The Church: Body of Christ, People of God
Chapter I: Understanding the Church
1. Stages of the Church
- Incarnation: Jesus became man.
- Baptism of Jesus: The Church is born through baptism.
- Preaching the Kingdom: Jesus taught the apostles about the Kingdom and sent them to preach.
- Easter: Jesus proclaims the “new covenant” sealed with his new people.
- Death on the Cross: Death to the old regime of Israel.
- Resurrection of Christ
- Pentecost: 50 days after, the Holy Spirit comes.
- Ascension: Christ ascends to His Father, the Church is glorified.
2. The Mystical Body of Christ
After His death and resurrection, Christ established the Church as His mystical body, communicating His Spirit. We unite ourselves with Him through the sacraments. Christ is the head of this body and loves the Church as His bride. Through baptism, we are configured with Christ. In the Eucharist, by actually participating in the body of the Lord, we rise to communion with Him and among ourselves. Thus, we all become members of His body.
3. Visible and Invisible Church
Visible Church: Comprises the physical structure, the people, and sacred elements.
Invisible Church: Comprises the presence of God, grace, and the act of faith.
4. Conceptual Definition of Church
The Church of Christ is symbolized as holy, catholic, and apostolic, entrusted by our Savior after His resurrection to Peter for leadership. The Catholic Church is governed by the successor of Peter and the bishops in communion with him. The Church is called to communicate the fruits of salvation to all people. Its mission is to preach humility and selflessness by example, following Christ’s mission “to evangelize the poor and raise the oppressed,” to save what was lost. Just as Christ welcomed sinners, the Church receives them into its bosom. Though holy, it needs constant purification. The Church is a pilgrimage amid the persecutions of the world and the consolations of God, preaching the cross and the Lord’s death until He comes.
Chapter II: The People of God
1. Origin, Condition, Law, and Purpose of God’s People
- Source: The People of Israel, who formed a covenant and were gradually instructed, God manifesting Himself and His divine designs through history, sanctifying them for Himself.
- Beginning: The covenant established by Christ, the New Testament in His blood, calling a new people of God from among the Jews.
- Condition: Dignity and freedom of the children of God.
- Law: The new command to love as Christ loved us.
- Purpose: Expansion of the Kingdom of God, formed by God Himself on earth to be consummated at the end of time.
2. Ministerial and Common Priesthood
Ministerial Priesthood: Guides and governs the priestly people, celebrates the Eucharistic sacrifice offered to God on behalf of all.
Common Priesthood: The faithful participate in prayer, holy living, the Eucharistic sacrifice, and charity.
The common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood are ordered to each other, though each participates in the one priesthood of Christ.
3. Gifts and Charisms in the Church
Gifts: These are part of the prophetic gift of Christ within the holy people of God. The Holy Spirit not only sanctifies and leads the people of God through the sacraments and ministries but also distributes gifts to everyone.
Charisms: Must be received with thanksgiving. Extraordinary gifts are not to be sought after or expected for apostolic works. The Church discerns their authenticity and proper use.
4. The Universality of the People of God
The People of God embraces the whole world and all times to fulfill God’s will.
5. Catholic Faithful, Christians, and Non-Christians
Catholic Faithful: All people called to salvation by God’s grace, received through baptism.
Non-Catholic Christians: Those baptized but who do not profess the entire faith or maintain full communion with the Successor of Peter.
Non-Christians: Those who have not received the Gospel, including believers in other religions and unbelievers (atheists).
6. Missionary Character of the Church
The Church’s mission is to fulfill God’s plan, proclaiming Christ as the source of salvation for the world by preaching the Gospel.
Chapter III: The Hierarchy of the Church
1. Institution of the Twelve Apostles
Jesus chose twelve apostles and sent them to preach the Kingdom of God. He established them as a school and placed Peter at their head. Christ sent them into the world to preach His Kingdom and baptize in His name. This mission was fully confirmed on Pentecost. The apostles preached the Gospel, and through them and the Holy Spirit, the Church was born, with the apostles and Peter as its head.
2. Bishops and Their Formation
The divine mission entrusted by Christ to the apostles is to last until the end of time, as the Gospel they conveyed is the principle of life for the Church. Therefore, the apostles established successors. Bishops, along with priests and deacons, received the ministry of the community to preside in God’s name over the flock as pastors, teachers of doctrine, priests of sacred worship, and ministers of authority. Bishops are successors of the apostles, entrusted with the Lord’s mission to teach and preach the Gospel to every creature so that all may achieve salvation through faith, baptism, and fulfilling the commandments. Christ promised the Holy Spirit to assist the apostles in this mission.
3. The College of Bishops
The College of Bishops is united with the Roman Pontiff, the successor of Peter. From ancient times, bishops worldwide have communicated with each other and the Bishop of Rome in unity, charity, and peace. The College of Bishops does not exercise authority without the Roman Pontiff, who is its head, while maintaining his primatial power over pastors and the faithful. The order of bishops, succeeding the apostolic college in teaching and pastoral care, remains the apostolic body, together with its head, the Roman Pontiff, and never without him. It is subject to supreme and full authority over the universal Church, exercising power with the consent of the Roman Pontiff. The College expresses the diversity and universality of God’s people, united as the flock of Christ under one head. Its supreme power is exercised solemnly in an ecumenical council, which must be approved or accepted by the successor of Peter.
4. The Episcopal Ministry: Teaching, Sanctifying, and Governing
Bishops, as successors of the apostles, have the threefold ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and governing. Their primary teaching office is proclaiming the Gospel as preachers of the faith and teachers with Christ’s authority. They sanctify through the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders, being “stewards of the grace of the supreme priesthood,” especially in the Eucharist. They govern as vicars of Christ, with the right and duty to legislate, judge, and regulate matters of worship, organization, and the apostolate, especially pastoral offices.
5. Priests and Their Ministry
Priests are united with the bishops through the sacrament of Holy Orders. They preach the Gospel, administer the Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, and Reconciliation. They are collaborators of the bishops, serving the People of God under the bishop’s authority. They sanctify and govern the universal Church in every place. Their ministry centers on the Eucharistic worship or communion, the ministry of reconciliation and relief for the repentant and sick, presenting the needs and supplications of the faithful to God the Father.
6. Deacons
Deacons are at a lower level of the hierarchy, receiving the laying on of hands not for priesthood but for ministry. They serve the People of God in liturgy, word, and charity. Their office includes administering baptism, reserving and distributing the Eucharist, witnessing marriages, bringing viaticum to the dying, reading scripture, administering sacramentals, and presiding over funerals and burials.