MARKS & MODELS OF THE CHURCH

OR: Unity in Diversity

Marks & Models

Nicene Creed:

I believe in one God …I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ …I believe in the Holy Spirit …I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

6 Models by Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ:

Church as:1) Herald: Proclaims the Gospel of Jesus2) Communion: United by Christ in the Eucharist3) Institution: A visible, hierarchical structure4) Sacrament: A Living Symbol of God’s love for the world5) Servant: Sent to serve, esp. the poor and marginalized6) Community of Disciples: Gathered around Christ the teacher

One Church

Church is one because of her Source (Father) Founder (Son: Christ) Soul (Holy Spirit)

Unity, not uniformity Wounds to unity

Heresy, schism Ut sint unum (Jn. 17.11)

Fullness of the means of salvation (UR 3)

The one, the only … the symbol of unity Communion Model: People of God united in the Spirit

Community of disciples Model: the equality of our call and mission

Holy Church

Christ, the head of the Church … handed himself over for her so as to sanctify her (Eph. 5.23-26)

United with Christ, the Church becomes sanctifying (cf. CCC 824)

Saints … sancta Holy people … holy things

The weeds remain mixed with the wheat until the end of time (Matt 13.24-30)At the burning bush God said: Do not

come near! Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. (Exodus 3.1-6) Sacrament Model: celebration of holy

words and actions (liturgy) is the center of life

Catholic Church

“Where Christ Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church” (2nd

cent. St Ignatius of Antioch) Church has been sent out to

the whole world Inculturation – principle

Diversity within unity Local Churches (dioceses) are

fully catholic through their communion with the Church of Rome which presides in love (cf. CCC 833-4)

Institution Model: structure, functions, practices make visible the union of those committed to the Lord Jesus

catholic: καθολικός (katholikos), means "universal“- from Greek words

κατά ("about“) and όλος ("whole“)

Apostolic Church

He who hears you hears me (Luke 10.16)

Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles (Eph. 2.20)

With the help of the Holy Spirit, the Church keeps and hands on the teaching of the Apostles

Taught, sanctified, and guided by the Apostles through their successors: the college of Bishops united by the Bishop of Rome

Herald Model: proclaiming the Word God, especially from Sacred ScripturesServant Model: announcing the Kingdom of God in word and deed to all, esp. the poor and oppressed

3d Model of a medieval church -gothic style

THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

OR: Proclaiming the Kingdom

The Church’s Job Description?

1) Go, make disciples of all nations

2) Baptizing them

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

3) Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

Jesus’s parting instructions for his disciples Matthew 28.19-20

All that I have commanded= Kingdom of God

The rule of God on earth whereby we are Reconciled with God

healing the wounds of sin that separate us from God

Formed into a loving communitybringing diverse people into loving, supportive relationships

Sent to serve in word and deedcalling us to do works of charity/love (caritas)

calling us to love those most in need of love

the alienated

the marginalized

Sent to serve In word: New Evangelization In deed: Catholic Social Teaching [separate ILM

module]

Trust Curiosity Openness Seeker Disciple Apostle

Passive – three pre-conditions

Active – three stages of growth

Threshold conversation“I'd like to hear about your relationship (journey) with God to this point, so I can help better.“

Book for “Catholic On Purpose”

RCIA

a set of rites + catechesis for adults (age of reason reached) 3 groups:

Not baptized Baptized non-Catholic Non-catechized Catholic

4 stages:Accept • Pre-catechumenate

Elect • Catechumenate

Initiate • Enlightenment & Purification• Mystagogy

“Go, [the Church] has been sent.”

What does Holy Mass have to do with Church’s mission?

At Mass: 1) We recall Christ’s life and message2) We encounter Christ 3) We are nourished by Christ 4) So that we can bring Christ to others

MASS = Mission

Last words of Mass by deacon, priest, or bishop: “Ite, Missa est.”

We are sent out to bring Christ to the world, to proclaim the kingdom

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