various ethnic communities. Special chaplaincies are provided for the Māori, Chinese, Cook Island, Croatian, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Korean, Polish, Samoan, Tokelauan, Tongan, and Vietnamese communities – and others. These chaplaincies respect a community’s right to worship in its own language and in ways appropriate to its culture.
Likewise, military, hospital, tertiary and prison chaplaincies and the Apostleship of the Sea minister to those people whose life situations make it difficult for them to be part of a parish.
Extension ActivityDesign a poster to advertise your own parish – or another parish or church community that you are familiar with.
faith worship celebration hospitality participation understandingprayer co-operation concern service education community acceptance forgiveness hopewelcome love opennessvision happiness justice thanksgiving friendliness fun
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Part Three: The Diocese Focus:
• Dioceses are local Churches under the care of a bishop. • Through its bishop, each diocese is in communion with the pope and the Church throughout the world. • People co-operate in various ways with their bishop to build up the Church
in their diocese. • Bishops’ Conferences allow the bishops to work together more effectively
for the good of the Church and society.
The DioceseThe Catholic Church is established throughout the world and wherever it is found it is organised into local Churches or dioceses, each given to the care of a particular bishop. Through their bishops these local Churches are in communion with each other. From the earliest times the various local Churches have looked to the pope, the successor of Saint Peter, as their head and visible source of unity.
In Aotearoa there are six dioceses – Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Wellington is called an archdiocese because it is the principal diocese of the Church in New Zealand.
Workbook Activity: Our Diocese
The Bishop A bishop is responsible for the spiritual well-being of all those in his diocese. He is the chief preacher and teacher in the local Church – this mana (spiritual authority) comes to him from the apostles. The liturgy celebrated with the bishop is the high point of the worship of the diocese. The bishop has a special responsibility to serve the people in a spirit of aroha (love) – just as Jesus did.
The pope approves the appointment of all bishops. At times an auxiliary bishop is appointed to assist the bishop of a particular diocese, especially if it is large and there are many people to care for. Some bishops are given the title of archbishop because they head an archdiocese.
Working with the BishopPeople co-operate with their bishop in whatever ways they can to build up the reign of God in their diocese. Most do this through their involvement in parish life. Others serve the diocese by advising the bishop and sharing in the administration of the local Church.
Each diocese has a council of priests and a finance council which the bishop consults over important matters. Many dioceses also have a pastoral council. This is made up of a
cross-section of people from the diocese and meets at least once a year to advise the bishop.
successorauxiliary
Words to Understand
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National Conferences of BishopsIndividual bishops have the duty of caring for the faithful in their dioceses. However, every country or region has its own Bishops’ Conference which allows the bishops to work together more effectively for the good of the Church and society. When the bishops of Aotearoa speak out with one voice on important issues such as poverty or war the Church’s viewpoint is more likely to be heard.
Workbook Activity: Questions for the Bishop
Task FourHere are some organisations and bodies that operate in the different dioceses of Aotearoa to support the work of the bishops of New Zealand.
a) Which of these Catholic organisations or bodies have you heard of? b) Which ones are active in your diocese? c) Are there other groups working in your diocese that could be added to the list? d) Choose one organisation or body and research what its role is in your diocese.
Extension ActivityPresent a montage of the activities of the Catholic Church in your diocese.
Diocesan Commission for
the Family
Diocesan Youth Commission/
Team
Catholic Development
Fund
Catholic Education
Office
Catholic Social
Services
Justice and Peace Office / Commission
Marriage Preparation
Marriage Tribunal
Liturgical Commission
Vocations Director
The Nathaniel
Centre
Catholic Communications
Te Runanga o Te Hahi
Katorika ki Aotearoa
Catholic Enquiry Centre
Diocesan Archives
Caritas Mahitahi
Hospital, Prison, Military
and Tertiary Chaplaincies
National Centre for Religious
Studies (NCRS)
Beginning Experience
Pax ChristiBicultural
Desk
The Catholic Institute (TCI)
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Part Four: Mission Focus:
• Local Churches provide missionaries and support their activity in various parts of the world.
• Missionaries from Aotearoa share their gifts and skills with people in the Pacific and elsewhere. • Mission is not limited to foreign countries. As part of the ‘New
Evangelisation’ called for by recent popes, Catholics are asked to spread the gospel at home as well as abroard.
MissionBishops are concerned for the welfare of the whole Church and encourage their dioceses to help those other parts of the Church that are in special need. One way they do this is by providing missionaries – priests, religious and lay people – to support missionary activity in other parts of the world. Sometimes volunteers from one local Church will use their skills to assist development in another country. Often they will be helped by money and resources collected by their own parish or diocese.
Taro Like Gold – by Rebecca Mills In December 2000, not long after I found out I was going to Samoa, I convinced my mother to buy some taro so I could see what I was in for. We boiled it up, I tried it, and decided it tasted like dirt. My Samoan experience was a lot like that at times, but rather than discarding dirt-tasting taro I lapped it up and learnt to like it.
On the first anniversary of my father’s death I was invited to teach at Paul VI College in Samoa, as a COVS (Catholic Overseas Volunteer Service) volunteer. I knew it was meant to be. What followed was to be the quickest decision I have ever made and I don’t regret it for a second.
I arrived in Samoa in January 2001, alone, scared and exhausted. The next few months were a time of finding my feet and it was during that time that I learnt my biggest lesson. Being nineteen when I arrived I was only a few years older than some of the kids I was teaching. I had never taught before and did not have any qualifications. I was scared and feeling completely alone, I felt like not only God had abandoned me but also my Dad. How does a nineteen-year-old girl deal with being a lay missionary in a completely foreign land? The answer to that is not so easy and at times I had no idea how to answer this question for myself. I think the experience has taught me more than I could ever have taught those children.
