The Church as Sacrament of Salvation

The Church as Sacrament of

Salvation

Church

To what does the word “church” refer? Building Institution (organization)▪ Regional (“Church of Rome”)▪ Denomination (“Presbyterian Church USA”)

Mass (Do we have church today?)▪ Liturgical assembly

Local community▪ Parish, congregation

Universal community of believers

Church

All of these meanings have the same thing in common. What is that?

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

Church

Primary meaning Ecclesia - assembly (called out)▪ Ecclesial, Ecclesiology

Kyriake – “what belongs to the Lord”▪ Kirche, Kirk, Church

Qahal – people (Hebrew: qahal Israel) Theological meaning

Body of Christ People of God

The Churchas Sacrament of

Salvation

Sacrament

What is a sacrament? Don’t list them; define the word A sign that accomplishes what it

signifies An event or item that gives what it

shows Examples:

Baptism is washing with water. It signifies (event) that God cleanses or purifies the soul using this sign (action).

Eucharist is a meal which feeds.

Sacrament

How is the Church “like a sacrament”? CCC 775

What does the Church signify? The gathering of people before God▪ An anticipation of the fullness of heaven

Unity between humans What does the Church give?

Salvation Through the sacraments

The Church is the sacrament of Sacraments

The Churchas Sacrament of

Salvation

Salvation

IMPORTANT: The final goal of the Church is union with the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit. Occurs in the Kingdom of heaven▪ On Earth – at the Mass▪ Ultimately in Heaven

“Union with God” refers to an ongoing relationship So the goal is not simply to “get to

heaven.”

Salvation

“Outside the Church there is no salvation.” One of the doctrines (teachings) of the

Catholic Faith Write a response to this statement

Explain what you think it means, and what it does not mean

Support your opinion with ▪ True premises▪ “Because” statements▪ Reasonable examples

Quick Review

What are the three original words for “church”? Latin, Greek, Hebrew

Which one is the basis for the English word “church”?

The church is an assembly or gathering. Who summons the church to gather?

Who is the visible foundation of the Church?

Who establishes the way the Church is governed?

The Mystery of the Church

Mystery

What is a mystery? Something that cannot be figured out or

explained Something that is bottomless (▪ Examples: Universe, Relationships

Who is the greatest mystery? In what way is God a mystery? In what way is Jesus a mystery?

Why is the Church a mystery?

Mystery: Church & Eucharist

The Church is a mystery (mystical) just as the Eucharist is a mystery Like the Eucharist, the Church has

material properties but immaterial substance

Both Church and Eucharist are called “The body of Christ” You are what you eat. The body of Christ constitutes (begets

and feeds) the body of Christ

Mystery: Church & Jesus

Syllogism Jesus is human and divine The Church is the body of Christ The church is human and divine

Is Jesus both “visible” and “invisible” How is Jesus “visible” and “invisible”? How is the church “visible” and

“invisible”? What is the church’s “human” side? It’s

“divine” side?

Two Natures (Aspects)

In what way is the Church a visible society? Hierarchy Institution (organization) Living people

In what way is the Church an invisible society? Angels Saints Faithful departed “Anonymous believers”

Sullied Mystery

How is the Church a “mixed composition”? Remember Jesus Weakness & strength Sinners & holiness (saints)

Why is the Church itself infallible (not sinful)? Remember Jesus Remember that the Church is not simply

an earthly organization

The Church as the Sacrament of

Communion

Authority in the ChurchThe Hierarchy & The Papacy

1. Who remains forever the chief cornerstone and shepherd of souls? Cornerstone and Head and Shepherd = Jesus Foundation = Peter and Apostles

2. What is infallibility? Incapable of failing Guarantee by Christ that Church would be free

from error in faith and morals Roman Church: Exercised by Peter

3. What is the college of bishops? 4. What is apostolic succession?

5. What are the three distinct ministerial offices within the Church? Bishops (includes Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops) Priests (includes Monsignors, Pastors) Deacons (permanent and transitional)

