Reformers – Creating Change in the Church

What is a “reformer?” A reformer is one who sees a need for change and works to create it, in spite of the difficulties that often arise from human beings’ natural aversion to change.

Reflection Why is change so difficult? Write about a time of change in your life. How did you react to/deal with it?

Start with Jesus Jesus as a “Reformer” What did Jesus try to change? How did he do it?

Major “Reforms” in the History of the Church Gregorian Reforms Protestant Reformation/Counter Reformation/The Council of Trent Vatican II

Gregorian Reforms Around 1075 (put this date on your timeline) The work of Pope Gregory VII These reforms focused on 2 areas of the Church: 1.Declared that priests needed to be celibate – meaning that they could not marry. 2.Declared that the Pope was the absolute head of the Church – that his power could not be questioned. Both of these reforms were in response to issues that had previously weakened and embarrassed the Church.

The Protestant Reformation The Church faced a difficult and challenging time in the 14 th, 15 th, and 16 th Centuries. Among these challenges were: 1.Problems with the Papacy 2.The Black Death 3.The Renaissance

Problems with the Papacy In general, people were losing respect for the Pope because of scandalous situations, questionable political involvements, and a lifestyle that seemed extravagant – especially to the poor.

The Black Death The Black Death was a plague that killed hundreds of thousands of people. It was a time of great spiritual despair. In addition, religious orders that ministered to people were overwhelmed by the number of people who needed care.

The Renaissance While this was an amazing time in history, it was challenging for the Church. Why? There was a great emphasis on the strength and power of human beings, and not as much of an emphasis on God.

The Church was in a weakened state. Its struggles set the stage for Reformers to voice their concerns and, in some cases, start their own churches. These Reformers included... Complete the worksheet, using pages of your textbook.

The Catholic Reformation For the most part, the Catholic Church was able to see the criticisms of the Protestant Reformation as “constructive criticism,” (what does this mean??) and to see an opportunity to change in a positive way. They did this in a variety of ways, including encouraging religious communities to re-commit themselves to their mission and charism (a gift that that community has to offer to the Church and to the world) and challenging Catholics to know and publicly live/defend their faith.

Important figures of the Catholic Reformation 2 important figures in Church History emerged during this time, as part of the Catholic Reformation. These 2 figures are St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Teresa of Avila.

St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Teresa of Avila Read the articles on these 2 figures. In your notes, make 2 lists: 10 important facts 10 Important Facts about St. Ignatiusabout St. Teresa This must be finished for class tomorrow! It will count as a HW. If you do not finish this in class, the articles can be found by going to Student Resource Center and searching for “Ignatius of Loyola” and/or “Teresa of Avila.” Choose the entries from the Encyclopedia of World Biography.

St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Teresa of Avila Read the articles on these 2 figures. Each article is separated into sections (“Conversion,” “Early Life,” “Vocation,” etc.). In your notes, summarize each section in 2-3 sentences. Be sure to indicate what section you are summarizing by including the title. Finish this for HW. (8 th Period)

St. Ignatius of Loyola 1.Born in Born in Spain 3.Converted to Catholicism after reading about Jesus & the Saints 4.Believed that human beings are meant to WORK WITH Jesus to achieve God’s plan for the world 5.Wrote the “Spiritual Exercises” – a guideline for a particular kind of prayer 6.His motto: For the Greater Glory of God” 7.Founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) 8.The Jesuits are devoted to service anywhere doing anything – whatever is needed. 9.Opened many schools, as education is of great value to the Jesuits 10.Died in 1556 and declared a saint in 1622

St. Teresa of Avila St. Teresa of Avila 1.Born in Born in Avila, Spain 3.Entered a Carmelite monastery at Led a group of sisters who wanted to live a more removed and serious life of prayer – known as “Discalced” (barefoot) Carmelites (St. Therese’s religious order) 5.Originally, her autobiography was simply called Life 6.Wrote The Interior Castle, describing the journey of a person’s prayer life. 7.Best known for “Mystical experiences” – very deep encounters with God 8.Was also known for being able to remain constantly aware of God’s presence while staying in the every day activities of life. 9.Died in 1582; canonized in – proclaimed a “Doctor of the Church” for her writings which were seen as outstanding guides to spirituality

The Council of Trent Held from (put this on your timeline) -didn’t meet for 18 years straight – meetings were spaced out over time Called by Pope Paul III The purpose of this Council was to: 1.clearly define Catholic beliefs 2.reform the aspects of the Church that were rightly called into question by the Protestant Reformation.

Effects of the Council of Trent The following 8 teachings of the Church were affirmed and strengthened: (see p )

The following aspects of the Church changed as a result of The Council of Trent: 1.Celibacy for priests was more strongly enforced. 2.Greater emphasis on the training of priests – “seminaries” were established. 3.Guidelines for daily life as a Catholic were established

Vatican Council II Complete the worksheet on Vatican II, using your textbook (pgs ) as a guide.

Test – Thursday 1/13