The most important lesson that I learnt was to let go of things that we have no control over, coupled with the realisation that God (and those who have gone before us) will never abandon us. This was not something that I have learnt on my own, but rather was aided by some wonderful people and an enlightening Bible passage:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
If I were to tell you of all my experiences, or all the lessons I learnt while I was there, I am sure I could fill a whole book. Instead I only want to share some of those that made me realise that what I was doing was worthwhile. It was not all smiles and laughter on a beautiful beach. More often than not it was sweat and tears in a rat-infested house.
taro
Words to Understand
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I had a friend in Samoa who helped me to understand that material possessions are not important when it comes to happiness. Everything he owned was in one suitcase and he was so happy. He didn’t consider this to be strange, but considered himself lucky to have his own space for his limited personal possessions. In that instant I wished I could be like him and realised that true wealth has nothing to do with how much you own. In the bottom corner of that suitcase he kept a small dark crucifix, with a glowing figure, that a young boy had given him and as he placed it back into the case he kissed it and smiled at me as he wrapped it amongst his clothing. At that point I realised I had not failed my appointment but was succeeding by sharing in people’s love for each other and for God.
There were a few boys in my year ten form class who showed me that I couldn’t take everything at face value; if I did I would have written them off on day one. The first was a complete pain in the neck. But right at the point when I was ready to give up on him he came to me and requested extra after school help. So we spent hours sitting in the classroom reading books and doing extra lessons. I don’t know how this has ultimately affected him academically but he became a true treasure. He learnt confidence and he learnt to smile. He was no longer afraid to ask me a question and with persistence he would finally get some answers right.
The second boy was what some would call the teacher’s pet. But right when he was being so good, he discovered the art of being a real tease, especially to the girls. I admit I gave up on him at one stage. Right when I thought I could take it no more he would show me just how big his heart was; flowers when I was sad and cards and biscuits when I was sick. This boy was an example of unselfish devotion and care for another person’s feelings. It was my proudest moment when he won the school service award at the school prize giving.
Now that I am home I have spent nearly three months searching for taro and a few weeks ago I found some. I boiled it up and mixed it with coconut cream to rediscover the magic I had experienced in Samoa. The taro no longer tasted like dirt; for me it was pure gold.
The Marist Messenger, July 2002. Used with permission.
Something to DiscussRebecca used different expressions to describe her experience with COVS – Catholic Overseas Volunteer Service. Work in a pair. Choose two or three expressions that you like and explain to your partner how they apply to Rebecca’s time in Samoa.
A time of finding my feet
My biggest lesson
Trust in the Lord with all your heart …
Let go of things
Material possessions are not important when it comes to happiness
What I was doing was worthwhile
True wealth has nothing to do with how much you own
I was succeeding by sharing in their love for each other and for God
It was pure gold
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Task FiveDraw up a set of guidelines for a volunteer going to work overseas on a missionary project. The first has been done for you.
MahitahiIn 2003 Mahitahi replaced COVS as the official Catholic agency that helps New Zealanders work in partnership with the communities of the Pacific. Through the sharing of their gifts and skills people from Aotearoa work alongside others, assisting them to achieve their goals.
People working with Mahitahi include teachers, nurses, engineers, and mechanics. Those with a background in the building trades, maintenance, management, information technology, forestry, ecology and the fishing industry are also in demand.
Something to Think AboutWhat qualities are needed by those working for Mahitahi and other organisations involved in missionary work?
Task SixEither:Design an advertisement – for newspaper, magazine, radio, television or website – to attract volunteers to join in a Mahitahi project in the Pacific. You may wish to include one of the questions from the box in your advertisement.
Or:Design a new logo or symbol for Mahitahi.
Or:Research and write a page explaining what is meant by the ‘New Evangelisation’.
Called to be Missionaries All Catholics are called to share Te Rongopai (the Good News) of Jesus Christ. Most of us can't leave our homes to be missionaries in other countries but we can:
• Educate ourselves about the missions and their needs • Pray for missionaries around the world • Pray for the people the missionaries are working with • Support missionaries through our awareness of their work and through our financial assistance
By supporting the work of missionaries we share in the work of the Church.
1. Be prepared to eat different food.
2. ...................................................
3. ...................................................
4. ...................................................
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Part Five: The Worldwide Church Focus:
• As the successor of the Apostle Peter, the pope is the head of the Church on earth. • Working with the bishops and cardinals of the Church, the pope leads and
serves the world’s Catholics.
Workbook Activity: The World’s Catholics
Peter and his SuccessorsJesus left the continuation of his ministry and mission in the hands of his followers. He chose twelve apostles to lead the first Christians and gave Simon Peter, the fisherman from Galilee, the responsibility of being their kaiārahi (head). Jesus made it clear to Peter that his leadership was for the service of others – a responsibility that would eventually cost him his life.
Through the power of Te Wairua Tapu, Peter became “the rock” or foundation upon which the Church was built. For 2,000 years, Peter’s successors, the popes, have continued to lead the Church.
Task SevenLook up these passages of Scripture that all involve Simon Peter. Think up an appropriate headline for each one:
Matthew 16:18-19 Luke 22:32 John 21:15-19
The PopeThe word pope comes from papa, the Italian word for father. The pope is the spiritual father of the Catholic family, which includes over one billion members. He is also one of the most recognisable people in the world.
The pope’s mana as leader of the Church comes to him as the bishop of Rome and the successor of Saint Peter. He has special status as the first among the bishops. Under the leadership of the pope the bishops have the power to govern Christ’s Church. This authority is symbolised in his coat of arms by a pair of keys.
The pope is the chief teacher of the Church and has the prime responsibility for speaking on the Church’s behalf in the world. He has the authority to preach the Catholic faith and explain to people how it relates to their lives today. Popes do this in many ways – by speaking out in the media, by writing documents addressed to members of the Church, and by meeting with religious and world leaders, as well as with ordinary people.
