LESSON 1 images find a new center because

751 The word "Church" (Latin Christ has become the head of this
ecclesia, from the Greek ek-ka-lein, people, which henceforth is his
to "call out of") means a convocation Body.144 Around this center are
or an assembly. It designates the grouped images taken "from the life
assemblies of the people, usually for of the shepherd or from cultivation of
a religious purpose.139 Ekklesia is the land, from the art of building or
used frequently in the Greek Old from family life and marriage."145
Testament for the assembly of the 754 "The Church is, accordingly, a
Chosen People before God, above sheepfold, the sole and necessary
all for their assembly on Mount Sinai gateway to which is Christ. It is also
where Israel received the Law and the flock of which God himself
was established by God as his holy foretold that he would be the
people.140 By calling itself "Church," shepherd, and whose sheep, even
the first community of Christian though governed by human
believers recognized itself as heir to shepherds, are unfailingly nourished
that assembly. In the Church, God is and led by Christ himself, the Good
"calling together" his people from all Shepherd and Prince of Shepherds,
the ends of the earth. the equivalent who gave his life for his sheep.146
Greek term Kyriake, from which the 755 "The Church is a cultivated field,
English word Church and the the tillage of God. On that land the
German Kirche are derived, means ancient olive tree grows whose holy
"what belongs to the Lord." roots were the prophets and in which
752 In Christian usage, the word the reconciliation of Jews and
"church" designates the liturgical Gentiles has been brought about
assembly,141 but also the local and will be brought about again.
community142 or the whole That land, like a choice vineyard,
universal community of has been planted by the heavenly
believers.143 These three meanings cultivator. Yet the true vine is Christ
are inseparable. "The Church" is the who gives life and fruitfulness to the
People that God gathers in the branches, that is, to us, who through
whole world. She exists in local the Church remain in Christ, without
communities and is made real as a whom we can do nothing.147
liturgical, above all a Eucharistic, 756 "Often, too, the Church is called
assembly. She draws her life from the building of God. the Lord
the word and the Body of Christ and compared himself to the stone which
so herself becomes Christ's Body. the builders rejected, but which was
Symbols of the Church made into the comer-stone. On this
753 In Scripture, we find a host of foundation the Church is built by the
interrelated images and figures apostles and from it the Church
through which Revelation speaks of receives solidity and unity. This
the inexhaustible mystery of the edifice has many names to describe
Church. the images taken from the it: the house of God in which his
Old Testament are variations on a family dwells; the household of God
profound theme: the People of God. in the Spirit; the dwelling-place of
In the New Testament, all these God among men; and, especially,
the holy temple. This temple, beginning of the world, this Church
symbolized in places of worship built was prepared in marvellous fashion
out of stone, is praised by the in the history of the people of Israel
Fathers and, not without reason, is and the old Advance. Established in
compared in the liturgy to the Holy this last age of the world and made
City, the New Jerusalem. As living manifest in the outpouring of the
stones we here on earth are built Spirit, it will be brought to glorious
into it. It is this holy city that is seen completion at the end of time."152
by John as it comes down out of The Church - foreshadowed from the
heaven from God when the world is world's beginning
made anew, prepared like a bride 760 Christians of the first centuries
adorned for her husband.148 said, "The world was created for the
757 "The Church, further, which is sake of the Church."153 God
called 'that Jerusalem which is created the world for the sake of
above' and 'our mother', is described communion with his divine life, a
as the spotless spouse of the communion brought about by the
spotless lamb. It is she whom Christ "convocation" of men in Christ, and
'loved and for whom he delivered this "convocation" is the Church. the
himself up that he might sanctify Church is the goal of all
her.' It is she whom he unites to things,154 and God permitted such
himself by an unbreakable alliance, painful upheavals as the angels' fall
and whom he constantly 'nourishes and man's sin only as occasions and
and cherishes.'"149 means for displaying all the power of
his arm and the whole measure of
LESSON 2 the love he wanted to give the world:
758 We begin our investigation of Just as God's will is creation and is
the Church's mystery by meditating called "the world," so his intention is
on her origin in the Holy Trinity's the salvation of men, and it is called
plan and her progressive realization "the Church."155
in history. The Church - prepared for in the Old
A plan born in the Father's heart Covenant
759 "The eternal Father, in 761 The gathering together of the
accordance with the utterly People of God began at the moment
gratuitous and mysterious design of when sin destroyed the communion
his wisdom and goodness, created of men with God, and that of men
the whole universe and chose to among themselves. the gathering
raise up men to share in his own together of the Church is, as it were,
divine life,"150 to which he calls all God's reaction to the chaos
men in his Son. "The Father . . . provoked by sin. This reunification is
determined to call together in a holy achieved secretly in the heart of all
Church those who should believe in peoples: "In every nation anyone
Christ."151 This "family of God" is who fears him and does what is right
gradually formed and takes shape is acceptable" to God.156
during the stages of human history, 762 The remote preparation for this
in keeping with the Father's plan. In gathering together of the People of
fact, "already present in figure at the God begins when he calls Abraham
and promises that he will become twelve tribes of Israel, they are the
the father of a great people.157 Its foundation stones of the new
immediate preparation begins with Jerusalem.169 The Twelve and the
Israel's election as the People of other disciples share in Christ's
God. By this election, Israel is to be mission and his power, but also in
the sign of the future gathering of All his lot.170 By all his actions, Christ
nations.158 But the prophets accuse prepares and builds his Church.
