1. READING ASSIGNMENT Understanding Catholic Christianity pages 177-182

2. THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES Religious Studies One – Unit 7 “Church and Sacraments”

3. THE GOSPELS Following Jesus’ death, there was about 30 years of time before any written accounts of his life emerged (during this time, the apostles were preaching and founding churches) Beginning in the mid-60s AD, many apostles were turning up martyred, therefore written accounts of Jesus’ life began to take the place of the now-lacking oral testimony of the apostles This process of gospel-writing lasted for several decades, and gospels circulated widely throughout the Roman world Of the numerous gospels in use, only four have been deemed canonical by the Church –Matthew –Mark –Luke –John

5. THE GOSPEL OF MARK Date – 65 AD Location – Rome Author – close disciple of Peter Audience – persecuted Roman Christians Character of Jesus – rebel Message – Jesus as man and God Other points of valuable insight –Written in dark times in Rome under Nero’s persecution –Style is simplistic –Story is of a rebel standing up to the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem just as persecuted Christians need to stand up to the power of Rome –Nero can have this lifetime, Jesus will have the next –“Why have you forsaken me?” has caused problems for the teachings regarding Jesus’ and God’s relationship

6. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW Date – 75-85 AD Location – Antioch Author – Rabbi turned Christian Audience – Apostate Jews Character of Jesus – teacher Message – Jesus as Messiah Other points of valuable insight –Utilizes Mark’s narrative as a jumping off point –Written in one of the great centers of early Judeo-Christian scholarship and culture –More lavishly written –Written by a rabbi for other rabbis – there is a more legal tone –Written as a defense of Jews who have embraced Jesus as the messiah –Several quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures are used –Speaks of Jesus more in messianic/prophet terms than God incarnate

7. THE GOSPEL OF LUKE Date – 75-85 AD Location – Ephesus Author – close disciple of Paul Audience – all people, all places, all times Character of Jesus – healer Message – Jesus’ message transcends boundaries Other points of valuable insight –Also uses Mark as a jumping off point –Unlike the other evangelists, Luke is well traveled, well educated, and worldly by comparison –Luke’s Jesus is part of a larger missionary story that also included the Acts of the Apostles –Luke is historically minded – he intends his Gospel to echo through the centuries regardless of what kind of Christian the reader happens to be –The focus is heavily on the compassionate nature of Jesus

8. THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Date – 95-100 AD Location – North-Central Turkey Author – The Beloved Apostle Audience – Greek-speaking mystics/orthodox Character of Jesus – Mystic/God incarnate Message – Mystery Other points of valuable insight –John is poetic in style, focusing less on a narrative form and more on hit and miss events of Jesus’ life –His Gospel is focused on long dialogues between Jesus and his followers, as well as seven very specific miracle stories meant to illustrate the nature of Jesus to the reader –This Gospel presents Jesus first as the physical expression of God’s will, and is now the spiritual expression of God’s will –“In the beginning…” and “It is completed” use words and ideas that would have been more familiar to a Greek than a Jew

9. READING ASSIGNMENT Acts of the Apostles chapters 1-10

10. RESPONSE PAPER 7A In what ways did the apostles fulfill and fail in Jesus’ mission? Would you have followed?

11. THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES Religious Studies One – Unit 7 “Church and Sacraments”

13. THE LIFE OF PAUL Paul was born in 10 AD in Tarsus, near Antioch Educated in Jerusalem by the most respected Pharisee of his day Commissioned by the Sanhedrin to persecute Christians in Syria In 34 AD, on the road to Damascus, Paul experienced a vision and converted to Christianity For the next 30 years, Paul journeyed throughout the Mediterranean world founding Christian churches and communities and writing letters to these communities Paul died a martyr in 67 AD during the Roman persecutions after being imprisoned for many years

15. THE WRITINGS OF PAUL 1,2 Thessalonians – nature of death second coming of Jesus (50-51 AD) Philippians – warns of persecutions and undermines of the new Church (56- 57 AD) 1,2 Corinthians – morality in Corinth, liturgy, organization, and love (57 AD) Galatians and Romans –issues between Jewish and non-Jewish Christians over the conflict between “law” and “reason” (57-58 AD) Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon – written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome concerns the idea that celestial and cosmic powers were subordinate to the Kingdom of God, while Philemon is a personal note (61- 63 AD) Titus and 1,2 Timothy – letters of advice including instructions on organizing and leading new Christian communities (65 AD) Hebrews – Pauline in tone, influence, and location, but probably not actually written by Paul, this letter encourages readers to be firm against persecution using several Old Testament references, and it contains the controversial idea that the old Levitical sacrifices are ineffectual next to the unique sacrifice of Christ (67 AD)

