Lydon Chapter 3

Question 0

Sensus Fidelium

Answer 0

Literally “ the sense of faithful,” the term refers to the inerrancy possessed by all the faithful when they share a universal consent in matters of faith and morals.

Question 1

Ecumenical Council

Answer 1

From the Greek oikoumene, meaning “the whole world.” A formal synod of bishops (sometimes with other ecclesiastics) from the whole inhabited world convened to define doctrine, regulate the Christian life, or apply discipline in the Church. The first ecumenical council was held at Nicaea in AD 325.

Question 2

Infallibility

Answer 2

Immunity from error and any possibility of error. The Church possesses this character as promised by Christ, as does the pope as defined by the First Vatican Council.

Question 3

Magisterium

Answer 3

The name given to the universal teaching authority of the pope and bishops in communion with him, which guides the members of the Church without error in matters of faith and morals through the interpretation of Sacred Scripture and Tradition.

Question 4

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Answer 4

A summary of Catholic teaching. A catechism of this same name was published in 1997.

Question 5

Deposit of Faith

Answer 5

The heritage of faith contained in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, handed on in the Church from the time of the apostles, from which the Magisterium draws all that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed.

Question 6

Tradition

Answer 6

From the Latin word traditio, meaning “ handing down.” Sacred Tradition is part of the Deposit of Faith. It is the Word of God entrusted by Christ to the Apostles and their successors and communicated by preaching and teaching to every generation of Christians under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who keeps it free from error.

Question 7

Apostolic Succession

Answer 7

Term used to describe the lineage of the Catholic bishops and pope through the ages by which each holds office in a direct link to the Twelve Apostles.