6. Where do bishops, priests, and deacons get their authority and power?

7. What is the equality and inequality in the visible Church on earth? Baptism Hierarchy

8. Why is the Church not a democracy? Power not from the consent of the people or representatives,

but from Christ

9. Which sacrament imparts the ministerial authority of Christ?

10. Who comprises the Church’s hierarchy or sacred order?

11. How do the Roman Pontiff and the bishops correspond to St. Peter and the Apostles? Collegial = shared responsibility; colleagues (peers) St Peter is “chairman”

12. What three tasks did Christ entrust the college of the twelve? Teach = proclaim Gospel (Mass) Rule = serve Sanctify = make holy (sacraments)

13. In what ways do the successors of the Apostles teach, rule, and sanctify?

14. What is one of the most important duties of a cardinal?

15. What is a conclave? 16. How many votes does a candidate

need to be elected pope? 17. What is the significance of white

and dark smoke coming from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel?

Authority in the ChurchThe Roman Curia

Definitions

The Roman Curia Roman court (advisors) Secretariat, Congregations, Tribunals,

Pontifical Councils Tribunal

Court (judgment) Secretariat of State

Political and diplomatic

Authority in the ChurchBishops, Priests and Deacons

Infallibility

Define Infallibility What is it? Who▪ Church▪ Pope

Magisterium & Curia

Define Magisterium What is their role or purpose? Define Curia

What do they do? Who are in the Curia?

Summarize the four main “sections” of the Curia

Ranks of Clergy

Bishops Pope

Cardinal

Archbishop

Bishop

Priests Monsignor

Canon

Pastor

Deacons Permanent

Transitional

Bishops

Specific power Local duties Universal concerns Define Cathedral

How is a Cathedral different from a parish?

What is a Vicariate?

Qualifications for Bishops 3 The saying is sure: If any one aspires to the office of

bishop, he desires a noble task. 2 Now a bishop must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, an apt teacher, 3 no drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and no lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way; 5 for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil; 7 moreover he must be well thought of by outsiders, or he may fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Tim 3)

Priests

Another name: Presbyter Types: Monsignor, Canon, Pastor Specific duties What does in persona Christi mean?

To whom does it apply? During which occasions does it apply?

Deacons

History (Acts 6) Two types: permanent and

transitional Specific duties

Qualifications for Deacons 8 Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-

tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for gain; 9 they must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then if they prove themselves blameless let them serve as deacons. 11 The women likewise must be serious, no slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husband of one wife, and let them manage their children and their households well; 13 for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 3)

Bishops with Priests & Deacons “See that all follow the bishop, even as Jesus

Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. […] Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. […] Whatsoever [the bishop] shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid.” (St. Ignatius: Letter to the Smyrnaeans; Ch 8)

Bishops with Priests & Deacons

“Let all things therefore be done by you with good order in Christ. Let the laity be subject to the deacons; the deacons to the presbyters; the presbyters to the bishop; the bishop to Christ, even as He is to the Father.” (St. Ignatius: Letter to the Smyrnaeans; Ch 9)

The Church as Teacher

Key Questions

What is the Magisterium? Define Ordinary Extraordinary: Ecumenical Council

Deposit of the Faith

Revealed Unchanging Mystery

Always learning more, always explaining more

Two Parts or Two Ways Sacred Tradition Holy Scripture

Traditions vs. Sacred Tradition

TRADITIONS

How people go forward for Eucharist

Which way the altar faces

Whether there is an offering

Right to left, or left to right

SACRED TRADITION

Interpretation of Scriptures

Liturgy & Rites Lives of Saints Canon Law

Sacred Tradition

St Paul says, “Stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us.” What is the difference between

traditions and Sacred Tradition? What “traditions” is St Paul talking

about?▪ Examples

Who teaches Sacred Tradition?

Sacred Tradition

IMPORTANT: What is the relationship of Sacred Tradition to the Deposit of Faith? Sacred Tradition is unwritten or written It is believed as much as Sacred

Scriptures▪ Example: Assumption of Mary▪ Example: Order of the Mass

Sacred Tradition

Will there be additions to Sacred Tradition? Not new revelations, but developed

understanding or explanations ▪ Example: interpretation of Scripture▪ Example: Creeds from Councils

Sacred Tradition

IMPORTANT: What is the relationship of Sacred Tradition to Sacred Scriptures? Canon of Scriptures▪ NOT same as “Canon Law”

The Scriptures come from the Church The determination of which books are

authoritative is made by the Church▪ Which are truly inspired?▪ Which are read at the Liturgy?