The pope, like any priest, is a pastor. He offers spiritual guidance, preaches Te Kupu a Te Ariki (the word of God), celebrates the sacraments and helps Catholics to lead holy lives that bring them closer to Te Atua. His title “Servant of the Servants of God” shows that he is to serve and care for all God’s people.
charismaconchPidgin
Words to Understand
Bishop of Rome Servant of the
servants of GodServus servorum Dei
Vicar of ChristSupreme Pontiff of the Universal
Church
Successor of St. Peter
Information on the current Pope can be found on www.faithcentral.net.nz
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Something to DiscussTo do his job well a pope has to have many qualities.
Work with a partner. Discuss the qualities listed in the box below. Think of reasons why it would be useful for a pope to have each of them.
Something to Think AboutWhat are the three most important qualities for a pope to have?
The College of BishopsThe bishops of the various local Churches throughout the world form the College of Bishops. When they meet together in unity with the pope, the bishops may exercise authority over the whole Church. This last happened at the Second Vatican Council. Such gatherings are called ecumenical councils because they involve all the bishops who come from throughout the world to attend.
The Synod of BishopsEvery few years the Synod of Bishops meets formally with the pope to consider important issues facing the Church. This group of bishops helps the pope to understand the needs of the Church throughout the world. Because it is only an advisory body the final decision on any matter always remains with the pope. It does not have the same mana as an ecumenical council because it does not involve all the bishops.
The College of CardinalsMembers of the College of Cardinals are chosen by the Pope to be his representatives. They come together on the death of a pope to vote for his successor. Cardinals wear red robes as a sign of their willingness to shed their own blood for the faith. In the past cardinals were presented with a special red brimmed hat at the time of their appointment.
Task EightWrite down the following statements if they are true. If they are false correct them before you write them down:
1. Bishops from Rome form the College of Bishops. 2. The world’s bishops may exercise authority over the whole Church only when they teach in
unity with the pope. 3. Ecumenical councils involve all the bishops. 4. The Second Vatican Council was not ecumenical. 5. The Synod of Bishops meets to advise the cardinals on important issues facing
the Church. 6. Synods do not have the authority of an ecumenical council because they do not
involve all of the bishops. 7. On the death of a pope the bishops gather to choose his replacement. 8. Members of the College of Cardinals are special advisors to the pope. 9. The bishops decide who will be cardinals. 10. The pope wears red as a sign of his willingness to die for the faith.
courage health faithwarmth vision lovededication intelligence humilityconfidence calm organisationlanguage skills humour wisdomjustice trust communication skillscharisma hope opennessstamina firmness prayerfulness
Coat of arms of Pope Francis
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Nicaea I 325Constantinople 381Ephesus 431Chalcedon 451Constaninople II 553Constaninople III 680-681Nicaea II 787Constaninople IV 869-870Lateran I 1123Lateran II 1139Lateran III 1179 Lateran IV 1215Lyons I 1245Lyons II 1274Vienne 1311-1312Constance 1414-1418Basel-Ferrara-Florence-Rome 1431-1445Lateran V 1512-1517Trent 1545-1547, 1551-1552, 1562-1563Vatican I 1869-1870Vatican II 1962-1965
The Ecumenical (General) CouncilsAn Ecumenical or General Council is a meeting of bishops from all over the world called by the Pope to share in the responsibility of teaching and guiding the Church. There have been twenty-one Councils. They are named after the place at which the Council met.
Jesus Christ is fully human and fully divine in one Person.
Called to address the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation. It resulted in an affirmation of all Catholic teaching on Scripture, Sacraments, especially on the Eucharist, and Church order.
Defined the teaching on Papal Infallibility. Attended by 744 bishops.
Attended by 2811 bishops and prelates. The Council held 168 sessions over four years.
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed usually recited at the Sunday Eucharist.
Vatican IIThe Second Vatican Council was called by John XXIII and began on 11 October 1962. It met for about three months each year until 8 December 1965. The Pope called for an updating aggiornamento, of the Church, a ‘New Pentecost’. More than 2600 bishops from all over the world attended the Council.
John XXIII did not live to see the Council’s second session. He died on 3 June 1963 and was succeeded by Cardinal Montini, the Archbishop of Milan, who was elected Pope. He took the title of Paul VI.
The council produced 16 documents and looked at four main areas:
• The Church’s identity and understanding of itself.• The renewal of Church life, especially the liturgy
and the role of lay people.• Bringing together all Christians in unity.• The Church’s relationship in the modern world.
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Fourth Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (oil on canvas), Surikov, Vasily (1848-1916) / Russian Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
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4 Constitutions
9 Decrees
3 Declarations
Documents of Vatican II
The Church: The Church is a mystery and a sacrament. It is the whole People of God. All Catholics through baptism are called to holiness and the mission of spreading the Good News.
The Modern World: The Church must read the signs of the times and interpret them in the light of the Gospel. The Church does not exist separate from the world – it is part of the world, and its mission is to serve the whole human family.
Revelation: The Word of God is communicated through sacred Scripture and sacred Tradition, Liturgy, the Church, and through human history.
Liturgy: As the whole People of God is involved in worship, especially the Eucharist, which is the summit and the source of the Church’s life, the signs must be understood. The full and active participation by all is required. The liturgy was translated into different languages.
Ecumenism: All who have been baptised are members of the Body of Christ. Catholics are called on to work restoring the bonds with other Christian communities.
Eastern Catholic Religions: The Eastern Catholic churches can be a bridge to the Orthodox East. The integrity of Eastern traditions of liturgy, sprituality, and discipline is to be restored and respected.
Missions: The Church is missionary by its very nature. Preaching the Gospel is the concern of every member of the Church.
The Laity: Lay people are full members of the Church and have a right and responsibility to participate in the whole life and mission of the Church, but especially in the activities of this world.