16. OTHER WRITINGS 1,2,3 John – Letters written by the Apostle as communications between himself and Christian communities that he founded in Asia Minor James – Letter written for a Jewish audience (James was the first Bishop of Jerusalem) discussing morality (49 AD or 57-58 AD) Jude – Letter written for a Jewish audience denouncing false teachers (70’s AD) 1,2 Peter – Written by the Apostle (the first Bishop of Rome) urging its readers to remain steadfast in the face of persecution Revelation – Written by John of Patmos between 70-95 AD, it’s an Apocalyptic meant as an allegory for the Fall of Rome borrowing heavily from the imagery found in the Hebrew Book of Daniel

18. READING ASSIGNMENT UCC pages 135-147, 153-162

19. THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH Religious Studies One – Unit 7 “Church and Sacraments”

20. APOSTOLIC PERIOD Pentecost – birthday of the Church; roughly 30-35 AD Council of Jerusalem – roughly 47 AD Great Roman Fire – mid-60’s AD Age of Martyrs – during the next 250 years, several emperors periodically waged persecutions against the Christians, where several early great leaders met their death including St. Ignatius (Bishop of Antioch) St. Polycarp (Bishop of Smyrna) St. Justin (philosopher) St. Ireneaus (Bishop of Lyons) Establishment of the Canon – practically in the second century AD (formalized officially at the Council of Trent in the 1500’s) Edict of Milan – 313 AD; following victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Emperor Constantine (in response to a vision of the cross) officially recognized Christianity’s right to exist; 70 years later, Christianity would be decreed the only official religion of the empire

25. PATRISTIC PERIOD Great Heresies – throughout this early period of universal recognition, several heresies challenged the early Church including Arianism (denied that Jesus was of the same essence as God) Nestorianism (argued that Jesus was not God, God only dwelt in him) Monophysitism (argued that Jesus had one divine nature; his humanity was absorbed into his divinity) Great Councils – four great councils of Church leaders were convened at the request of the emperors to settle these issues; these councils defined the faith/creed and established what beliefs are orthodox including The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) The First Council of Constantinople (381 AD) The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD)

26. MORE PATRISTIC PERIOD Church Fathers including St. Athanasius (died 373 AD; Patriarch of Alexandria) St. Basil of Cappadocia (died 379 AD; Bishop of Ceasarea) St. Gregory of Nazianzus (389 AD; Patriarch of Constantinople) St. Ambrose (died 397 AD; Archbishop of Milan) St. John Chrysostom (died 407 AD; Patriarch of Constantinople) St. Jerome – died 420 AD; translated the Bible into Latin and put together a great commentary still in use by many today) St. Augustine of Hippo (died 430 AD; Bishop and author of “The City of God”) Monasticism – developed in the early Church as a response to the opulence of the Roman Empire (now that Christians were accepted); monastic houses became the link that connected the official Church of the empire with the people of the Church themselves; the great founders of monastic orders were St. Antony (founder of the first monastery or hermitage near Alexandria) St. Benedict (lawgiver of Western monasticism – Benedictine Order)

28. THE MEDEIVAL CHURCH European Conversion – St. Patrick (Ireland), St. Columban (Northern France and the Low Countries), St. Boniface (Germany), and St. Cyril (Eastern Europe and Slavic speaking countries) Charlemagne – In the late 700’s, Charles the Great of the Franks unifies power in France and Germany, then Pope Leo III crowns him Emperor and the Holy Roman Empire was born Holy Roman Empire – Following the breakup of Charlemagne’s Empire, the Holy Roman Empire was ruled from Germany and throughout the remainder of the Holy Roman Empire, the Emperors continued to meddle in church affairs Great Schism – In 1054, the frustrations between east and west grew to separation (despite much cooperation over the years, no total reconciliation has occurred); The issues that led to the great schism were twofold: Papal authority and temporal power