Israel of breaking the covenant and 766 The Church is born primarily of
behaving like a prostitute. They Christ's total self-giving for our
announce a new and eternal salvation, anticipated in the
covenant. "Christ instituted this New institution of the Eucharist and
Covenant."159 fulfilled on the cross. "The origin and
The Church - instituted by Christ growth of the Church are symbolized
Jesus by the blood and water which flowed
763 It was the Son's task to from the open side of the crucified
accomplish the Father's plan of Jesus."171 "For it was from the side
salvation in the fullness of time. Its of Christ as he slept the sleep of
accomplishment was the reason for death upon the cross that there
his being sent.160 "The Lord Jesus came forth the 'wondrous sacrament
inaugurated his Church by preaching of the whole Church.'"172 As Eve
the Good News, that is, the coming was formed from the sleeping
of the Reign of God, promised over Adam's side, so the Church was
the ages in the scriptures."161 To born from the pierced heart of Christ
fulfill the Father's will, Christ ushered hanging dead on the cross.173
in the Kingdom of heaven on earth. The Church - revealed by the Holy
the Church "is the Reign of Christ Spirit
already present in mystery."162 767 "When the work which the
764 "This Kingdom shines out before Father gave the Son to do on earth
men in the word, in the works and in was accomplished, the Holy Spirit
the presence of Christ."163 To was sent on the day of Pentecost in
welcome Jesus' word is to welcome order that he might continually
"the Kingdom itself."164 The seed sanctify the Church."174 Then "the
and beginning of the Kingdom are Church was openly displayed to the
the "little flock" of those whom Jesus crowds and the spread of the Gospel
came to gather around him, the flock among the nations, through
whose shepherd he is.165 They preaching, was begun."175 As the
form Jesus' true family.166 To those "convocation" of all men for salvation,
whom he thus gathered around him, the Church in her very nature is
he taught a new "way of acting" and missionary, sent by Christ to all the
a prayer of their own.167 nations to make disciples of
765 The Lord Jesus endowed his them.176
community with a structure that will 768 So that she can fulfill her
remain until the Kingdom is fully mission, the Holy Spirit "bestows
achieved. Before all else there is the upon [the Church] varied hierarchic
choice of the Twelve with Peter as and charismatic gifts, and in this way
their head.168 Representing the directs her."177 "Henceforward the
Church, endowed with the gifts of - a "society structured with
her founder and faithfully observing hierarchical organs and the mystical
his precepts of charity, humility and body of Christ;
self-denial, receives the mission of - the visible society and the spiritual
proclaiming and establishing among community;
all peoples the Kingdom of Christ - the earthly Church and the Church
and of God, and she is on earth the endowed with heavenly riches."185
seed and the beginning of that These dimensions together
kingdom."178 constitute "one complex reality which
The Church - perfected in glory comes together from a human and a
769 "The Church . . . will receive its divine element":186
perfection only in the glory of The Church is essentially both
heaven,"179 at the time of Christ's human and divine, visible but
glorious return. Until that day, "the endowed with invisible realities,
Church progresses on her zealous in action and dedicated to
pilgrimage amidst this world's contemplation, present in the world,
persecutions and God's but as a pilgrim, so constituted that
consolations."180 Here below she in her the human is directed toward
knows that she is in exile far from and subordinated to the divine, the
the Lord, and longs for the full visible to the invisible, action to
coming of the Kingdom, when she contemplation, and this present
will "be united in glory with her world to that city yet to come, the
king."181 The Church, and through object of our quest.187
her the world, will not be perfected in O humility! O sublimity! Both
glory without great trials. Only then tabernacle of cedar and sanctuary of
will "all the just from the time of God; earthly dwelling and celestial
Adam, 'from Abel, the just one, to palace; house of clay and royal hall;
the last of the elect,' . . . be gathered body of death and temple of light;
together in the universal Church in and at last both object of scorn to the
the Father's presence."182 proud and bride of Christ! She is
770 The Church is in history, but at black but beautiful, O daughters of
the same time she transcends it. It is Jerusalem, for even if the labor and
only "with the eyes of faith"183 that pain of her long exile may have
one can see her in her visible reality discolored her, yet heaven's beauty
and at the same time in her spiritual has adorned her.188
reality as bearer of divine life. The Church - mystery of men's union
The Church - both visible and with God
spiritual 772 It is in the Church that Christ
771 "The one mediator, Christ, fulfills and reveals his own mystery
established and ever sustains here as the purpose of God's plan: "to
on earth his holy Church, the unite all things in him."189 St. Paul
community of faith, hope, and charity, calls the nuptial union of Christ and
as a visible organization through the Church "a great mystery."
which he communicates truth and Because she is united to Christ as to
grace to all men."184 The Church is her bridegroom, she becomes a
at the same time: mystery in her
turn.190 Contemplating this mystery she signifies. It is in this analogical
in her, Paul exclaims: "Christ in you, sense, that the Church is called a
the hope of glory."191 "sacrament."
773 In the Church this communion of 775 "The Church, in Christ, is like a
men with God, in the "love [that] sacrament - a sign and instrument,
never ends," is the purpose which that is, of communion with God and
governs everything in her that is a of unity among all men."197 The
sacramental means, tied to this Church's first purpose is to be the
passing world.192 sacrament of the inner union of men
"[The Church's] structure is totally with God. Because men's
ordered to the holiness of Christ's communion with one another is
members. and holiness is measured rooted in that union with God, the
according to the 'great mystery' in Church is also the sacrament of the
which the Bride responds with the unity of the human race. In her, this
gift of love to the gift of the unity is already begun, since she
Bridegroom."193 Mary goes before gathers men "from every nation,
us all in the holiness that is the from all tribes and peoples and
Church's mystery as "the bride tongues";198 at the same time, the
without spot or wrinkle."194 This is Church is the "sign and instrument"
why the "Marian" dimension of the of the full realization of the unity yet
Church precedes the "Petrine."195 to come.
The universal Sacrament of 776 As sacrament, the Church is
Salvation Christ's instrument. "She is taken up
774 The Greek word mysterion was by him also as the instrument for the
translated into Latin by two terms: salvation of all," "the universal
mystenum and sacramentum. In sacrament of salvation," by which
later usage the term sacramentum Christ is "at once manifesting and
emphasizes the visible sign of the actualizing the mystery of God's love
hidden reality of salvation which was for men."199 The Church "is the
indicated by the term mystenum. In visible plan of God's love for
this sense, Christ himself is the humanity," because God desires
mystery of salvation: "For there is no "that the whole human race may
other mystery of God, except become one People of God, form
Christ."196 The saving work of his one Body of Christ, and be built up
holy and sanctifying humanity is the into one temple of the Holy
sacrament of salvation, which is Spirit."200
revealed and active in the Church's
sacraments (which the Eastern
Churches also call "the holy LESSON 3
mysteries"). the seven sacraments
are the signs and instruments by Paragraph 2. THE CHURCH -
which the Holy Spirit spreads the PEOPLE OF GOD, BODY OF
grace of Christ the head throughout CHRIST, TEMPLE OF THE HOLY
the Church which is his Body. the SPIRIT
Church, then, both contains and THE CHURCH - PEOPLE OF GOD
communicates the invisible grace
781 "At all times and in every race, the dignity and freedom of the sons
anyone who fears God and does of God, in whose hearts the Holy
what is right has been acceptable to Spirit dwells as in a temple."
him. He has, however, willed to - "Its law is the new commandment
make men holy and save them, not to love as Christ loved us."204 This
as individuals without any bond or is the "new" law of the Holy
link between them, but rather to Spirit.205
make them into a people who might - Its mission is to be salt of the earth
acknowledge him and serve him in and light of the world.206 This
holiness. He therefore chose the people is "a most sure seed of unity,
Israelite race to be his own people hope, and salvation for the whole
and established a covenant with it. human race."