Communication: The Church is aware that modern media open up new avenues of communication and provide many benefits; however, Christians must also be mindful that the media can easily be misused.
Religious Life: The renewal of religious life must be based on the Gospel, the original purposes of the community, and the changed conditions of the times.
Bishops: Bishops, the pastors of their own diocese, cooperate with other bishops in their country, and with the pope and all other bishops through the college of bishops and its synods. A bishop’s authority is always for service.
Formation of Priests: There must be a closer connection between their formation and the pastoral needs of people today.
Religious Freedom: No one can be forced to be a Christian. All people should be free to practise their faith.
Christian Education: Education must be for the good of the human person and needs to be concerned with personal maturity and social responsibility. It should be up-to-date.
Non-Christian Religions: God speaks through aspects of other religions, so Catholics should engage in dialogue and collaborative efforts with people of other faiths.
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The Synod of Bishops for OceaniaIn 1998 a special Synod of Bishops for Oceania brought together 117 bishops from throughout the Pacific, including the bishops of Aotearoa. The opening liturgy had a Pacific flavour. It was introduced by the sound of conch shells – a traditional signal calling attention to an important event. The Prayers of the Faithful were offered in Fijian, Samoan, Tongan, Māori, and Pidgin, as well as English. The altar of St. Peter's was surrounded by huge vases of flowers from the Pacific islands. One of the issues the Synod of Bishops for Oceania looked at was how the teachings and practices of the Church can become part of very different cultures.
Something to Think About
• If you had the opportunity to choose a symbol to represent your culture, whanau, parish or school at the Synod of Bishops for Oceania what would it be?
• What would you say if you were invited to offer a brief prayer?
You may be willing to share your symbol or karakia with the class.
Prayer for the Synod of Bishops for Oceania
Eternal God,look with favour upon us,
as we gather on the occasion ofthe Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for
Oceaniato welcome the New Millennium
in Jesus Christ.
He is your Word-become-fleshwho invites us
to walk His way,to tell His truth
and to live His life.
We, the Peoples of Oceania,diverse in our ways,
and scattered over a large area,pledge to proclaim His love to the world,to search for those who have gone astray,
and to lead them to you.
Mary, Queen of Peace,intercede for us, your children,
as we make this prayer in Jesus' name.
Amen.
Young Catholics are called to follow Jesus: not just in the future as adults, but now as maturing disciples. May they always be drawn to the overwhelmingly attractive figure of Jesus, and stirred by the challenge of the Gospel’s sublime ideals! Then they will be empowered to take up the active apostolate to which the Church is now calling them, and play their part joyfully and energetically in the life of the Church at every level: universal, national, diocesan and local.
– Ecclesia in Oceania, 44.1
The Bishops … applaud young people for their acute sense of justice, personal integrity and respect for human dignity, for their care for the needy and their concern for the environment. These are signs of a great generosity of spirit which will not fail to bear fruit in the life of the Church now, as it has always done in the past.
– Ecclesia in Oceania, 44.3
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Task NineThe following statements by Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis are all addressed to the young people of the world. Choose two or three that you most identify with.
Write your own statements in response to what the Popes are saying. You may wish to explain what you like or find challenging about their words.
The desire for a more meaningful life is a sign that God created us and that we bear his imprint.(Message for 2011)
Jesus – the intimate friend of every young person – has the words of life. (Homily at Toronto, 2002)
Try hard to build your future by paying serious attention to your personal development and your studies, so that you will be able to serve the common good competently and generously.(Message for 2010)
Jesus challenges us, young friends, to take seriously his approach to life and to decide which path is right for us and leads to true joy. This is the great challenge of faith.(Message for 2014)
In difficult times, which everyone experiences, you are not alone: like John at the foot of the Cross, Jesus also gives his Mother to you so that she will comfort you with her tenderness. (Message for 2003)
Love is the only force capable of changing the heart of the human person and of all humanity.(Message for 2007)
Jesus walks with you, he renews your heart and strengthens you with the vigour of his Spirit. (Message for 2000)
Do you really want to be happy? In an age when we are constantly being enticed by vain and empty illusions of happiness, we risk settling for less and “thinking small” when it comes to the meaning of life. Think big instead! Open your hearts!(Message for 2014)
Commit yourselves to seeking and promoting peace, justice and fellowship. (Message for 2003)
The horizon of love is truly boundless: it is the whole world!(Message for 2007)
Yes, the Lord wants me, and he will give me strength. If I listen to him and walk with him, I become truly myself.(Message for 2011)
Discover your Christian roots, learn about the Church’s history, deepen your knowledge of the spiritual heritage which has been passed on to you, follow in the footsteps of the witnesses and teachers who have gone before you! (Message for 2003)
The Spirit of Jesus is inviting you young people to be bearers of the good news of Jesus to your contemporaries.(Message for 2008)
It is not a matter of accomplishing heroic or extraordinary acts. It means allowing your talents and abilities to flourish, and trying to make constant progress in faith and love.(Message for 2010)
God’s love will never leave you, his covenant of peace will never be removed from you. He has stamped your name on the palms of his hands. (Message for 1999)
Let us learn to be detached from possessiveness and from the idolatry of money and lavish spending. Let us put Jesus first. He can free us from the kinds of idol-worship which enslave us. Put your trust in God, dear young friends! He knows and loves us, and he never forgets us. (Message for 2014)
You too are rich in talents, energy, dreams and hopees. These are resources which you have in abundance! Your age itself is a great treasure, not only for yourselves, but for others too, for the Church and for the world.(Message for 2010)
You are our hope, the young are our hope. Do not let that hope die!(Homily at Toronto, 2002)
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Part Six: Inside the Vatican Focus:
• The Vatican is the home of the pope and the headquarters of the Church. • The Roman Curia, which helps the pope administer the Church, is based at the Vatican. • The cardinals gather at the Vatican to choose a new pope.
