the church Flashcards
What does the term ‘Church’ derive from?
The Church comes from the Latin ‘ecclesia’ (to call out of) and the Greek ‘kyriake’ (what belongs to the Lord). It refers to both the gathering of God’s people and the physical place of worship.
What are the four essential marks of the Church?
The Church is identified by four essential marks from the Nicene Creed: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.
What is the source of the Church’s unity?
The unity of the Church comes from God’s divine plan, carried out by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
How does sin affect humanity’s relationship with God?
Humanity was created in God’s image, but sin caused division. Events like Noah’s Ark and the Tower of Babel illustrate separation.
What roles do the faithful share in through Baptism?
The Church is the People of God, the Body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The faithful share in Christ’s roles as Priest, Prophet, and King through faith and Baptism.
How does one become a member of the Church?
Through Baptism, one becomes a member of the Church, sharing in Christ’s three offices and bearing responsibility for the mission and service.
What is the significance of the Church being the Body of Christ?
The Church is the Body of Christ, with Christ as the head. The unity of the Church fosters charity among the faithful.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in the Church?
The Holy Spirit gives life to the Church and unites believers into one communion of faith.
What does Baptism signify in the Church?
The Church remains one through Baptism, which is the gateway to Christian life and a shared faith in God.
Why is the Church considered holy?
The Church is holy because Christ, its founder, is holy. It is the universal sacrament of salvation, open to all people.
What does Christ’s relationship with the Church symbolize?
Christ is the bridegroom of the Church, which He gave Himself up for, making it holy.
What are the three states of the Church?
The Church is made up of the Church Triumphant (Saints in Heaven), Church Militant (faithful on Earth), and Church Suffering (souls in Purgatory).
What is the universal call to holiness?
Holiness is for everyone, not just priests or saints. Charity is the highest virtue in holiness.
What does the Church’s catholicity mean?
The Church’s catholicity means it is universal and embraces all people.
What is the two-fold meaning of Catholicity?
The Church is both whole (self-realization) and dynamic (mission).
How do local churches contribute to the Universal Church?
Each part of the Church contributes to the whole, expressing Catholic faith uniquely while remaining united.
What is the Church’s mission?
The Church reaches out to all people, assisting those of goodwill, and adapting to different cultures.
How does the Church remain Apostolic?
The Church follows Christ’s call to continue the mission of the Apostles and remains faithful to the Gospel.
Who were the foundational Apostles of the Church?
The Apostles, chosen by Jesus, were foundational to the Church, including Peter, John, Matthew, and Thomas.
What is Apostolic Succession?
Apostolic Succession refers to the unbroken chain of leadership from the Apostles, with St. Peter as the first Pope.
What is the role of the Pope in the Church?
The Pope holds supreme, universal authority over local churches and is known as the Supreme Pontiff.
What is the hierarchical structure of the Church?
The hierarchical structure includes Bishops, Cardinals, Priests, and Deacons.
What is the Apostolic See?
The Apostolic See refers to the central authority of all local Churches, led by the Bishop of Rome.
How does the Church reflect on modernity?
The Church remains faithful to its traditions while reflecting on the modern world through synodality.