He gradually instructed this people.... -Its destiny, finally, "is the Kingdom
All these things, however, happened of God which has been begun by
as a preparation for and figure of God himself on earth and which
that new and perfect covenant which must be further extended until it has
was to be ratified in Christ . . . the been brought to perfection by him at
New Covenant in his blood; he the end of time."207
called together a race made up of A priestly, prophetic, and royal
Jews and Gentiles which would be people
one, not according to the flesh, but in 783 Jesus Christ is the one whom
the Spirit."201 the Father anointed with the Holy
Characteristics of the People of Got Spirit and established as priest,
782 The People of God is marked by prophet, and king. the whole People
characteristics that clearly of God participates in these three
distinguish it from all other religious, offices of Christ and bears the
ethnic, political, or cultural groups responsibilities for mission and
found in history: service that flow from them.208
- It is the People of God: God is not 784 On entering the People of God
the property of any one people. But through faith and Baptism, one
he acquired a people for himself receives a share in this people's
from those who previously were not unique, priestly vocation: "Christ the
a people: "a chosen race, a royal Lord, high priest taken from among
priesthood, a holy nation."202 men, has made this new people 'a
- One becomes a member of this kingdom of priests to God, his
people not by a physical birth, but by Father.' the baptized, by
being "born anew," a birth "of water regeneration and the anointing of the
and the Spirit,"203 that is, by faith in Holy Spirit, are consecrated to be a
Christ, and Baptism. spiritual house and a holy
- This People has for its Head Jesus priesthood."209
the Christ (the anointed, the 785 "The holy People of God shares
Messiah). Because the same also in Christ's prophetic office,"
anointing, the Holy Spirit, flows from above all in the supernatural sense
the head into the body, this is "the of faith that belongs to the whole
messianic people." People, lay and clergy, when it
- "The status of this people is that of "unfailingly adheres to this faith . . .
once for all delivered to the share in his mission, joy, and
saints,"210 and when it deepens its sufferings.215 Jesus spoke of a still
understanding and becomes Christ's more intimate communion between
witness in the midst of this world. him and those who would follow him:
786 Finally, the People of God "Abide in me, and I in you.... I am the
shares in the royal office of Christ. vine, you are the branches."216 and
He exercises his kingship by drawing he proclaimed a mysterious and real
all men to himself through his death communion between his own body
and Resurrection.211 Christ, King and ours: "He who eats my flesh and
and Lord of the universe, made drinks my blood abides in me, and I
himself the servant of all, for he in him."217
came "not to be served but to serve, 788 When his visible presence was
and to give his life as a ransom for taken from them, Jesus did not leave
many."212 For the Christian, "to his disciples orphans. He promised
reign is to serve him," particularly to remain with them until the end of
when serving "the poor and the time; he sent them his Spirit.218 As
suffering, in whom the Church a result communion with Jesus has
recognizes the image of her poor become, in a way, more intense: "By
and suffering founder."213 The communicating his Spirit, Christ
People of God fulfills its royal dignity mystically constitutes as his body
by a life in keeping with its vocation those brothers of his who are called
to serve with Christ. together from every nation."219
The sign of the cross makes kings of 789 The comparison of the Church
all those reborn in Christ and the with the body casts light on the
anointing of the Holy Spirit intimate bond between Christ and
consecrates them as priests, so that, his Church. Not only is she gathered
apart from the particular service of around him; she is united in him, in
our ministry, all spiritual and rational his body. Three aspects of the
Christians are recognized as Church as the Body of Christ are to
members of this royal race and be more specifically noted: the unity
sharers in Christ's priestly office. of all her members with each other
What, indeed, is as royal for a soul as a result of their union with Christ;
as to govern the body in obedience Christ as head of the Body; and the
to God? and what is as priestly as to Church as bride of Christ.
dedicate a pure conscience to the "One Body"
Lord and to offer the spotless 790 Believers who respond to God's
offerings of devotion on the altar of word and become members of
the heart?214 Christ's Body, become intimately
II. THE CHURCH - BODY OF united with him: "In that body the life
CHRIST of Christ is communicated to those
The Church is communion with who believe, and who, through the
Jesus sacraments, are united in a hidden
787 From the beginning, Jesus and real way to Christ in his Passion
associated his disciples with his own and glorification."220 This is
life, revealed the mystery of the especially true of Baptism, which
Kingdom to them, and gave them a unites us to Christ's death and
Resurrection, and the Eucharist, by its head, suffering with him, that with
which "really sharing in the body of him we may be glorified."228
the Lord, . . . we are taken up into 794 Christ provides for our growth:
communion with him and with one to make us grow toward him, our
another."221 head,229 he provides in his Body,
791 The body's unity does not do the Church, the gifts and assistance
away with the diversity of its by which we help one another along
members: "In the building up of the way of salvation.