HeadquartersAs well as being the leader of the world’s over one billion Catholics the pope is also the head of state of the Vatican – the headquarters of the Catholic Church and one of the world’s smallest independent states. The Vatican is located within the city of Rome. It has no coastline and its land boundaries with Italy are only 3.2 kilometres in length. The Vatican’s special status as "a city within a city" was established in 1929 by a treaty with Italy.
Within the Vatican is one of the world’s largest churches, Saint Peter’s Basilica, which is built over the site where it is believed the Apostle Peter was martyred and buried. The Vatican is famous for its libraries and museums which contain some of the world’s most important cultural treasures.
The number of people permanently living within the Vatican City is fewer than 900 but every day thousands more flock there as workers, pilgrims and tourists. The Vatican has its own flag, currency, postage stamps and transport system
that includes a railway station. It communicates with the world through its own newspaper, website, and radio and television networks. It also has its own diplomatic service and army – the Swiss Guards. The official languages spoken there are Italian and Latin.
Task TenDesign a brochure or prepare a brief talk that introduces tourists to the Vatican.
annulmentscrutineers
Words to Understand
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The Roman CuriaIt is impossible for the pope to govern and serve the worldwide Church on his own. A number of departments and bodies within the Vatican help him to exercise his mana and carry out his responsibilities. These offices are called the Roman Curia.
Some Councils
• Laity• Christian Unity• Family• Justice and Peace• Cor Unum – One Heart• Migrants and Itinerant Peoples• Health Care Workers• Inter-religious Dialogue• New Evangalisation• Culture• Social Communications
These councils are set up to advise the pope on particular issues and help him in his work.
Some Congregations
• Doctrine of the Faith• Oriental (Eastern) Churches• Divine Worship• Causes of Saints• Bishops• Clergy• Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life• Catholic Education• Evangelisation of Peoples
The congregations are like government departments. After the Secretariat of State, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is the next most important office of the Roman Curia. It is responsible for safeguarding the Catholic faith.
Tribunals
The Church has its own system of law. Tribunals are Church courts that hear cases and decide on matters that come before them. Many cases have to do with the annulment of marriages.
The Secretariat of State
The Secretariat of State is the most important body within the Roman Curia. It deals with diplomatic relationships between the Vatican and the various countries around the world. It appoints diplomats called nuncios (from the Latin for messenger) to represent the views of the Vatican to the different governments and to communicate with the local churches. It also oversees the other congregations, councils and offices that make up the Curia.
Other Offices and Bodies
Some of these administer Vatican property and finances. Others arrange interviews with the pope or organise the liturgies and ceremonies that he celebrates.
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Task ElevenWhich office in the Roman Curia would you go to for the following?
Match up the purpose in the left hand column with the office in the right hand column. Write down the numbers 1 to 10 and next to them the appropriate letters of the alphabet.
Purpose
1. To have a nuncio appointed
2. To seek the canonisation of a holy person
3. To set up a Catholic university
4. To change the way a sacrament is celebrated
5. To discuss ways of strengthening relationships between the different Christian churches
6. To find out whether the views of a particular writer are in agreement with Catholic teaching
7. To organise the appointment of a new bishop to a diocese
8. To support local churches in the training of hospital workers and chaplains
9. To show the loving heart of the Church to those facing famine and other disasters
10. To build understanding between the different religions of the world
Office in the Curia
A. The Congregation for Divine Worship
B. The Council for Inter-religious Dialogue
C. The Secretariat of State
D. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints
E. The Council for the Pastoral Care of Health-Care Workers
F. The Council for Cor Unum – One Heart
G. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
H. The Congregation for Catholic Education
I. The Congregation for Bishops
J. The Council for Christian Unity
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Electing a PopeOne of the most important and exciting events that occurs within the Vatican is the election of a pope.
In the days following a pope’s death or resignation, members of the College of Cardinals arrive at the Vatican, the city within Rome that is the headquarters of the Catholic Church. Following the pope’s funeral, there will be nine days of official mourning. After this time the cardinals – who are sometimes called “princes of the Church” – will meet to choose a new pope. In the period between two popes, one of the cardinals, the camerlengo, is responsible for co-ordinating the administration of the Church. However, no decisions that would normally be made by a pope can be made by the camerlengo or any other of the cardinals.
ConclaveThe election of a pope takes place in private in the Sistine Chapel. This meeting is called a conclave – from the Latin for with a key – because in the past the cardinals were locked in a room and not allowed out until they had chosen a pope. During this time they were provided with plain food and slept on stretchers. This was to encourage the cardinals to make a quick decision. The longest conclave in the history of the church was that of Pope Gregory X (1271-1276). After almost three years of waiting for a new pope, the people became so impatient that they tore off the roof of the building where the cardinals were meeting.
CardinalsToday, all cardinals under the age of eighty are able to take part in a papal election but must first swear an oath of secrecy. They promise not to contact people outside the conclave or reveal what went on behind closed doors. Under new rules established by Pope John Paul II, cardinals meeting for future conclaves will sleep in the Casa Santa Marta, a hotel inside the Vatican grounds. Each day they will be taken to the Sistine Chapel where they will vote for a new pope.
Voting ProcessTraditionally cardinals elect a pope from among their own ranks but it is possible for a bishop or even a priest to be chosen. Each cardinal votes for the candidate he wants as the new pope by writing his name on a special ballot paper. He then places his folded ballot in a large chalice that is sitting on the altar. At the end of a round of voting scrutineers carefully count the votes that each individual has received. The present rules require that a two-thirds majority is necessary to elect a pope. If no one candidate gets two-thirds, then no pope has been elected and a further ballot must take place. If no pope has been elected after twelve days of voting or around thirty ballots, the cardinals can agree to elect a candidate with fifty percent plus one of the votes.
