Church Tradition Notes Catholic = Universal, open to all Unity – Oneness, The quality of being one in spirit, sentiment and purpose. The four Marks of the Catholic Church 1. 2. 3. 4. One Holy Catholic Apostolic Creed = “credo” – I believe or I set my heart on. A formal statement defining our COR beliefs. The structure highlights the Holy Trinity: Father/Son/Holy Spirit Apostles Creed – Stems from the very early church and acts as the foundation for church teaching. Nicene Creed – Officially accepted at the council of Nicea (325 CE), said during Mass. Accepted by the major divisions of Christianity: Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant ________________________________________________________________________ _______________ Pope = father Leader of the Holy Roman Catholic Church A symbol of our unity as the people of God Main part of the Magisterium Magisterium = to teach The official voice of the Church. Contains the Pope, Cardinals and Bishops of the world Church. Has a moral obligation to enlighten and educate without judgment. Teaches in several forms: Pastoral letters-written by Bishops for their own dioceses. Teaching documents-written by Bishops during a world gathering or "Synod" Papal Encyclical-letter from the Pope to the worldwide church. Official teachings are called: Doctrines: Teachings which retain their fundamental truths but can evolve over time. Dogmas: Teachings and statements of faith regarding truths which do not change, ________________________________________________________________________ _______________ Tradition = “To hand over” Gifts of the Catholic Tradition: 1. 2. 3. 4. A sense of the sacramental: God encountered in life’s ordinary events Emphasis on the Communal: The essential aspect of Community Commitment to faith and reason: intelligence and faith reveal God’s truth A love for the saints: Who lead by example and act as role models Catholics believe truth comes from Scripture, Tradition and Experience Sacred Scripture grew from the experience of our traditions. “t” tradition – non-essential, but important practices such as holy water, stations of the cross and the Rosary. The faith will remain with or without them. “T” tradition – The essential piece the faith cannot live without, i.e. Celebration of the Eucharist, Community and belief in the Trinity. Read in your CFHB: Chs. 11,12, pgs. 37-38.