Christ's Body there is engaged a 795 Christ and his Church thus
diversity of members and functions. together make up the "whole Christ"
There is only one Spirit who, (Christus totus). the Church is one
according to his own richness and with Christ. the saints are acutely
the needs of the ministries, gives his aware of this unity:
different gifts for the welfare of the Let us rejoice then and give thanks
Church."222 The unity of the that we have become not only
Mystical Body produces and Christians, but Christ himself. Do
stimulates charity among the faithful: you understand and grasp, brethren,
"From this it follows that if one God's grace toward us? Marvel and
member suffers anything, all the rejoice: we have become Christ. For
members suffer with him, and if one if he is the head, we are the
member is honored, all the members members; he and we together are
together rejoice."223 Finally, the the whole man.... the fullness of
unity of the Mystical Body triumphs Christ then is the head and the
over all human divisions: "For as members. But what does "head and
many of you as were baptized into members" mean? Christ and the
Christ have put on Christ. There is Church.230
neither Jew nor Greek, there is Our redeemer has shown himself to
neither slave nor free, there is be one person with the holy Church
neither male nor female; for you are whom he has taken to himself.231
all one in Christ Jesus."224 Head and members form as it were
"Christ is the Head of this Body" one and the same mystical
792 Christ "is the head of the body, person.232
the Church."225 He is the principle A reply of St. Joan of Arc to her
of creation and redemption. Raised judges sums up the faith of the holy
to the Father's glory, "in everything doctors and the good sense of the
he (is) preeminent,"226 especially in believer: "About Jesus Christ and
the Church, through whom he the Church, I simply know they're
extends his reign over all things. just one thing, and we shouldn't
793 Christ unites us with his complicate the matter."233
Passover: all his members must The Church is the Bride of Christ
strive to resemble him, "until Christ 796 The unity of Christ and the
be formed" in them.227 "For this Church, head and members of one
reason we . . . are taken up into the Body, also implies the distinction of
mysteries of his life, . . . associated the two within a personal relationship.
with his sufferings as the body with This aspect is often expressed by
the image of bridegroom and bride.
the theme of Christ as Bridegroom of Spirit of Christ is in the head, the
the Church was prepared for by the whole Spirit is in the body, and the
prophets and announced by John whole Spirit is in each of the
the Baptist.234 The Lord referred to members."244 The Holy Spirit
himself as the "bridegroom."235 The makes the Church "the temple of the
Apostle speaks of the whole Church living God":245
and of each of the faithful, members Indeed, it is to the Church herself
of his Body, as a bride "betrothed" to that the "Gift of God" has been
Christ the Lord so as to become but entrusted.... In it is in her that
one spirit with him.236 The Church communion with Christ has been
is the spotless bride of the spotless deposited, that is to say: the Holy
Lamb.237 "Christ loved the Church Spirit, the pledge of incorruptibility,
and gave himself up for her, that he the strengthening of our faith and the
might sanctify her."238 He has ladder of our ascent to God.... For
joined her with himself in an where the Church is, there also is
everlasting covenant and never God's Spirit; where God's Spirit is,
stops caring for her as for his own there is the Church and every
body:239 grace.246
This is the whole Christ, head and 798 The Holy Spirit is "the principle
body, one formed from many . . . of every vital and truly saving action
whether the head or members speak, in each part of the Body."247 He
it is Christ who speaks. He speaks in works in many ways to build up the
his role as the head (ex persona whole Body in charity:248 by God's
capitis) and in his role as body (ex Word "which is able to build you
persona corporis). What does this up";249 by Baptism, through which
mean? "The two will become one he forms Christ's Body;250 by the
flesh. This is a great mystery, and I sacraments, which give growth and
am applying it to Christ and the healing to Christ's members; by "the
Church."240 and the Lord himself grace of the apostles, which holds
says in the Gospel: "So they are no first place among his gifts";251 by
longer two, but one flesh."241 They the virtues, which make us act
are, in fact, two different persons, yet according to what is good; finally, by
they are one in the conjugal the many special graces (called
union, . . . as head, he calls himself "charisms"), by which he makes the
the bridegroom, as body, he calls faithful "fit and ready to undertake
himself "bride."242 various tasks and offices for the
III. THE CHURCH IS THE TEMPLE renewal and building up of the
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Church."252
797 "What the soul is to the human Charisms
body, the Holy Spirit is to the Body of 799 Whether extraordinary or simple
Christ, which is the Church."243 "To and humble, charisms are graces of
this Spirit of Christ, as an invisible the Holy Spirit which directly or
principle, is to be ascribed the fact indirectly benefit the Church, ordered
that all the parts of the body are as they are to her building up, to the
joined one with the other and with good of men, and to the needs of the
their exalted head; for the whole world.
800 Charisms are to be accepted noted, the "Church herself, with her
with gratitude by the person who marvellous propagation, eminent
receives them and by all members of holiness, and inexhaustible
the Church as well. They are a fruitfulness in everything good, her
wonderfully rich grace for the catholic unity and invincible stability,
apostolic vitality and for the holiness is a great and perpetual motive of
of the entire Body of Christ, provided credibility and an irrefutable witness
they really are genuine gifts of the of her divine mission."258
Holy Spirit and are used in full THE CHURCH IS ONE
conformity with authentic promptings "The sacred mystery of the Church's
of this same Spirit, that is, in keeping unity" (UR 2)
with charity, the true measure of all 813 The Church is one because of
charisms.253 her source: "the highest exemplar
801 It is in this sense that and source of this mystery is the
discernment of charisms is always unity, in the Trinity of Persons, of
necessary. No charism is exempt one God, the Father and the Son in
from being referred and submitted to the Holy Spirit."259 The Church is
the Church's shepherds. "Their office one because of her founder: for "the
(is) not indeed to extinguish the Word made flesh, the prince of
Spirit, but to test all things and hold peace, reconciled all men to God by
fast to what is good,"254 so that all the cross, . . . restoring the unity of
the diverse and complementary all in one people and one
charisms work together "for the body."260 The Church is one
common good."255 because of her "soul": "It is the Holy
Spirit, dwelling in those who believe
LESSON 4 and pervading and ruling over the
entire Church, who brings about that
811 "This is the sole Church of wonderful communion of the faithful
Christ, which in the Creed we and joins them together so intimately
profess to be one, holy, catholic and in Christ that he is the principle of
apostolic."256 These four the Church's unity."261 Unity is of
characteristics, inseparably linked the essence of the Church:
with each other,257 indicate What an astonishing mystery! There
essential features of the Church and is one Father of the universe, one
her mission. the Church does not Logos of the universe, and also one
possess them of herself; it is Christ Holy Spirit, everywhere one and the
who, through the Holy Spirit, makes same; there is also one virgin
his Church one, holy, catholic, and become mother, and I should like to
apostolic, and it is he who calls her call her "Church."262
to realize each of these qualities. 814 From the beginning, this one
812 Only faith can recognize that the Church has been marked by a great
Church possesses these properties diversity which comes from both the
from her divine source. But their variety of God's gifts and the
historical manifestations are signs diversity of those who receive them.
