One…

One…

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ONE

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The Next Split…continued• With the corruption in both ecclesiastical circles and

governments of the 15th & 16th Centuries, (there was really no strong division between church and state), people rose up to reform the church

• Many SAINTS participated in this:– St. Teresa of Avila & St. John of the Cross– St. Vincent Ferrer– St. Frances of Rome– Bl. Juliana of Norwich– St. Collette– St. John Capistrano– St. Rita of Cascia – …and at least 50 more!!!

The Next Split…continued• With the corruption in both ecclesiastical circles and

governments of the 15th & 16th Centuries, (there was really no strong division between church and state), people rose up to reform the church

• However, many good-willed people were poorly catechized, and had bad examples for spiritual direction. Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk, was such a man.

• Although he was pretty well educated, his spiritual director was not very reasonable, and was very hard on him.

• Martin Luther wanted reform, but he also became stubborn when other reformers told him that some of his ideas were dangerous.

The Protestant Reformation

• Martin Luther didn’t mean to cause a split, but that is what happened—his followers, the Lutherans, refused to obey the Pope, and rejected certain Traditions of the Church (this was the first time this ever happened)

• Other Reformers followed his example.• Today, there are more than 40,000 different

Protestant Christian Denominations.

The Hope for Unity of Christians

• All Christians understand that the Church is meant to be ONE.

• Many Christians, including Catholics, are working to have a greater unity.

• We hope that Jesus’ prayer in John 17, “Father, may they be one…” will one day be a reality

Holy

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The Church is Holy

• Jesus Himself (HOLY HOLY HOLY) established the Church

• He promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide us “In all truth”

• He appointed Peter and the Apostles to lead the Church

• The Holy Spirit Remains with the Church

But what about all the Sinners in the Church?

Q. How can the Church be holy when priests, bishops, and sometimes even popes commit grave sins?

A. Welcome to the Church. No one said her members were holy. We are ALL sinners. From the Pope on down.

Q. Then how is the Church Holy?A. Christ is the Head of the Church. HE makes her holy.

Why is the Church Holy?

• Christ established the Church to shower his grace and holiness on us. He can work through the Church, no matter what. He’s God.

• The Sacraments are Holy.• God’s Revelation in the Deposit of Faith

(Scripture and Tradition) is Holy.

Catholic

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catholic= Universal

• Christ is Universal—where He is, the Church is.• We are on a mission— “That all may be saved”• She is everywhere—the sacraments are

celebrated everywhere• Communion with Rome--Catholic

Apostolic

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See “Apostolic Succession” Notes

• Some terms to remember:– Deposit of Faith– Magisterium– Papal Infallibility– Sensus Fidei (sense of the faithful)