Article 49The Magisterium

Begin by reading the introduction on page 186.

  1. What are three ways the Church transmits to all generations all that she is and believes? Who helps this process?
  1. The understanding of members of the Church grows in three ways. Summarize each of these:
  • Theological inquiry –
  • Contemplation and study –
  • The teaching of the bishop –
  1. What is the Magisterium? What is its purpose?
  1. What is the duty of the Magisterium? How does it serve us?
  1. Does the Magisterium change Scriptures and Tradition? Explain.
  1. How does the CCC describe itself?
  1. The CCC is built on four pillars of faith. Identify these:
  • Pillar I:
  • Pillar II:
  • Pillar III:
  • Pillar IV:

Article 50Indefectibility and Infallibility

  1. What does it mean to call the Church indefectible?
  1. When did Jesus promise that his Church would be indefectible?
  1. What did the Second Vatican Council teach about indefectibility?
  1. What is the relationship between indefectibly and infallibility?
  1. What is infallibility?
  1. What does the gift of infallibility ensure?
  1. What does the Latin term Ex Cathedra mean? How does this relate to the Pope?
  1. Explain when the Pope’s gift of infallibility applies.
  1. When does the worldwide body of the bishops have the gift of infallibility? When is this most clearly expressed?
  1. What are two historical examples of the expression of infallible authority?

a)

b)

Article 51The Magisterium and Truth

  1. What is a dogma? Explain.
  1. What is relativism?
  1. What is one indicator that relativism cannot be an accurate philosophy? Explain.
  1. Explain how the Fall and the first sin came about according to the Genesis stories of creation and the Fall. Explain.
  1. The article says in discussing the philosophy of relativism and our faith, we may need to differentiate between two things. What are these?

Vocabulary for Unit 7

Assumption of Mary: The dogma that recognizes that the body of the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken directly to Heaven after her life on earth had ended.

doctrine: An official, authoritative teaching of the Church based on the Revelation of God.

dogma: Teachings recognized as central to Church teaching, defined by the Magisterium and accorded the fullest weight and authority.

Ecumenical Council: A gathering of the Church’s bishops from around the world convened by the Pope or approved by him to address pressing issues in the Church.

episcopacy: A term for the bishop’s governance of his Church.

episcopal: Of or relating to a bishop.

indefectibility of the Church: The Church’s remaining uncorrupted and faithful to Christ’s teachings, until the end of human history.

infallibility: The gift given by the Holy Spirit to the Pope and the bishops in union with him to teach on matters of faith and morals without error.

Magisterium: The Church’s living teaching office, which consists of all bishops, in communion with the Pope.

ministry: Based on a word for “service,” a way of caring for and serving others and helping the Church fulfill its mission. Ministry especially refers to the work of sanctification performed by those in Holy Orders through the preaching of God’s Word and the celebration of the Sacraments. The laity helps the Church fulfill its mission through lay ministries, such as that of lector or catechist.

province: A grouping of two or more dioceses with an archbishop as its head.

Sacrament of Holy Orders: The Sacrament by which members of the Church are ordained for permanent ministry in the Church as bishops, priests, or deacons.