that also speak clearly to human Within the unity of the People of God,
reason. As the First Vatican Council a multiplicity of peoples and cultures
is gathered together. Among the help toward salvation, that the
Church's members, there are fullness of the means of salvation
different gifts, offices, conditions, can be obtained. It was to the
and ways of life. "Holding a rightful apostolic college alone, of which
place in the communion of the Peter is the head, that we believe
Church there are also particular that our Lord entrusted all the
Churches that retain their own blessings of the New Covenant, in
traditions."263 The great richness of order to establish on earth the one
such diversity is not opposed to the Body of Christ into which all those
Church's unity. Yet sin and the should be fully incorporated who
burden of its consequences belong in any way to the People of
constantly threaten the gift of unity. God."268
and so the Apostle has to exhort Wounds to unity
Christians to "maintain the unity of 817 In fact, "in this one and only
the Spirit in the bond of peace."264 Church of God from its very
815 What are these bonds of unity? beginnings there arose certain rifts,
Above all, charity "binds everything which the Apostle strongly censures
together in perfect harmony."265 But as damnable. But in subsequent
the unity of the pilgrim Church is also centuries much more serious
assured by visible bonds of dissensions appeared and large
communion: communities became separated
- profession of one faith received from full communion with the
from the Apostles; Catholic Church - for which, often
-common celebration of divine enough, men of both sides were to
worship, especially of the blame."269 The ruptures that wound
sacraments; the unity of Christ's Body - here we
- apostolic succession through the must distinguish heresy, apostasy,
sacrament of Holy Orders, and schism270 - do not occur
maintaining the fraternal concord of without human sin:
God's family.266 Where there are sins, there are also
816 "The sole Church of Christ [is divisions, schisms, heresies, and
that] which our Savior, after his disputes. Where there is virtue,
Resurrection, entrusted to Peter's however, there also are harmony
pastoral care, commissioning him and unity, from which arise the one
and the other apostles to extend and heart and one soul of all
rule it.... This Church, constituted believers.271
and organized as a society in the 818 "However, one cannot charge
present world, subsists in (subsistit with the sin of the separation those
in) in) the Catholic Church, which is who at present are born into these
governed by the successor of Peter communities [that resulted from such
and by the bishops in communion separation] and in them are brought
with him."267 up in the faith of Christ, and the
The Second Vatican Council's Catholic Church accepts them with
Decree on Ecumenism explains: respect and affection as brothers ....
"For it is through Christ's Catholic All who have been justified by faith in
Church alone, which is the universal Baptism are incorporated into Christ;
they therefore have a right to be 821 Certain things are required in
called Christians, and with good order to respond adequately to this
reason are accepted as brothers in call:
the Lord by the children of the - a permanent renewal of the Church
Catholic Church."272 in greater fidelity to her vocation;
819 "Furthermore, many elements of such renewal is the driving-force of
sanctification and of truth"273 are the movement toward unity;280
found outside the visible confines of - conversion of heart as the faithful
the Catholic Church: "the written "try to live holier lives according to
Word of God; the life of grace; faith, the Gospel";281 for it is the
hope, and charity, with the other unfaithfulness of the members to
interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well Christ's gift which causes divisions;
as visible elements."274 Christ's - prayer in common, because
Spirit uses these Churches and "change of heart and holiness of life,
ecclesial communities as means of along with public and private prayer
salvation, whose power derives from for the unity of Christians, should be
the fullness of grace and truth that regarded as the soul of the whole
Christ has entrusted to the Catholic ecumenical movement, and merits
Church. All these blessings come the name 'spiritual ecumenism;"'282
from Christ and lead to him,275 and -fraternal knowledge of each
are in themselves calls to "Catholic other;283
unity."276 - ecumenical formation of the faithful
Toward unity and especially of priests;284
820 "Christ bestowed unity on his - dialogue among theologians and
Church from the beginning. This meetings among Christians of the
unity, we believe, subsists in the different churches and
Catholic Church as something she communities;285
can never lose, and we hope that it - collaboration among Christians in
will continue to increase until the end various areas of service to
of time."277 Christ always gives his mankind.286 "Human service" is the
Church the gift of unity, but the idiomatic phrase.
Church must always pray and work 822 Concern for achieving unity
to maintain, reinforce, and perfect "involves the whole Church, faithful
the unity that Christ wills for her. This and clergy alike."287 But we must
is why Jesus himself prayed at the realize "that this holy objective - the
hour of his Passion, and does not reconciliation of all Christians in the
cease praying to his Father, for the unity of the one and only Church of
unity of his disciples: "That they may Christ - transcends human powers
all be one. As you, Father, are in me and gifts." That is why we place all
and I am in you, may they also be our hope "in the prayer of Christ for
one in us, . . . so that the world may the Church, in the love of the Father
know that you have sent for us, and in the power of the Holy
me."278 The desire to recover the Spirit."288
unity of all Christians is a gift of II THE CHURCH IS HOLY
Christ and a call of the Holy 823 "The Church . . . is held, as a
Spirit.279 matter of faith, to be unfailingly holy.
This is because Christ, the Son of enabled the other members of the
God, who with the Father and the Church to act; if it ceased to function,
Spirit is hailed as 'alone holy,' loved the Apostles would forget to preach
the Church as his Bride, giving the gospel, the Martyrs would refuse
himself up for her so as to sanctify to shed their blood.
