Chapter 5 Test: The Marks of the Church Flashcards
Apostasy
the total repudiation of the Christian Faith by a baptized person.
Ecumenism
the efforts to reunite all Christians on earth
Schism
a breach of the unity of the Church; the refusal to submit to the pope
Marks of the Church
the four attributes of the Church mentioned in the Nicene Creed
Immutable
will never change in its essential aspects
Indefectible
having no flaw or defect
Perennial
will exist until the end of time
Diocese
a portion of the people of God that is entrusted to a bishop
Apostle
refers to the Twelve chosen by Jesus during the course of His public ministry to be his closest followers
Apostolic
the fourth mark of the Church, indicating that the Church was founded by Christ, and given to the Apostles
How do we know that what we receive from the Church is true?
The Church and her teachings are truth. We know this because the Apostles themselves handed that authority on to their successors as they died and extended the Church. The Church also is guided by the Holy Spirit.
What are the three ways the Church is united as the Mystical Body of Christ?
The Church is unified in professing one Faith. The Church is unified in the Sacraments. The Church is united under the Pope and the bishops.
Why is the Church holy?
Christ gives the Church grace to make her holy. The Church is holy because her origin is from Christ. Her goal is the glory of God, and she is the means by which all people are gathered to God.
What does it mean to say that the Church’s authority is universal?
The Church is Catholic, meaning universal. This is because she has the universal authority to spread the Gospel to all nations.
What are the rites of the Church?
The Church as 21 different rites. The Church’s diversity of culture is expressed through these rites.
What are the three wounds to the Church’s unity?
One example is apostasy, or the rejection of the Faith by a baptized person. Another is heresy, or the denial of a truth in the Faith. Another is schism, or the rejection of papal authority.
What is the foundation of the Church?
The Church is Apostolic. This is because she is built and remains on the foundation of the Apostles.
How did the Apostles pass on their authority?
The Apostles passed on their authority to successors through the laying on of hands. The authority of the Pope and bishops is the authority that was handed on by St. Peter and the Apostles.
Why do we do penance?
While the Church is completely holy, the members of the Church do still sin. The presence of sinners in the Church is a reminder that we need to always repent and do penance for our sins.
Why does Christ give the Church grace?
Christ gives the Church grace. He does this to make her holy, so we can be united with God.
How does the Church sanctify sinners?
There are sinners in the Church, but they do not negate the holiness of Christ. Rather, the Church sanctifies sinners through Reconciliation, and grace through the sacraments.
What are the two ways we can say the Church is one?
The Church is one meaning it is the only Church founded by Christ. The Church is one as a unity based on Christ, the source of unity.
What is a diocese?
The universal Church is found in particular churches, or diocese. These diocese preserve the unity in faith, worship, and leadership, and are a “community” of sorts under the bishop.
What is ecumenism?
Ecumenism is the efforts to reunite all Christians on earth. It also concerns the efforts to cooperate among Christian Faith traditions in achieving common goals.
What does the Church’s divine origin mean about her?
The Church has a divine origin. The Church, because of this divine origin, is immutable, indefectible, and perennial.
ESSAY: How is the Church One?
- The Church is one meaning it is the only Church founded by Christ.
- The Church is one as a unity based on Christ, the source of unity.
- The Church is unified in professing one Faith, unity of doctrine
- The Church is unified in the Sacraments
- The Church is united under the Pope and the bishops
- Wherever the Eucharist is celebrated, the whole mystery of the Church it present.
- The wounds to unity include apostasy, heresy, and schism.
- The wounds are in the process of healing. Since Vatican II, the Church has worked to dialogue with separate Christians, trying to strengthen and heal unity.
ESSAY: How is the Church Holy?
- Christ gives the Church grace to make her holy.
- The Church is holy because of her origin in Christ.
- The Church is holy because her goal is the glory of God.
- The Church is holy bc she is the means by which all people are gathered to God.
