Marks of the Church

Marks can be used to help identify.For example, you put a mark on your notebook

to identify it, or a birthmark may help identify a person.

“One, holy, catholic, apostolic” help to identify the Church of Christ.

Marks can be us to set standards.When cutting wood, you place a mark where

you want the cut to be made.“One, holy, catholic, apostolic” sets the

standard for how the Church should be.

Marks

One, Holy, Catholic, ApostolicRead the article on the marks of the churchWhen finished, get the worksheet and answer

the questions.

Marks of the Church

Christian Denomination Flowchart

Read Article 19Answer the following questions in your

notebook:What is ecumenism?What are the goals of the ecumenical

movement?What elements of holiness, truth, and salvation

do all Christians share?

Homework

Ecumenism – movement to restore visible unity and full communion among Christians

Ecclesial Communities Share in elements of holiness and truth Do not share apostolic authorityDo not have fullness of Sacraments or salvation

Read Lumen Gentium 8What is the main idea of each paragraph?

Ecumenism

What does it say about the Church?Church of Christ is both visible & invisible

Visible Church & Mystical Body of Christ are one & same reality (think Incarnation)Established by Christ as a community led by Peter

& successorsThe Church of Christ “subsists in the Catholic

Church”Catholic Church remains true to structure

Christ set upElements of sanctification and truth are found

outside the visible structure of the ChurchRooted in the Trinity, these promote unity.

Lumen Gentium #8

Lumen Gentium #14-15What is the main idea of each paragraph?

#14 refers to Catholics#15 refers to other Christians

Read article 33 in the book.Write a paragraph essay to explain the

necessity of the Church for salvation.

The Church and Salvation

Homework: Read Article 20 & 21. Write & define bold words in your notes notebook and write your own definition of holy.

Homework

Addresses CatholicsChurch is necessary for salvationChurch is the body of ChristChrist is the one Mediator and unique way of

salvationThe way to enter the Church, Christ’s Body, is

through baptismIncorporation to Christ through his Body the

Church is what saves us.Being in the Church in body but not spirit is

not enough.

Lumen Gentium #14

Addresses other Christians Elements of salvation shared with other

ChristiansBaptismScriptureSacramentsPrayerGifts of Holy SpiritDevotion to MaryMartyrdom

United spiritually but not completely.

Lumen Gentium #15

What makes the Church Holy?The Holy Spirit!

Holy Spirit assures the Church carries out her mission, despite sins & failures of her people.

God created the ChurchChrist gave himself to the Church to make

her holy.

HOLY

Church of saints & sinnersParable of weeds among wheatDonatist controversy

Need for continual Conversion

HOLY

God’s grace is what makes us holyGrace

free and undeserved gift of God’s loving presence in our life.

Transcends the power of intellect & will (supernatural)

Requires a response from us to enter into relationship with God.

Holy

Ways we experience grace:Sanctifying grace – baptism –orients us to GodActual grace – God’s support in everyday lifeSacramental grace – God’s encounter with us

through the body of Christ, the Church

HOLY

Universal Call to HolinessThrough baptism, we become holy by sharing

in the divine nature.Baptized must hold onto and complete in their

lives the holiness they have received.Increase in holiness through cooperating with

the divine will in daily life.All faithful have obligation to strive for holiness

Lumen Gentium #39-42

After reading the document and reflecting on your previous definition how would you now define holiness?Use at least two quotes from the document to

supplement your definition.

Universal Call to Holiness

catholic means “universal”Capital “C” Catholic

Catholic Church, founded by ChristBody of ChristBoth visible & invisible elementsFullness of Sacraments instituted by Christ

God’s presence in the totality of a person’s lifeIncludes the three levels of the Catholic

Church

Catholic

lower case “c” catholicContains the fullness of ChristGiven the total means of salvation for all

peopleTherefore has a mission to all people to gather

all people to one in the one creator

catholic

What is the Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions? Read article 27, 34 & Church and Other

Religions (Lumen Gentium Packet #16)What is relationship of Church with Judaism?What is relationship of Church with Islam?What is relationship of Church with other

world religions?

Other world religions

All salvation comes through ChristOne true, unique mediator of salvation.

God wills all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4)How do we hold these two truths in balance?Begin with an attitude of respect and open

dialog.

Lumen Gentium#16

What is relationship of Church with Judaism?Share belief in one God, Scripture (Hebrew

Scripture = Old Testament), roots of Christianity is Judaism, promises made to Jews are not revoked.

What is relationship of Church with Islam?Share belief in one God and creator of all, faith of

Abraham, and the final judgment of mankind.What is relationship with Eastern Religions?Hindus – contemplate divine mysteryBuddhists – meditation, seeking God through

confidence and love

Other world religions

What is relationship of Church with other religions and people of no religion?

Connected to all those who seek God, goodness, or truth, which brings us together.Preparation for the Gospel, which proclaims Jesus

who is Goodness, Truth, and Justice.Those who do not know the Gospel of Christ or the

Church but sincerely seek God can attain salvationSalvation still occurs through the Body of Christ,

the Church.Necessary to continue to share the Gospel with

everyone.

Other world religions

Read article 30 & 31Answer questions 1-4 on pg. 123

Apostolic

Church isBuilt on foundation of the apostlesPreserves & hands on teaching of apostlesTaught, made holy, & led by successors of

apostlesApostle – one who is sent on a mission

Sent to continue the mission of Jesus, spreading the Kingdom of God to the worldGreat commission – Matthew 28

All disciples of Christ are obliged to live apostolic lives of spreading the Good news of Christ.

Apostolic

Bishops preserve and pass on Divine Revelation

Tradition – handing on the truths Jesus taughtWord of God completely reveals God, but our

understanding of God is always incompleteBoth Scripture and Tradition are necessary

Scripture is based on Tradition (oral & written)Tradition continues to interpret Scripture

Apostolic Tradition

Explain why the Catholic Church is necessary for salvation, and how other Christians can participate in salvation even if they are not part of the Church.

Explain why the Church is the path to salvation even for those who are non-Christians.

Describe in words or pictures the relationship between the Church of Christ, the Catholic Church, and other Christian denominations.

Review Essays