Holy SmokeAfter each ballot all voting papers are destroyed. Those from a ballot where a pope has not been elected are burned with straw and chemicals to produce dark smoke. Those from a successful ballot are burned without straw and produce white smoke – this is a sign to those outside that a new pope has been chosen.
A New NameAt the end of the ballot that elects the pope, the successful candidate is formally called upon to accept his election as pope. He is then asked by what name he wishes to be called. For almost 1,500 years it has been a custom for popes to take a new name. Joseph Ratzinger on being elected pope chose to be called Benedict XVI. He chose this name in honour of Saint Benedict of Nursia, patron saint of Europe, and of Benedict XV who was Pope during World War I and passionately pursued peace. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, in 2013, chose the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, friend of the poor and lover of nature.
After being clothed in the white robes of office, the new pope goes to the balcony of the Papal residence that looks out across Saint Peter’s Square. From here he blesses the city of Rome and the whole world. This is the first public act of the new pope who has been elected to hold office for the rest of his life.
Workbook Activity: Electing a Pope
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Part Seven: The Eastern Catholic Churches Focus:
• Most of the world’s Catholics belong to the Roman Rite but more than ten million Catholics are members of Eastern Rite Churches. • The Eastern Rite Catholic Churches are in union with the pope but have their own customs, rituals, and ways of organising themselves.
The Eastern CatholicsMost of the world’s Catholics belong to the Western Roman Rite and are not aware that the rituals and customs that they follow are not the only ways of being Catholic.
Today, more than ten million Catholics are members of twenty-one different Eastern Rite Catholic Churches. These are distinct from the Orthodox Churches. The Eastern Catholic Churches have the same basic beliefs as the Western or Roman Church. They are in full communion with the Pope but have always kept their own languages, rituals, customs, and forms of government.
The Eastern Catholic Churches all trace their origins and liturgy back to the ancient Churches of Alexandria, Antioch, Armenia, Chaldea, and Constantinople.
There are twenty-two Eastern Churches within the Catholic Church within the Catholic Church. The main ones are the Armenian, Assyrian, Chaldean, Coptic, Maronite, Melkite, Russian, Syrian and Ukrainian Catholic Churches.
The largest single group of Eastern Catholics is the Ukrainian Church which follows the Byzantine Rite from Constantinople. It has about seven million members – most live in the Ukraine but many are now in the United States.
Riterituals
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Words to Understand
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The very detailed mosaic of Jesus Christ at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
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Some Features of the Eastern Catholic Churches
No custom of celebrating Mass “facing the people” ever developed in the Eastern Churches. In most Eastern Churches the altar is freestanding and covered with rich cloths. It stands in the eastern end of the church and is veiled with a curtain or altar screen. Only the clergy may touch the altar.
From the earliest times the Eastern Churches celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Syriac, Greek, or Coptic. Gradually, as the Church grew, other languages also came into use. Now that the Church has spread throughout the world there are services in many languages, including English.
Traditional monastic life is always important in the Eastern Churches. People often seek out monks to hear their confessions and to preach in their parishes. People go to monasteries on pilgrimage and to take part in the services, especially on feast days.
The Eastern Churches ordain married men to the rank of deacon and priest. But once a man has been ordained deacon or priest he may not get married. If the wife of a deacon or priest should die, her husband may not marry again. A married man may not become a bishop.
The Eastern Churches are noted for their love and appreciation of the Eucharist (which they call the Divine Liturgy) and the daily services of Evening and Morning Prayer. Normally the priest celebrates Divine Liturgy with a deacon. Chanters lead the whole congregation in singing the responses.
In the Christian East, devotion to the Mother of God is very popular. There are many shrines and miraculous icons of Our Lady. Eastern Christians use many special titles to honour Mary, but most of all the title Theotókos which means "She who has given birth to God".
Icons such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help originated in the Eastern Church where they are regarded as “windows” into heaven. They are now venerated throughout the Catholic world.
Traditionally, an Eastern Church is governed by a synod of bishops headed by the chief bishop or patriarch. The local bishop is the most important Church leader – the representative of Christ. The faithful want to know their bishop personally and expect him to give them direct guidance and encouragement in every aspect of the Christian life.
Task TwelveUse the information in the eight boxes on this page to make up a quiz about features of the Eastern Catholic Churches. Use the following words to begin your questions:
Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
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Part Eight: Religious Orders and Congregations Focus:
• Members of religious orders and congregations build up the Church through their various lifestyles and gifts. • Some religious orders are committed to active service, others to lives of prayer.
Religious LifeReligious life is based on a personal call to follow Jesus Christ in the loving service of God and neighbour. The religious vocation is a specific way of living out the Christian baptismal commitment.
Religious orders and congregations are groups of men and women who choose to live under a religious rule. They take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to show their commitment to God and willingness to serve others.
OriginsReligious life can be traced back to the end of the third century when groups of men and women started living as hermits in the Egyptian desert. In about 530, Benedict of Nursia founded the monastery of Monte Cassino. His Rule became the basis for monastic life in Western Europe.
During the 16th Century, following the Catholic Reformation, other forms of religious life developed with a focus on apostolic work. These orders engaged in education, hospitals and social welfare, for example, the Society of Jesus and the Sisters of Charity. Many religious orders were established in the 18th and 19th centuries to address social issues, for example, the Marist Brothers and the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Contemporary SituationToday there are hundreds of different religious orders in all parts of the world. Some of these have members who are active in society – in areas such as education and healthcare, or in parish, community and missionary work. Other orders stay behind monastery or convent walls and are committed to a life of prayer.
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Words to Understand
PovertyMembers of religious orders promise to trust God to look after their physical and spiritual well-being.
ChastityMembers of religious orders promise to love God above all others and freely give up marriage to do so.
ObedienceMembers of religious orders promise to put God first and to commit themselves to the spirit and mission of their particular religious order.
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Something to DiscussWork in a pair or small group.