30. MORE MEDEIVAL CHURCH Church as a Temporal Power – During the years following the Fall of Rome, the Papacy increasingly became more of an earthly power and less of a spiritual power Responsibilities – all of the land in Central Italy near Rome was the responsibility of the Popes, including finances, governing, and defense St. Gregory I the Great – the first true temporal ruler of Rome; was successful at organizing the Church to be more than just concerned with religious matters Patrimony of St. Peter – the official Church name for the Papal States; in reference to the land supposedly bequeathed to “Peter” Hildebrande (Gregory VII) – an important Middle Ages Pope who was able to rule the Papacy and institute several needed reforms Innocent III – another important Middle Ages Pope (become Pope before 30) who wielded total authority over the Papal States and Europe – the first and last really St. Bernard – Monk and champion of orthodoxy who established several hospitals and monasteries throughout France and Germany

32. EVEN MORE MEDEIVAL CHURCH Crusades – Several Crusades were called for by Popes, monks, and kings; some were more successful than others, though eventually the goal was never achieved; Palestine remained in the hands of Islam; the violent abuses got so bad that the European Crusaders actually sacked Constantinople (a Christian city) Military Orders – founded for the defense of Christiandom during the Crusades and the preservation of the Church in Europe after the Crusades; they were eventually disbanded as a threat to the temporal leaders of Europe; these orders also became very rich in relics (therefore very powerful in influence); they included the Knights of St. John (Hospitallers), the Knights Templar, and the Teutonic Knights Mendicant Orders –orders developed embracing poverty and simplicity (as well as helping those in need) including the Dominicans and Franciscans Cathar Heresy – prominent in Southern France, inspired Inquisition; had the money and power to oppose the Church Inquisition – established to root out orthodoxy, not to be confused with the Spanish Inquisition (which was pretty bad, not that this Inquisition wasn’t)

35. AND YET STILL MORE MEDEIVAL CHURCH Scholastics and the University St. Thomas Aquinas – author of the Summa Theologica The University System Salerno – Medicine Bologna – Law Paris – Theology (eventually, Paris would become the premiere center of learning in Europe) University Studies Theology – all philosophy Law – both canon and civil Medicine Arts – Latin Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic (trivium) and Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, Music (Quadrivium)

38. THE RENNAISANCE CHURCH End of European Dominance – Once the 1300’s came around, European monarchs no longer looked to the Church for authority; likewise, the Church was not able to wield temporal influence outside of the Papal States; it was at this time that the Papacy become the plaything of European rulers The Avignon Papacy – The 1300’s also saw the Pope’s move to Avignon, France, where the popes were under the control of the French monarchs; Rome responded by imposing their own pope in Rome; This Western Schism lasted over 100 years; It was finally resolved with a Church Council Patrons of Renaissance Arts – Now that the Pope was no longer a European leader in temporal affairs, this freed the office up to reform the Church; However, Europe was seeing a revolution in art and commerce; Therefore, the Popes (stripped of their temporal power) embrace arts and culture instead of religion; During this time, the Papacy funded the great Renaissance painters, sculptors, and architects; This neglect of spiritual matters helped to fuel the great Protestant Reformation The Reformation – When Martin Luther posted his 95-theses on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, the Protestant Reformation was born; How it happened is a matter of historical record; The reasons included Indulgences and other abuses, Papal authority, Local/temporal control over the Church, and The Bible vs. tradition; Due to the fact that the Church was slow to respond, this split became permanent; When the Church did respond, it was known as the Counter-Reformation

43. MORE RENNAISANCE CHURCH Counter Reformation – Church reformed itself, New orders were established, Missionary activity took place in the new world, Church and Pope began to look inward towards the spirit, instead of looking outward towards politics and power Council of Trent (1545-1563) – proclaimed… Scripture and Tradition are valid and equal sources of revelation Old and New Testament is equally inspired Scripture should never be used to contradict tradition or the Church fathers Latin Bible is the only authoritative version The dogmatic statements of the Council pertain liturgy, sacraments, justification, indulgences, and saints and relics Ended up resolving all of the problems the Protestants championed, expect Papal authority The Council of Trent might have kept the Reformation from happening, had it not been held late and amid political concerns Jesuit Missionaries – Once the New World is located, the Society of Jesus (one of the new orders) traveled the world bringing Christianity to the “pagan” natives; This is one of the singular reasons why Catholicism has so many adherents in lands that were former European colonies

