The Magisterium Flashcards
What is the Magisterium?
The teaching authority of the Church, exercised by the bishops in communion with the Pope.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in the Magisterium?
The Holy Spirit grants grace to interpret scriptures and tradition faithfully.
Who leads the Catholic Church?
The Pope.
What is the significance of the Pope being the successor of St. Peter?
The Pope continues the same role that Peter had, and Jesus’ words to Peter apply to him.
What is the primary function of Cardinals in the Catholic Church?
To elect a new Pope.
Who are Archbishops?
Senior bishops.
What is the responsibility of Bishops?
To oversee a diocese and all the priests within it.
What sacrament do Bishops administer?
The sacrament of Holy Orders.
What is the role of Priests in the Catholic Church?
To provide spiritual care for a parish and celebrate the sacraments.
What are religious orders that some Priests may belong to?
Examples include Jesuits and Benedictines.
Who is considered the Laity in the Catholic Church?
The body of the faithful who are not clergy.
What does the Latin word ‘magisterium’ mean?
‘Teaching authority.’
What is the responsibility of the Pope and bishops regarding Church teachings?
To safeguard the Church’s teaching on behalf of everyone.
What authority do the Pope and bishops have?
To make decisions and statements about faith and morality.
What types of issues can the Magisterium address?
Issues not mentioned in the Bible, such as same-sex partnerships, contraception, ecology, and nuclear weapons.
What belief do Catholics hold about the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
It guides the Pope and bishops in their decisions.
What does it mean for the Pope to be infallible?
He cannot make a mistake when teaching definitively about matters of faith.
In what two ways can the Magisterium be exercised?
Ordinary Magisterium and Extraordinary Magisterium.
What is the Ordinary Magisterium?
The everyday teaching of the Church, including homilies and letters from bishops and the Pope.
What is an encyclical?
A letter written by the Pope addressing the world on contemporary issues to reinforce Church teaching.
Give an example of an encyclical issued by Pope Francis.
Laudato si
What does Laudato si focus on?
How we should care for the environment.
What is the Extraordinary Magisterium?
Times when the teaching authority of the Church is used but does not happen very often.
What is the Pontifical Magisterium?
The Pope’s teaching authority under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believed to be infallible when speaking ex cathedra.
What does ‘ex cathedra’ mean?
From the chair; refers to the Pope’s authority on matters of faith and morals.
What are the most recent dogmas pronounced under the infallible teaching authority of the Pope?
The Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
What is the Conciliar Magisterium?
When the Pope calls together all the bishops to settle a problem or explore new questions facing the Church.
How many ecumenical councils have there been?
21 councils.
What is the climax of these councils?
A written letter that explains the faith, interprets Scripture, and settles disputed topics of faith and morals.
What significant doctrine was defined at the Council of Nicaea?
The divinity of Christ.
When was the last ecumenical council held?
Vatican II in the 1960s.
What was the Second Vatican Council?
An ecumenical council of the Catholic Church held between 1962 and 1965 to discuss how Catholicism needed to meet modern challenges.
Who started the Second Vatican Council?
Pope John XXIII.
Who completed the Second Vatican Council?
Pope Paul VI.
What is an ecumenical council?
A gathering of Church leaders to discuss matters of faith.
What is a homily?
A short talk given by a priest explaining the readings of the day.
What is Gaudium et spes?
The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World
This document encourages Catholics to respond to issues of poverty and social justice, and engage with modern scientific and technological advancements.
What is Sacrosantum concilium?
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy
This document covers changes to the Church’s public worship, including the translation of Mass into local languages and the orientation of the altar.
What major change did Sacrosantum concilium bring to the Mass?
Mass is now said in the vernacular
This change allows people to understand what is being said during the service.
What is Dei verbum?
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Word of God
This document emphasizes the importance of the Bible and encourages its use in prayers and the establishment of Bible study groups.
What does Lumen gentium mean?
‘The light of the peoples’
This document encourages ordinary Catholics to take an active role in the Church’s mission and serve Jesus.
What shift occurred in the role of lay people after Vatican II?
Lay people are encouraged to read and be Eucharistic ministers
This change led to increased participation of ordinary Catholics in church services.
What was the status of Bible reading in the lives of many Catholics before Vatican II?
Bible reading did not play a big part
This indicates a lack of emphasis on scripture in the Catholic faith prior to the Council.
What is ecumenism?
The effort to work for Christian Unity and pray with other Christians
This concept emerged as Catholics were encouraged to see common beliefs among all Christians.
What did Pope John mean by wanting to ‘throw open the windows of the Church’?
To reflect the purpose of Vatican II, which was to promote openness and engagement with the modern world
This statement signifies the Council’s aim to connect the Church with contemporary society.
What was one significant change in the way communion was administered after Vatican II?
Communion under both bread and wine was encouraged
This allowed for a fuller participation in the Eucharist compared to prior practices.
True or False: Catholics were encouraged to see themselves as similar to other Christians before Vatican II.
False
Before Vatican II, Catholics were discouraged from mixing with other Christian denominations.
What attitude did Catholics have towards other religions before Vatican II?
Closed off and cautious of world views
This reflects a lack of dialogue and engagement with other faiths.
Fill in the blank: The congregation only received communion in the form of _______.
bread
What special relationship do Christians share with Jews according to Vatican II?
The covenant
This highlights the unique connection between these two faiths.
What was one of the emphases placed on scripture after Vatican II?
More emphasis on the Liturgy of the Word
This encouraged Catholics to engage more deeply with biblical texts.