her; he joined her to himself as his LOVE, IN FACT, IS THE VOCATION
body and endowed her with the gift WHICH INCLUDES ALL OTHERS;
of the Holy Spirit for the glory of IT'S A UNIVERSE OF ITS OWN,
God."289 The Church, then, is "the COMPRISING ALL TIME AND
holy People of God,"290 and her SPACE - IT'S ETERNAL!298
members are called "saints."291 827 "Christ, 'holy, innocent, and
824 United with Christ, the Church is undefiled,' knew nothing of sin, but
sanctified by him; through him and came only to expiate the sins of the
with him she becomes sanctifying. people. the Church, however,
"All the activities of the Church are clasping sinners to her bosom, at
directed, as toward their end, to the once holy and always in need of
sanctification of men in Christ and purification, follows constantly the
the glorification of God."292 It is in path of penance and
the Church that "the fullness of the renewal."299 All members of the
means of salvation"293 has been Church, including her ministers,
deposited. It is in her that "by the must acknowledge that they are
grace of God we acquire sinners.300 In everyone, the weeds
holiness."294 of sin will still be mixed with the good
825 "The Church on earth is wheat of the Gospel until the end of
endowed already with a sanctity that time.301 Hence the Church gathers
is real though imperfect."295 In her sinners already caught up in Christ's
members perfect holiness is salvation but still on the way to
something yet to be acquired: holiness:
"Strengthened by so many and such The Church is therefore holy, though
great means of salvation, all the having sinners in her midst, because
faithful, whatever their condition or she herself has no other life but the
state - though each in his own way - life of grace. If they live her life, her
are called by the Lord to that members are sanctified; if they move
perfection of sanctity by which the away from her life, they fall into sins
Father himself is perfect."296 and disorders that prevent the
826 Charity is the soul of the radiation of her sanctity. This is why
holiness to which all are called: it she suffers and does penance for
"governs, shapes, and perfects all those offenses, of which she has the
the means of sanctification."297 power to free her children through
If the Church was a body composed the blood of Christ and the gift of the
of different members, it couldn't lack Holy Spirit.302
the noblest of all; it must have a 828 By canonizing some of the
Heart, and a Heart BURNING WITH faithful, i.e., by solemnly pro claiming
LOVE. that they practiced heroic virtue and
and I realized that this love alone lived in fidelity to God's grace, the
was the true motive force which Church recognizes the power of the
Spirit of holiness within her and All men are called to belong to the
sustains the hope of believers by new People of God. This People,
proposing the saints to them as therefore, while remaining one and
models and intercessors.303 "The only one, is to be spread throughout
saints have always been the source the whole world and to all ages in
and origin of renewal in the most order that the design of God's will
difficult moments in the Church's may be fulfilled: he made human
history."304 Indeed, "holiness is the nature one in the beginning and has
hidden source and infallible measure decreed that all his children who
of her apostolic activity and were scattered should be finally
missionary zeal."305 gathered together as one.... the
829 "But while in the most Blessed character of universality which
Virgin the Church has already adorns the People of God is a gift
reached that perfection whereby she from the Lord himself whereby the
exists without spot or wrinkle, the Catholic Church ceaselessly and
faithful still strive to conquer sin and efficaciously seeks for the return of
increase in holiness. and so they all humanity and all its goods, under
turn their eyes to Mary":306 in her, Christ the Head in the unity of his
the Church is already the "all-holy." Spirit.311
III. THE CHURCH IS CATHOLIC Each particular Church is "catholic"
What does "catholic" mean? 832 "The Church of Christ is really
830 The word "catholic" means present in all legitimately organized
"universal," in the sense of local groups of the faithful, which, in
"according to the totality" or "in so far as they are united to their
keeping with the whole." the Church pastors, are also quite appropriately
is catholic in a double sense: First, called Churches in the New
the Church is catholic because Testament.... In them the faithful are
Christ is present in her. "Where gathered together through the
there is Christ Jesus, there is the preaching of the Gospel of Christ,
Catholic Church."307 In her subsists and the mystery of the Lord's Supper
the fullness of Christ's body united is celebrated.... In these
with its head; this implies that she communities, though they may often
receives from him "the fullness of the be small and poor, or existing in the
means of salvation"308 which he diaspora, Christ is present, through
has willed: correct and complete whose power and influence the One,
confession of faith, full sacramental Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church
life, and ordained ministry in is constituted."312
apostolic succession. the Church 833 The phrase "particular church,"
was, in this fundamental sense, which is the diocese (or eparchy),
catholic on the day of refers to a community of the
Pentecost309 and will always be so Christian faithful in communion of
until the day of the Parousia. faith and sacraments with their
831 Secondly, the Church is catholic bishop ordained in apostolic
because she has been sent out by succession.313 These particular
Christ on a mission to the whole of Churches "are constituted after the
the human race:310 model of the universal Church; it is in
these and formed out of them that finally all mankind, called by God's
the one and unique Catholic Church grace to salvation."320
exists."314 837 "Fully incorporated into the
834 Particular Churches are fully society of the Church are those who,
catholic through their communion possessing the Spirit of Christ,
with one of them, the Church of accept all the means of salvation
Rome "which presides in given to the Church together with her
charity."315 "For with this church, by entire organization, and who - by the
reason of its pre-eminence, the bonds constituted by the profession
whole Church, that is the faithful of faith, the sacraments,
everywhere, must necessarily be in ecclesiastical government, and
accord."316 Indeed, "from the communion - are joined in the visible
incarnate Word's descent to us, all structure of the Church of Christ,
Christian churches everywhere have who rules her through the Supreme
held and hold the great Church that Pontiff and the bishops. Even though
is here [at Rome] to be their only incorporated into the Church, one
basis and foundation since, who does not however persevere in
according to the Savior's promise, charity is not saved. He remains
the gates of hell have never indeed in the bosom of the Church, but
prevailed against her."317 'in body' not 'in heart.'"321
835 "Let us be very careful not to
conceive of the universal Church as 838 "The Church knows that she is
the simple sum, or . . . the more or joined in many ways to the baptized
less anomalous federation of who are honored by the name of
essentially different particular Christian, but do not profess the
churches. In the mind of the Lord the Catholic faith in its entirety or have
Church is universal by vocation and not preserved unity or communion
mission, but when she pub down her under the successor of
roots in a variety of cultural, social, Peter."322 Those "who believe in
and human terrains, she takes on Christ and have been properly
different external expressions and baptized are put in a certain,
appearances in each part of the although imperfect, communion with
world."318 The rich variety of the Catholic Church."323 With the
ecclesiastical disciplines, liturgical Orthodox Churches, this communion
rites, and theological and spiritual is so profound "that it lacks little to
heritages proper to the local attain the fullness that would permit
churches "unified in a common effort, a common celebration of the Lord's
shows all the more resplendently the Eucharist."324
catholicity of the undivided The Church and non-Christians
Church."319
Who belongs to the Catholic Church? 839 "Those who have not yet
836 "All men are called to this received the Gospel are related to
catholic unity of the People of God.... the People of God in various
and to it, in different ways, belong or ways."325
are ordered: the Catholic faithful, The relationship of the Church with
others who believe in Christ, and the Jewish People. When she delves
into her own mystery, the Church,
the People of God in the New All nations form but one community.