45. THE MODERN CHURCH The Church vs. the Enlightenment – the Church responded rather negatively to the enlightenment idealism of deism which was based on reason and common sense, which taught… There is a Supreme Being, and it’s man’s duty to honor the Supreme Being The Supreme Being is honored with a virtuous life, while offending the Supreme Being leads to feelings of regret Because the Supreme Being is just, the good will be rewarded The Church’s response to the Enlightenment was more or less to withdraw from the world in practice, but not in teaching (this means that without the temporal authority, the Church become irrelevant in European affairs, yet it continued to assert itself in moral matters) Pius IX – Known as Pio Nono (reigned longer than anyone); held back the progress of the Church into modern times! The Syllabus of Errors – issued by Pio Nono; was a list of books that were considered unacceptable to Catholics to read Papal Infallibility – issued by Pio Nono through the First Vatican Council; declared that the Pope is infallible when speaking “ex cathedra” on faith and morals; ended several centuries of debate on the nature of the Pope’s authority

47. MORE MODERN CHURCH Catholic Social Teaching - Following Pius IX, Pope Leo XIII progressed the Church several hundred years with the first declarations of Catholic Social Teaching Pius XII and World War II In 1939, on the eve of World War II, Pius XII becomes pope (throwback to Pio Nono) Pius XII was raised to be pope, and he held several important Church offices that prepared him for this In theory, Pius should have been one of the greatest popes in history if it weren’t for the Holocaust Pius failed to speak out against the Holocaust, and because of this he has received much criticism The conspiracy theories about the relationship between Pius and the Nazis abound

50. EVEN MORE MODERN CHURCH The Second Vatican Council Following the pontificate of Pius XII, Cardinal Roncalli was elected Pope John XXIII Unlike Pius, who was very stiff, John XXIII was a people person (grandfather like) At any rate, John XXIII believed that the Church needed to enter the modern era, so he convened the Second Vatican Council John XXIII dies before the Council does it’s great work, but his successor (Paul VI) carries on in his spirit Vatican II radically revised the operation and organization of the Church Many people are still very upset by the works of the council; some think it went too far, and some think that it didn’t go far enough John Paul II – elevated the Church into global dialogue especially concerning social justice issues! Benedict XVI – ? And this is the Church we live in!

55. RESPONSE PAPER 7B What was the most important event or development in the History of the Catholic Church? Has the Church ever truly been the model it was supposed to be? If yes, when? If not, how come?

56. THE NATURE OF CHURCH Religious Studies One – Unit 7 “Church and Sacraments”

57. IMAGES OF CHURCH In the early days, the Church was known as Ecclesia – a distinctive human community Characterized by mutuality, interdependence, forgiveness, and friendship Power is shared – concern for poor, weak, and despised Community of Worship and Witness! Variety of names used to identify Church – FSU 190 Four sets of images used to depict the Church –People of God – not a building or institution, but a covenant between God and a people as a community of believers –Servant People – liberation is only the first step towards service in God’s name; purpose of Church is God’s work on Earth not temporal authority; associated with the People of God are words such as ambassadors and witnesses (denote givers not receivers) –Body of Christ – Pauline metaphor, the Church is a body with Christ at its head; just as the parts of the body cannot function independently of one another, neither can the members of the Church –Community of Spirit – fulfills the prophecies of the prophets as there are (ideally) no race, gender, or class distinctions, and strangers are welcomed; this community is a “new creation”, and as a fellowship we experience suffering and joy together; the Church is an “alternative” community

58. MARKS OF THE CHURCH 1.Unity –Connected through God –United to each other through love –FSU 201 – last paragraph 2.Holiness –Community of forgiven sinners –Church is holy by participation in the holy love of God, precisely because it embraces sinners without reservation –“Holiness is enacted through the courageous criticism of injustice, acts of solidarity with the poor, and sharing of friendship and power with the weak and despised” 3.Catholicity –Inclusive of all kinds of people –Requires the activism of certain groups such as women, Africa, and liberation theologians 4.Apostolicity –All are called to be witnesses to the Good News, not just saints and martyrs –Demonstration, not conversion 5.Quote – FSU 186 (on top)

59. RESPONSE PAPER 7C In light of “Inside the Vatican”, what is the significance of the Vatican for Catholicism? What is the significance of the Vatican for world affairs? Does the Vatican demonstrate for us a community built on Christ?

