Gaudium et Spes  Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Second Vatican Council, 1965

The Presiders of Vatican II (1962-1965) Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli Pope John XXIII (1958-1963)

Future Popes Present at Vatican II Paul VI (1963-1978) John Paul I (1978) John Paul II (1978-2005) Benedict XVI (2005-Present)

Effects of Vatican II Revised Liturgy Stronger Emphasis on Ecumenism New approach to the World itself

The 16 Documents of Vatican II 9 Decrees: Ad Gentes (Mission Activity) Apostolicam Actuositatem (Lay People) Christus Dominus (Bishops in the Church) Inter Mirifica (Social Communication) Optatam Totius (Priestly Training) Orientalium Ecclesiarum (Eastern Churches) Perfectae Caritatis (Renewal of Religious Life) Presbyterorum Ordinis (Life of Priests) Unitatis Redintegratio (Ecumenism)

The 16 Documents of Vatican II 3 Declarations: Dignitatis Humanae (Religious Freedom) Gravissimum Educationis (Christian Education) Nostra Aetate (Relations with Non-Christians)

The 16 Documents of Vatican II 4 Constitutions: Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation) Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World) Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on Sacred Liturgy)

The 16 Documents of Vatican II 4 Constitutions: Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation) Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World) Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on Sacred Liturgy)

Gaudium et Spes It is an overview of the Church’s teachings about humanity’s relationship to society, especially in reference to economics, poverty, social justice, culture, science and technology, and ecumenism. This document was not drafted prior to the Council, but arose from the floor of the Council and was one of the last to be promulgated (on December 7, 1965; the last day of the Council). It was approved by a vote of 2,307 to 75. The words Gaudium et Spes are Latin for “Joy and Hope”, and as is customary with Catholic documents, the title is taken from its first sentence which sets the tone of its emphasis.

“The joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially those who are poor or afflicted, are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing that is genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts.” (#1)

GS – Major Areas of Concern Human Dignity Common Good “Signs of the Times” Public Responsibility Respect for Families Right of Culture Justice and Development Peace

Part 1 The Church and the Human Vocation I) The Dignity of the Human Person II) The Human Community III) Humanity’s Activity in the Universe IV) Role of the Church in the Modern World

Part 1 The Church and the Human Vocation I) The Dignity of the Human Person Created in the image of God. Human person consists of a body and soul composite. Intelligent. Able to know and love their Creator. Stewardship. Set by God over all earthly creatures to rule and make use of them in a manner which glorifies God. Free Will. Part of human nature to pursue good and avoid evil. The Mystery of death. The problem with atheism.

Part 1 The Church and the Human Vocation II) The Human Community “The fact that human beings are social by nature indicates that the betterment of the person and the improvement of society depend on each other.” (#25) “The council lays stress on respect for the human person: everybody should look upon his or her neighbor (without any exception) as another self, bearing in mind especially their neighbor’s life and the means needed for a dignified way of life, lest they follow the example of the rich man who ignored Lazarus, who was poor.” (#27) “The varieties of crime are numerous: all offenses against life itself, such as murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia and willful suicide; all violations of the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, physical and mental torture, undue psychological pressures; all offenses against human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children, degrading work conditions where people are treated as mere tools for profit rather than free and responsible persons: all these and the like are criminal: they poison civilization; and they debase the perpetrators more than the victims and militate against the honor of the Creator.” (#27) “While there are just differences between people, their equal dignity as persons demands that we strive for fairer and more humane conditions. Excessive economic and social disparity between individuals and peoples of the one human race is a source of scandal and militates against social justice, equity, human dignity, as well as social and international peace.” (#29)

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