Covenant, discovers her link with the This is so because all stem from the
Jewish People,326 "the first to hear one stock which God created to
the Word of God."327 The Jewish people the entire earth, and also
faith, unlike other non-Christian because all share a common destiny,
religions, is already a response to namely God. His providence, evident
God's revelation in the Old Covenant. goodness, and saving designs
To the Jews "belong the sonship, the extend to all against the day when
glory, the covenants, the giving of the elect are gathered together in the
the law, the worship, and the holy city. . .331
promises; to them belong the
843 The Catholic Church recognizes
patriarchs, and of their race,
in other religions that search, among
according to the flesh, is the
shadows and images, for the God
Christ",328 "for the gifts and the call of
who is unknown yet near since he
God are irrevocable."329
gives life and breath and all things
840 and when one considers the and wants all men to be saved. Thus,
future, God's People of the Old the Church considers all goodness
Covenant and the new People of and truth found in these religions as
God tend towards similar goals: "a preparation for the Gospel and
expectation of the coming (or the given by him who enlightens all men
return) of the Messiah. But one that they may at length have life."332
awaits the return of the Messiah who
844 In their religious behavior,
died and rose from the dead and is
however, men also display the limits
recognized as Lord and Son of God;
and errors that disfigure the image of
the other awaits the coming of a
God in them:
Messiah, whose features remain
hidden till the end of time; and the Very often, deceived by the
latter waiting is accompanied by the Evil One, men have become
drama of not knowing or of vain in their reasonings, and
misunderstanding Christ Jesus. have exchanged the truth of
God for a lie, and served the
841 The Church's relationship with
creature rather than the
the Muslims. "The plan of salvation
Creator. Or else, living and
also includes those who
dying in this world without
acknowledge the Creator, in the first
God, they are exposed to
place amongst whom are the
ultimate despair.333
Muslims; these profess to hold the
faith of Abraham, and together with 845 To reunite all his children,
us they adore the one, merciful God, scattered and led astray by sin, the
mankind's judge on the last day."330 Father willed to call the whole of
humanity together into his Son's
842 The Church's bond with non-
Church. the Church is the place
Christian religions is in the first place
where humanity must rediscover its
the common origin and end of the
unity and salvation. the Church is
human race:
"the world reconciled." She is that
bark which "in the full sail of the
Lord's cross, by the breath of the moved by grace, try in their
Holy Spirit, navigates safely in this actions to do his will as they
world." According to another image know it through the dictates of
dear to the Church Fathers, she is their conscience - those too
prefigured by Noah's ark, which may achieve eternal
alone saves from the flood.334 salvation.337
"Outside the Church there is no 848 "Although in ways known to
salvation" himself God can lead those who,
through no fault of their own, are
846 How are we to understand this
ignorant of the Gospel, to that faith
affirmation, often repeated by the
without which it is impossible to
Church Fathers?335 Re-formulated
please him, the Church still has the
positively, it means that all salvation
obligation and also the sacred right
comes from Christ the Head through
to evangelize all men."338
the Church which is his Body:
Mission - a requirement of the
Basing itself on Scripture and
Church's catholicity
Tradition, the Council teaches
that the Church, a pilgrim now 849 The missionary mandate.
on earth, is necessary for "Having been divinely sent to the
salvation: the one Christ is the nations that she might be 'the
mediator and the way of universal sacrament of salvation,'
salvation; he is present to us the Church, in obedience to the
in his body which is the command of her founder and
Church. He himself explicitly because it is demanded by her own
asserted the necessity of faith essential universality, strives to
and Baptism, and thereby preach the Gospel to all
affirmed at the same time the men":339 "Go therefore and make
necessity of the Church which disciples of all nations, baptizing
men enter through Baptism as them in the name of the Father and
through a door. Hence they of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
could not be saved who, teaching them to observe all that I
knowing that the Catholic have commanded you; and Lo, I am
Church was founded as with you always, until the close of
necessary by God through the age."340
Christ, would refuse either to
850 The origin and purpose of
enter it or to remain in it.336
mission. the Lord's missionary
847 This affirmation is not aimed at mandate is ultimately grounded in
those who, through no fault of their the eternal love of the Most Holy
own, do not know Christ and his Trinity: "The Church on earth is by
Church: her nature missionary since,
according to the plan of the Father,
Those who, through no fault
she has as her origin the mission of
of their own, do not know the
the Son and the Holy Spirit."341 The
Gospel of Christ or his Church,
ultimate purpose of mission is none
but who nevertheless seek
other than to make men share in the
God with a sincere heart, and,
communion between the Father and human weakness of those to whom
the Son in their Spirit of love.342 the Gospel has been
entrusted."348 Only by taking the
851 Missionary motivation. It is from
"way of penance and renewal," the
God's love for all men that the
"narrow way of the cross," can the
Church in every age receives both
People of God extend Christ's
the obligation and the vigor of her
reign.349 For "just as Christ carried
missionary dynamism, "for the love
out the work of redemption in
of Christ urges us on."343 Indeed,
poverty and oppression, so the
God "desires all men to be saved
Church is called to follow the same
and to come to the knowledge of the
path if she is to communicate the
truth";344 that is, God wills the
fruits of salvation to men."350
salvation of everyone through the
knowledge of the truth. Salvation is 854 By her very mission, "the
found in the truth. Those who obey Church . . . travels the same journey
the prompting of the Spirit of truth as all humanity and shares the same
are already on the way of salvation. earthly lot with the world: she is to be
But the Church, to whom this truth a leaven and, as it were, the soul of
has been entrusted, must go out to human society in its renewal by
meet their desire, so as to bring Christ and transformation into the
them the truth. Because she family of God."351 Missionary
believes in God's universal plan of endeavor requires patience. It
salvation, the Church must be begins with the proclamation of the
missionary. Gospel to peoples and groups who
do not yet believe in
852 Missionary paths. the Holy Spirit
Christ,352 continues with the
is the protagonist, "the principal
establishment of Christian
agent of the whole of the Church's
communities that are "a sign of
mission."345 It is he who leads the
God's presence in the world,"353 and
Church on her missionary paths.