60. THE NATURE OF CHURCH Religious Studies One – Unit 7 “Church and Sacraments”

61. THE LITURGICAL YEAR Advent (blue) –The liturgical year begins with the Season of Advent –Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day –Each of the four weeks of Advent carry a special theme signified by a candle which is first lit on the Sunday beginning the week so that when Christmas comes all four candles are lit Christmas (white/gold) –The Christmas season begins on Christmas Eve and ends with the Feast of Epiphany on January 6th First Season of Ordinary Time (varies) –Following the Feast of Epiphany up until Ash Wednesday (usually in February) the Church settles into Ordinary Time –There is nothing special going on, but there may be special days that occur during this season –The color associated with this season is green (unless there is a special feast day where the color may be red (for a martyr or Holy Spirit), blue (for Mary), or even white/gold (for a very special circumstance) Lent (purple) –Beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with the Easter Triduum –This 40-day period is spent preparing for Jesus’ sacrifice Easter (white/gold, except for Pentecost which is red) –The Easter season begins with the Feast of Easter and concludes 50 days later with Pentecost –Easter is the high feast of the Church spent in celebration –Many of the initiation sacraments are performed during this time such as First Communion and Confirmation Second Season of Ordinary Time (green) –Following Pentecost (late May/early June), the Church enters into a second period of Ordinary Time that concludes with the First Sunday of Advent in late November/early December

63. READING ASSIGNMENT Understanding Catholic Christianity pages 226-231 and Eucharist (w/ organizer)

64. SACRAMENTS Religious Studies One – Unit 7 “Church and Sacraments”

65. OVERVIEW The Catholic Church embraces seven sacraments which are physical signs of God’s grace Sacrament = visible sign of God’s invisible grace These sacraments are broken into three groups Sacraments of Initiation Sacraments of Healing Sacraments of Commitment These rituals mirror the journey of our lives and are meant to serve as reminders that God is with us in our lives

66. SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION These sacraments serve to initiate and welcome people into the grace and mysteries of the Church To be considered a fully initiated Catholic, one must receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation

67. BAPTISM Usually performed on a newborn or very young infant Welcomes the child into the Church The child, unable to speak for himself, is presented by his/her parents while his/her “godparents” speak for the child The creed is affirmed and the child is blessed/sealed with oil and water This sacrament can be performed by a deacon, priest, or bishop at any time during the liturgical year Adults who receive Baptism are consecrated during the Easter season The symbol of Baptism is water

69. CONFIRMATION Usually performed on an eighth grader or high-schooler, though there is no real agreement on the best time This is the completion of a person’s initiation which was begun at Baptism Meant to be a symbolic reenactment of Pentecost – where the Apostles and their mission are confirmed (affirmed) by God While at Baptism, the child was spoken for, at Confirmation the youth may speak for themselves All of the Baptismal promises are reaffirmed Confirmands work with a sponsor (often a Godparent) who are fully initiated who work with the youth through the difficult questions associated with faith and adolescence This sacrament may only be administered by a Bishop (unless a bishop consecrates a priest to do it) The symbol of this sacrament is fire (Holy Spirit) Confirmation has been traditionally seen as “graduation” from religious education, though a better way to think of it is “initiation” into the Church as a mature adult

71. LAST THOUGHTS ON INITIATION In the old days… In the early Church, all of the Sacraments of Initiation were performed together It was like a club, where an initiated Christian sponsors a new initiate and vouched for them After a period of instruction in the faith, the new initiate is baptized by a member of the clergy, then welcomed into the Church by the community (eventually this process would be “confirmed” by the local bishop at his next visit to the community) The alpha and omega of Catholic initiation As was said already, Baptism begins the process of initiation while Confirmation truly concludes this introduction into the faith These two sacraments share many of the same characteristics In a sense, these sacraments mirror each other Crossover between Baptism and Confirmation Anointing with water (Baptism) and oil (Confirmation) Presence of Godparents (Baptism) and Sponsor (Confirmation) Profession of Faith Forgiveness of Sin (Baptism) and Sealment with the Holy Spirit (Confirmation) Process of Initiation begun (Baptism) and the process completed with the granting of the understanding from the Holy Spirit (Confirmation)

72. FIRST EUCHARIST Communion with Christ Usually administered during the 2nd grade through either school or after- school program Candidates are taught about the mass, the meaning of the Eucharist, transubstantiation, the proper mass responses, and other catechetical ideas regarding Jesus and Liturgy The ceremony is always held during the Easter season If Eucharist occurs as part of a larger Catholic initiation, then First Communion will take place at the Easter Vigil There is no special ceremony (like Baptism and Confirmation) that marks this moment of initiation The symbol of Eucharist is the bread and wine, called species, which are both administered at the First Communion (afterwards, Catholics often take the bread only)

