1. As a Source for Conscience Formation
THE CHURCH
As a Source for Conscience Formation

2. Journal Question:
Who (usually) listens to you when you offer advice? How does it feel when they do? How does it feel when they don’t?

3. GAUDIUM ET SPES, 1965
This is the major Vatican II document describing the “Church in the Modern World”
This document claims that the Church:
Is not tied to any political, social or economic system.
Helps humanity reach their fullest human potential
Can only offer the truth. It is man’s choice to follow it.

4. Veritatis Splendor #65
Christians have a great help for the formation of conscience in the Church and her Magisterium.
The Christian faithful must give careful attention to the sacred and certain teaching of the Church.
The Church never takes away the freedom of conscience but puts herself always and only at the service of conscience

5. Magisterium Definition:
The authority in the Church entrusted with teaching and regulating faith and morals.
It officially interprets the Word of God in Scripture and Tradition
Who:
The pope and the bishops in union with the pope.

6. What kind of teaching is there?
Ordinary:
The teachings of the local bishop
Pastoral letters and Encyclicals
Regional conferences (like the USCCB)
Extraordinary:
Defining a dogma of faith
Very rare

7. BISHOP SALVATORE CORDILEONE, DIOCESE OF OAKLAND
He’s got ordinary Magisterium.

8.    So does he!

9. He, at times, can exercise extraordinary teaching authority.

10. Infallibility
Sometimes there has to be a decisive voice amidst differing opinions
It has to be either about faith or morals
It has never been used for a moral issue
It has only been used twice, and both times it was about Mary
Mary’s Immaculate Conception (1854)
Mary’s Assumption (1950)

11. What are some issues that are helpful?
Voting
Medical Ethics (such as stem-cell research, human cloning, etc.)
International Policy
Relations with other faiths and religions
Personal morality (getting a counter-cultural voice)