leads to the foundation of local
"This mission continues and, in the
churches.354 It must involve a
course of history, unfolds the
process of inculturation if the Gospel
mission of Christ, who was sent to
is to take flesh in each people's
evangelize the poor; so the Church,
culture.355 There will be times of
urged on by the Spirit of Christ, must
defeat. "With regard to individuals,
walk the road Christ himself walked,
groups, and peoples it is only by
a way of poverty and obedience, of
degrees that [the Church] touches
service and self-sacrifice even to
and penetrates them and so
death, a death from which he
receives them into a fullness which
emerged victorious by his
is Catholic."356
resurrection."346 So it is that "the
blood of martyrs is the seed of 855 The Church's mission stimulates
Christians."347 efforts towards Christian
unity.357 Indeed, "divisions among
853 On her pilgrimage, the Church
Christians prevent the Church from
has also experienced the
realizing in practice the fullness of
"discrepancy existing between the
catholicity proper to her in those of
message she proclaims and the
her sons who, though joined to her of Peter, the Church's supreme
by Baptism, are yet separated from pastor":366
full communion with her.
You are the eternal Shepherd
Furthermore, the Church herself
finds it more difficult to express in who never leaves his flock
actual life her full catholicity in all its untended.
aspects."358
Through the apostles you
856 The missionary task implies a watch over us and protect us
respectful dialogue with those who always.
do not yet accept the
Gospel.359 Believers can profit from You made them shepherds of
this dialogue by learning to the flock
appreciate better "those elements of to share in the work of your
truth and grace which are found Son....367
among peoples, and which are, as it
were, a secret presence of The Apostles' mission
God."360 They proclaim the Good 858 Jesus is the Father's Emissary.
News to those who do not know it, in From the beginning of his ministry,
order to consolidate, complete, and he "called to him those whom he
raise up the truth and the goodness desired; .... and he appointed twelve,
that God has distributed among men whom also he named apostles, to be
and nations, and to purify them from with him, and to be sent out to
error and evil "for the glory of God, preach."368 From then on, they would
the confusion of the demon, and the also be his "emissaries" (Greek
happiness of man."361 apostoloi). In them, Christ continues
1. THE CHURCH IS his own mission: "As the Father has
APOSTOLIC sent me, even so I send you."369 The
apostles' ministry is the continuation
857 The Church is apostolic of his mission; Jesus said to the
because she is founded on the Twelve: "he who receives you
apostles, in three ways: receives me."370
- she was and remains built on "the
foundation of the Apostles,"362 The 859 Jesus unites them to the
witnesses chosen and sent on mission he received from the Father.
mission by Christ himself;363 As "the Son can do nothing of his
- with the help of the Spirit dwelling own accord," but receives everything
in her, the Church keeps and hands from the Father who sent him, so
on the teaching,364 The "good those whom Jesus sends can do
deposit," the salutary words she has nothing apart from him,371 from
heard from the apostles;365 whom they received both the
- she continues to be taught, mandate for their mission and the
sanctified, and guided by the power to carry it out. Christ's
apostles until Christ's return, through apostles knew that they were called
their successors in pastoral office: by God as "ministers of a new
the college of bishops, "assisted by covenant," "servants of God,"
priests, in union with the successor "ambassadors for Christ," "servants
of Christ and stewards of the teaches that "the bishops have by
mysteries of God."372 divine institution taken the place of
the apostles as pastors of the
860 In the office of the apostles
Church, in such wise that whoever
there is one aspect that cannot be
listens to them is listening to Christ
transmitted: to be the chosen
and whoever despises them
witnesses of the Lord's Resurrection
despises Christ and him who sent
and so the foundation stones of the
Christ."376
Church. But their office also has a
permanent aspect. Christ promised The apostolate
to remain with them always. the
863 The whole Church is apostolic,
divine mission entrusted by Jesus to
in that she remains, through the
them "will continue to the end of time,
successors of St. Peter and the
since the Gospel they handed on is
other apostles, in communion of faith
the lasting source of all life for the
and life with her origin: and in that
Church. Therefore, . . . the apostles
she is "sent out" into the whole world.
took care to appoint successors."373
All members of the Church share in
The bishops - successors of the this mission, though in various ways.
apostles "The Christian vocation is, of its
nature, a vocation to the apostolate
861 "In order that the mission
as well." Indeed, we call an
entrusted to them might be
apostolate "every activity of the
continued after their death, [the
Mystical Body" that aims "to spread
apostles] consigned, by will and
the Kingdom of Christ over all the
testament, as it were, to their
earth."377
immediate collaborators the duty of
completing and consolidating the 864 "Christ, sent by the Father, is
work they had begun, urging them to the source of the Church's whole
tend to the whole flock, in which the apostolate"; thus the fruitfulness of
Holy Spirit had appointed them to apostolate for ordained ministers as
shepherd the Church of God. They well as for lay people clearly
accordingly designated such men depends on their vital union with
and then made the ruling that Christ.378 In keeping with their
likewise on their death other proven vocations, the demands of the times
men should take over their and the various gifts of the Holy
ministry."374 Spirit, the apostolate assumes the
most varied forms. But charity,
862 "Just as the office which the
drawn from the Eucharist above all,
Lord confided to Peter alone, as first
is always "as it were, the soul of the
of the apostles, destined to be
whole apostolate."379
transmitted to his successors, is a
permanent one, so also endures the 865 The Church is ultimately one,
office, which the apostles received, holy, catholic, and apostolic in her
of shepherding the Church, a charge deepest and ultimate identity,
destined to be exercised without because it is in her that "the
interruption by the sacred order of Kingdom of heaven," the "Reign of
bishops."375 Hence the Church God,"380 already exists and will be
fulfilled at the end of time. the
kingdom has come in the person of
Christ and grows mysteriously in the
hearts of those incorporated into him,
until its full eschatological
manifestation. Then all those he has
redeemed and made "holy and
blameless before him in love,"381 will
be gathered together as the one
People of God, the
"Bride of the Lamb,"382 "the holy city
Jerusalem coming down out of
heaven from God, having the glory
of God."383 For "the wall of the city
had twelve foundations, and on them
the twelve names of the twelve
apostles of the Lamb."384