74. EUCHARIST AND EMMAUS Emmaus story – Luke 24 Similarities between Emmaus and the celebration of Eucharist Presence of Jesus – whether physically or metaphorically Presence of people (or congregation/community) Discussion – or at Mass, readings-homilies-teachings Sacramental Meal (transubstantiation) Journey of Understanding

76. THE MASS ITSELF Introductory Rites Entrance, Greeting, Blessing Penitential Rite (Kyrie) and “Gloria” Liturgy of the Word Reading 1, Responsorial, Reading 2 Alleluia, Gospel, Homily Profession of Faith and Intercessions Liturgy of the Eucharist Presentation and Prayer over Gifts Eucharistic Prayer (consecration/transubstantiation) Communion Rite Lord’s Prayer and Sign of Peace Breaking of Bread, Communion, Communion Song, and Silence Concluding Rite – Blessing and Dismissal

77. READING ASSIGNMENT Understanding Catholic Christianity pages 235-245

78. SACRAMENTS Religious Studies One – Unit 7 “Church and Sacraments”

79. THE HEALING SACRAMENTS Reconciliation and Extreme Unction These sacraments may be administered several times by a priest or bishop

80. EXTREME UNCTION Anointing of the Sick is symbolized by oil This sacrament traditionally was administered at death (hence the term “last rites”) However, this sacrament may also be administered prior to major operations or following a terminal diagnosis there is no real limit to the number of times this sacrament is given, but infrequency generates meaning

82. RECONCILIATION This sacrament is administered by a priest for the forgiveness of sins There are five stages to this process 1.Remorse – feeling sincerely bad about what has been done and wishing it had not happened 2.Confession – spiritual counseling with a trained spiritual counselor (priest/other confidant) 3.Penance – making amends for your actions 4.Absolution – forgiveness by others 5.Reconciliation – forgiveness by yourself It must be remembered that forgiveness can only be given by God Furthermore, it is always given when the penitent seeks it with a remorseful heart

84. SACRAMENTS OF COMMITTMENT The Catholic Church advises that there are two ways in which you can live your life as an adult Catholic – being married to a member of the opposite sex or being married to the Church The Sacraments of Commitment are Holy Orders and Matrimony

85. MATRIMONY Solemn vows between a man and a woman who agree before God and the Church to love each, provide for each other, and raise a family together The Sacrament may be administered by a deacon, priest, or bishop The Sacrament may be performed as part of a Mass or by itself Some priests require the ceremony to take place in a Church, others do not Catholics may marry non-Catholics as long as it is agreed that the children will be raised Catholic (which doesn’t mean they can’t be raised as something else at the same time) The Church does not permit divorce or a second marriage in the Church without an annulment Annulment is an official declaration from the Church that the marriage is void for any number of reasons; Once an annulment is granted, it is as if the marriage never took place Also, marriages that take place outside of the Church are not recognized by the Church The symbol of matrimony is intertwined rings

87. HOLY ORDERS For the unmarried Catholic, it is expected that some form of vocation will be adopted For women, this means joining an order of sisters, whether cloistered or not Women in vocations usually work in schools and hospitals Men, on the other hand, have several options Diocesan priest – serve in parishes, responsible to the local bishop Join an Order – either as a priest or brother and live according to their rule and authority Join the Deaconate – married men over 35 years old serve parishes and assist with Liturgy and the administration of several of the sacraments Once ordained, a priest can be promoted through any number of offices including pastor, monsignor, bishop, archbishop, and cardinal As a man progresses through these ranks, his responsibilities increase anywhere from running a parish, assisting the local bishop, running a diocese or arch diocese, assisting a cardinal, working for or with a bishop’s conference or a Vatican department, or representing the Church around the world Members of orders often have more specific ministries such as missionary work, assistance to the poor, or education Of course, the symbol of Holy Orders is the cross – this symbol is more sophisticated as the ranks move higher

89. OTHER OPTIONS There are several opportunities in the Church for non-ordained laity to get involved such as lectoring, Eucharistic ministering, liturgical ministries, community service, or working with young members of the Church

90. RESPONSE PAPER 7D Which Sacrament do you think is the most important for the daily life of Catholics?

91. RESPONSE PAPER 7E What kind of “Church” does Keeping the Faith illustrate? Is this different or consistent with your personal experiences with “Church”?

92. Religious Studies One Spring Semester