• List the names of all the people that you know –
through your parish, school or elsewhere – who are
members of religious orders.
• Next to each of their names write the name of the
religious order they belong to.
• Write down what you know about the work that they
are involved in or the lifestyles that they live.
• Write down any other details you know about their
religious orders.
Task Thirteen – ResearchChoose one of the major religious orders named below – or one that is connected with your school or parish – and research it for a project.
• Benedictines
• Cistercians
• Carmelites
• Dominicans
• Franciscans
• Jesuits
• Redemptorists
Use any of the following questions and some of your own to help you organise your material:
• Who founded the order?
• When was it founded?
• Why was it founded?
• What was an exciting event in its history?
• What are the works of the order today?
• Where do the members of the order mainly work?
• How many members of the order are there today?
• Does the order have any saints or famous members?
Check out the library for written material but also use the Internet – many religious orders and their various communities have their own websites.
If possible interview a member of the religious order you are researching.
Discuss with your teacher how you are going to present your research – in a speech, mime, script, poster, powerpoint presentation, essay etc.
Marcellin Champagnat
Catherine McAuley
Euphrasie Barbier
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Part Nine: Summary
• Catholics belong to a worldwide Church whose over one billion members are united in faith around the pope.
• Most people’s experience of Catholic life is within a parish where they live their faith in Hehu Karaiti as members of the Church.
• Dioceses are local Churches under the care of a bishop – through the bishop they are in communion with the Church throughout the world.
• People co-operate in various ways with their bishop to build up the Church in their diocese.
• The local Churches provide missionaries and support their activity in various parts of the world.
• Working with the bishops and cardinals of the Church, the pope leads and serves the world’s Catholics.
• Cardinals have the authority to elect a new pope.
• The Vatican is the home of the pope and the headquarters of the Church.
• The Eastern Rite Catholic Churches are in union with the pope but have their own customs, rituals, and ways of organising themselves.
• Members of religious orders and congregations build up the Church through their various lifestyles and gifts.
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Catholic Identity
What We BelieveThe Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed are the simplest statements of what Catholics believe.
Apostles’ CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty,Creator of heaven and earth,and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died and was buried;he descended into hell;on the third day he rose again from the dead;he ascended into heaven,and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and life everlasting. Amen.
Nicene CreedI believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantialwith the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Our Prayers
Signs of the CrossIn the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Ki te ingoa o te Matua, o te Tamaiti o te Wairua Tapu. Amene.
The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name;thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread,And forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
E to mātou Matua i te rangi, kia whakatapu tōu ingoa, kia tae mai tōu rangatiratanga,kia whakaratia tōu hiahia i te whenua,kia pērā anō i tō te rangi.Homai ki a mātou aianei he taro mā mātou mō tēnei rā.Whakakāhoretia ō mātou hara,me mātou e whakakorenei i ngā hara o te hunga e hara ana ki a mātou. Kaua mātou e tukua kia whakawaia,engari whakarangia mātou i te kino.Amene.
Hail MaryHail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Awe, e Maria,e kī ana koe i te kereatiakei a koe te Ariki.E whakapaingia ana koe i roto i ngā wāhine,ā e whakapaingia ana hoki a Hehu,te hua o tōu kōpū.
E Hāta Maria,e te matua wahine o te Atua,
īnoi koe mō matou,mō te hunga hara āianei,ā, a te haroa o to mātou matenga.Amene.
Glory BeGlory be to the Father, and to the Son,and to the Holy Spirit.As it was in the beginning, is nowand ever shall be, world without end.Amen.
Korōria ki te Matua, ki te Tamaiti,ki te Wairua Tapu. He pērā hoki i te timatanga, ā,he pērā anō inaianei,ā, he pērā tonu ā ake ake,Amene.
A Prayer of SorrowO my God, I am sorry that I have sinnedagainst you, because you are so good,and with your helpI will not sin again.
The Jesus PrayerLord Jesus Christ,Son of God,have mercy on me a sinner.
Prayer for the DeadV. Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord.R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.R. Amen.
V. May her/his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen
Prayer of Saint Teresa of AvilaChrist has no body on earth but ours,No hands but ours,No feet but ours.Ours are the eyes through whichHe is to look with compassionon the world.Ours the feet with which He isto go about doing good,And ours the hands withwhich He is to bless us now.
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The BeatitudesThese are sometimes referred to as the ‘attitudes for being’. There are two accounts. The more familiar is that found in the Gospel of Matthew (5:3-12) but they are also found in Luke (6:20-26). CCC 1716.
Blessed are the poor in spirit for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.Bless are the meek, they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are the merciful, they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the pure of heart, they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called children of God.Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Two Great Commandments (Matthew 22:37-40, Mark 12:29-31, Luke 10:27) • You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your mind, and with all
your strength. • You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) • Always treat others as you would like them to treat you.
The Law of Love (John 15:12) • Love one another as I have loved.
Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 5:1-21 and CCC 2052 ff) 1. I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me. 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God in vain. 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day. 4. Honour your mother and father. 5. You shall not kill. 6. You shall not commit adultery. 7. You shall not steal. 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. 9. You shall not covet your neighbour's wife. 10. You shall not covet your neighbour's goods.
Corporal Acts of Mercy (Matthew 25:31-46 and CCC 2447) • Feed the hungry. • Give drink to the thirsty. • Shelter the homeless. • Clother the naked. • Care for the sick. • Help the imprisoned. • Bury the dead.
CCC – Catechism of the Catholic Church, for the text see www.scborromeo.org/ccc.html
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Being Community
Percepts of the Church (CCC 2042-2043) 1. Participate in Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation. 2. Lead a Sacramental Life – receive Holy Communion and Reconciliation regularly. 3. Study Catholic teaching. 4. Observe the marriage laws of the Church. 5. Strengthen and support the Church local and universal. 6. Do penance, including abstaining from meat and fasting from food on appointed days. 7. Join in the missionary spirit and aspostolic work of the Church.