Sacred Scripture

Where do the Scriptures begin? How do the Apostles hand on the

teaching of Christ? How are these teachings written

down? Inspiration

Will there be new Scriptures? They are the record of the Apostles

Magisterium & Sacred Tradition

What is the Magisterium? Teaching Office or Authority By the Spirit in the Church through the

Bishops Sacred Tradition is the movement of

the Spirit in the Church

Magisterium & Sacred Tradition

Does the Magisterium reveal or discover new truths? In matters of Faith?▪ Example: new sacraments, new dogmas

about Jesus or Mary In matters of morals?▪ Example: new understandings of marriage,

new rules about priesthood?

Magisterium

What should be the response of Catholics to a Magisterial teaching in Faith or morals? Learn the phrase “obedience of faith” What is a “cafeteria Catholic”?

Has the truth of the Catholic Faith or morals changed?

Can it change?

The Church as Sanctifier

Sanctify

What does the word “sanctify” mean?

What is the basis for our sanctification? Is the Paschal Mystery simply about

Jesus dying to forgive sins? Is salvation nothing more than the act of

being saved? What is the right way to live after being

saved?

Precepts of the Church

What are the Precepts of the Church? Precept = Law or rule Point: Discipline, Self-Control

What do these Precepts have to do with your sanctification? What is the danger if you do not follow

the Precepts of the Church? How are these disciplines like fences or

guardrails?

Precepts of the Church

What is the overriding purpose of these disciplines? They are intended to help us draw closer

to Christ Do the Precepts of the Church

change over time? Generally – no Specifically – yes

Precepts of the Church

You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor

Holy Days of Obligation = Solemnity of Mary (1 Jan), Assumption (15 Aug), All Saints (1 Nov), Immaculate Conception (8 Dec), Christmas (25 Dec)

You shall confess your sins at least once each year

Usually during Lent

You shall receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season

More is better but not required

You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church

Fast Days = Ash Wednesday & Good Friday (ages 18-59; one full meal)Abstinence = Fridays in Lent (ages 14+; no meat except fish)

You shall help provide for the needs of the Church

Regular donations

Salvation & the Church

What do you think of this statement: “There is no salvation outside the Church”?

Say this statement in a positive form. All salvation comes from Christ the Head

through his Church, which is his Body What is the difference between

someone who leaves the Church (or refuses to enter her), and a person who doesn’t know about the Church?

Salvation & the Church

What is the relationship between Catholics and Protestant Christians? Separated brethren Imperfect communion Missing necessary elements of the Faith Examples:

Salvation & the Church

Are the Orthodox Christians separated brethren? The communion is so profound that it

lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Eucharist.

What is the key difference? Same: Apostolic succession, valid

Sacraments Missing: Unity (communion) with the Pope

Salvation & the Church

What about those who have never heard the fullness of the Gospel? Can they be saved? 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 is anyone saved? Only by God’s grace

What is “Baptism by desire”?

Salvation & the Church

What about 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

Salvation & the Church

What about Muslims? 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

What about those from other religions?

Preparation for the Test

Chapter Objectives

The Church as the Sacrament of Salvation

The Church as mystery The Church as Sacrament

of Communion The hierarchical structure

of the Church The office of the papacy The Roman Curia The office of bishop Ecumenical Councils The office of priest

• The office of deacon• The Magisterium• The Deposit of Faith• The development of

doctrine• Infallibility• The sanctification of

the members of the Catholic Church

• Salvation of those outside the Church

• Evangelization

The student will be able to understand:

Keys to Chapter 4

The Church is both the sign and the means of the salvation of the world.

Christ gave the Church a hierarchical authority to teach, rule, and sanctify all the members.

The bishops, led by the Pope, exercise a servant leadership with the help of priests and deacons.

The Church both teaches and sanctifies.

For Discussion:

What does it mean to say that the Church is the Sacrament of Salvation?

What is the meaning of the word church?

How is the Church both visible and invisible?

What is the role of the papacy in the Church?

What are the three levels of the Church’s hierarchy, and what is the function of each?

What does it mean when we say, “Outside the Church there is no salvation”?