Faith and Reason

1. Definition: Ekklesia To call out of the world A convocation or assembly

2. Founded by Christ Christ’s central message was to proclaim the Kingdom of God Christ endows the Church with his Authority

Ecclesial Community FounderDatePlace Orthodox ChurchesMichael Caerularius1054Constantinople LutheranismMartin Luther1520Germany AnglicanismKing Henry VIII1534England MennonitesMenno Simons1550Switzerland PresbyterianismJohn Calvin and Knox1560Switzerland and Scotland BaptistsJohn Smyth1606Amsterdam Society of FriendsGeorge Fox1624England MethodismJohn Wesley1744England MormonismJoseph Smith1830Fayette, NJ AdventistWilliam Miller1840Boston, Mass Christian ScientistsMary Baker Eddy1879Boston, Mass Denominations Church Maps

3. Mystical Body of Christ Christ and the Church are one 1 Corinthians 12: Parts of one body Church Triumphant Church Militant Church Suffering

4. Church has the fullness of Truth Only one religion has the fullness of truth All religions have some truth

5. Church is necessary for Salvation No Salvation apart from Jesus, or outside Christ’s Body, the Church There is only one Savior, Jesus

6. Qualities of the Church Mother-she guides her children Visible-it must be seen (witness) Spiritual-there is an unseen aspect Authority-which has been endowed by Christ Indefectibility-last until the end of time

One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic They are how we identify Christ’s Church Essential Qualities of the Catholic Church

Unity is the essence of the Church 1. Profession of faith: Creed 2. Worship and sacraments 3. Authority through Apostolic succession 4. United under one founder

Members are set apart for God and the perfection of charity 1. The Church is sanctified by Christ, her founder 2. The Church’s purpose is to sanctify her members by means of the sacraments 3. The Church is holy in: Founder Doctrine Members

1. Catholic = Universal 2. The Church is for all people (for all times and in all places) 3. Sufficient: everything needed for salvation

1. Christ founded the Church by forming the Apostles and passing down his authority through them One apostle, Peter, was given special authority. (Matthew 16:13-20) “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mt 16:18) He serves as spokesperson for the Apostles He was given the Power of the Keys He was given the power to bind and loose

2. Church stands on the foundation of the apostles Apostolic succession: All bishops can trace their ordination back to an apostle What happens if we’re not Apostolic?

1. Infallibility: Cannot err in matters of faith and morals (Luke 22:31-34) a) Papal He must speak on a matter of faith and morals He must speak in his official capacity as Peter’s successor He must clearly indicate that he is making a solemn, definitive and final pronouncement on the doctrine at issue He must declare his intention to bind all members of the Catholic Church to accept the new teaching

b) Collegial: bishops teaching in union with the Pope c) Conciliar: official Church councils called with approval of the Pope d) Sensus Fidei: The members of the Church cannot be deceived as a whole

2. Some things to remember about Petrine InfallibilityPetrine Infallibility The Pope is not impeccable, that is, without sin The Pope can be wrong on issues besides faith and morals The Pope has a specific charism as the Holy Father Charisms: Graces given for others

3. Church continues the mission of the apostles – to teach, serve, and sanctify Evangelization: bringing the Gospel to others Inculturation: part of evangelization that examines the whole culture, identifies and raises up what is compatible with the Gospel, removing only that which is incompatible with the Catholic faith. New Evangelization: efforts to help make inactive Catholics more active in their faith. (Round 2)

The Catholic Church either: was and still is the true Church OR never was the true Church. Then where was the true Church for 1600 years? OR once was the true Church and went into error. Then Christ lied when he promised that: “The jaws of death shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18) Why am I Catholic?