Holy Days of Obligation in New ZealandChristmas Day (25 December)Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15 August)
Fasting and AbstinenceTo mark the importance of certain days in the liturgical calendar and as a way of expressing penance for personal sin the Church asks its members to observe certain dietary rules; abstinence and fasting. • On a day of fast people aged between 18 and 60 are required to eat just one full meal, two smaller
meals and refrain from eating between meals. • On a day of abstinence Catholics over 14 years old refrain from eating meat. • Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence in New Zealand. • The Church encourages all adult members to do some kind of penance on every Friday of the year. This
might include fasting or abstinence. • An hour of fasting before receiving Holy Communion is required.These regulations do not apply if following them would cause harm, for example, if someone was sick.
The Seven Sacraments 1. Baptism 2. Confirmation 3. The Eucharist 4. Penance 5. Annointing of the Sick 6. Marriage 7. Holy Orders
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GLOSSARY OF MĀORI TERMS This glossary gives explanation of Māori terms which are italicised in the text. The first time a Māori term appears in the text, its English meaning appears in brackets after it.
Pronunciation – correct pronunciation of Māori comes only with practice in listening to and speaking the language. The English phonetic equivalents provided under each Māori word are intended to provide a reasonably accurate guide for students. If in doubt please seek assistance from someone practised in correct pronunciation of Te Reo Māori. indicates stressed syllable
Aroha - In general, means love and/or compassion. Note that the word is used in two senses: u h-raw-huh 1. a joyful relationship involving the expression of goodwill and the doing of good,empathy. 2. sympathy, compassion towards those who are unhappy or suffering.
Atua - The Māori word Atua has been used to describe God in the Christian sense since missionaryu h-too-uh times. Before the coming of Christianity, Māori used the word atua to describe many kinds
of spiritual beings (in the way we now use the word “spirit”) and also unusual events. Io was the name given to the Supreme Being before missionary times. Many, but not all, tribes had this belief in Io.
Hehu Karaiti - Jesus Christ. héh-hoo kuh-rúh-ee-tee
Hohou Rongo - The restoring of tapu and mana, by a process of reconciliation which involves háw-haw-oo ráw-ngaw acknowledging violations, accepting responsibility and giving redress.
When written with initial capital letters, Hohou Rongo, refers to the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation.
Kaiārahi - Leader.kuh-ee-úh-ruh-hee
Karakia - Prayer, ritual.kúh-ruh-kee-uh
Mana - Spiritual power and authority. Its sources are both divine and human, namely, God, one’s múh-nuh ancestors and one’s achievements in life. Mana comes to people in three ways: mana
tangata from people, mana whenua, from the land, and mana atua, from the spiritual powers. Please note: when mana refers to Mana of God it is written as Mana.
Rongopai - Gospel or Good News. Nga Rongopai (plural). Te Rongopai (singular).ráw-ngaw-puh-ee
Tapu - This word is used in three senses:túh-poo 1) restrictions or prohibitions which safeguard the dignity and survival of people and things. 2) the value, dignity, or worth of someone or something, eg the holiness of God, human
dignity, the value of the environment. 3) the intrinsic being or essence of someone or something, eg Tapu i Te Atua is the intrinsic
being of God, the divine nature. Please note: when tapu refers to the Tapu of God it is written as Tapu.
Te Kupu a Te Ariki - The Word of Godteh kóo-poo uh teh úh-ree-kee
Te Rangatiratanga - The Kingdom or Reign of God.teh ruh-nguh-tée-ruh-tuh-nguh
Te Wairua Tapu - The Holy Spirit.teh wúh-ee-roo-uh túh-poo
Te Whānau a Te Karaiti - Christ’s family.teh fáh-nuh-oo uh teh kuh-rúh-ee-tee
Tika - Justice.tée-kuh
Whakapono - Faith.fúh-kuh-paw-naw
Whānau - Extended Family.fáh-nuh-oo
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LOGO: Annette Hanrahan RSCJ
FIRST EDITION (1991)Writing Party:
David Hawke FSC (Auckland)
Rita Haase (Auckland)
Anne Ward RSJ (Hamilton)
Barbara Henley RNDM (Palmerston North)
Gary Finlay (Wellington)
Mervyn Duffy SM (Wellington)
Marcellin Wilson RSM (Wellington)
Charles Shaw (Christchurch)
Edwige Fava (Dunedin)
SYLLABUS CO-ORDINATOR: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington)
EDITORS: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington)
Elizabeth M Russell SJC (NCRS, Auckland)
THEOLOGICAL CONSULTORS: + John Mackey DD
Paul Williamson SM, S.T.D., M.A. (Hons)ARTWORK: Gerry Bohte (Te Rarawa), Shane Clapson, Julia Banks, Victor Rosendale
SECOND EDITION (2003)
CO-ORDINATOR/EDITOR: Charles Shaw
THEOLOGICAL CONSULTOR: Mons. Vincent Hunt
LITURGICAL CONSULTOR: Rev. Anthony Harrison
CONTACT FOR
MĀORI CONSULTATION: Rev. Bernard Dennehy
NCRS: Gary Finlay, Director
Joan Parker RNDM, Editing
Marilyn Roberts, Secretary
ARTWORK: Hayley Roker, Carol Devine, Rose Miller
Titles of the Topics in Year 10
STRANDS
Human Experience 10A
Scripture and Tradition 10B, 10G
Church History 10D
Theology 10H
Sacrament and Worship 10C, 10F
Social Justice 10E
Back cover: Saint Andrew, stained glass window at The Church of St Severin, Paris, France. BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
10H
CEP1008
RELIGIOUSEDUCATIONP R O G R A M M E
FOR CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AOTEAROA
NEW ZEALAND
Expressions of Catholic Life
