talk on lumen gentium 9-22-12

Rev. David A. Buersmeyer. [email protected]. Talk for Diocese of Gary, 9‐22‐12 1

[NB: The following outline will help in taking a reader through the slides which were used in a Powerpoint Presentation for the talk. All the slides are attached to this outline.] LUMEN GENTIUM: AFFIRMING THE TRADITION AND CREATING

THE SPACE FOR POSSIBLE FUTURES INTRODUCTION “…we could be generations trying to live out fully all the implications of that document” [Cardinal John Dearden, 1979] PART ONE: BACKGROUND TO THE COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS ON THE CHURCH A. Counter‐Reformation, Apologetic, Neo‐Scholastic Ecclesiology

1. “perfect and unequal (hierarchical) society” 2. “teaching Church” and “listening Church” 3. non‐Catholic Christians: categories of “schismatics” and “heretics”

B. Incomplete Nature of Vatican I C. Catholic Action and Lay Involvement in the Church’s Apostolate D. Pius XII

1. Encyclicals on the Church, on the study of Scripture, on liturgy, and on current theological trends

2. Dogma on the Assumption E. Pope John XXIII’s Ecumenical Openness F. The Months Leading up to Session One of the Council

PART TWO: FROM PREPARATORY SCHEMA DE ECCLESIA TO FINAL DOCUMENT LUMEN GENTIUM

A. The questions and concerns which shape the document

1. Nature and completeness of the visible Catholic Church 2. Relationship between hierarchy and laity 3. The call to holiness 4. Ecumenism and the relationship of non‐Catholic Christians to the Catholic

Church


5. Relationship of Bishops to Pope 6. Mary and the Church

B. The Preparatory Schema of 1962 C. The 1963 Text and Its Changes D. The Final Text of Lumen Gentium

1. Placing chapter on People of God before chapter on the Hierarchical Structure 2. Dividing Call to Holiness into two chapters but with chapter on Religious Life

after the Universal Call to Holiness 3. Adding chapter on Eschatological Nature of the Church 4. Including chapter on Mary 5. The Explanatory Notes inserted at the end

PART THREE: A MORE DETAILED REVIEW OF CHAPTERS ONE THROUGH FIVE OF THE

FINAL TEXT OF LUMEN GENTIUM Chapter One: The Mystery of the Church

1. Use of Scriptural and sacramental language for core description of the Church (Title; #1, cf. #48; #6)

2. Rooted in the Trinitarian life of God (#2‐4) 3. Church as greater than the visible Church membership

a. Church “from Abel” (#2) b. Language of incorporation, allowing for various types of connection

rather than “membership” in/out (#8, cf. #13‐#15) c. True Church “subsists in” Catholic Church (#8)

4. At the same time holy and in need of purification (#8; cf. #15) Chapter Two: The People of God

1. Placement of the Chapter 2. Three‐fold “office” of Christ underlines the commonality of all in the Church

a. Sharing in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ (#10, but difference “in essence”)

b. Sharing in the prophetic ministry of Christ (#12, “sensus fidei”) c. Sharing in the kingly ministry of Christ (#13, charisms for the building up

of Church”, cf. #4, #30) 3. Pilgrim People ( #14, cf. #7 and especially all of Chapter VII)


4. Mission to bring gospel to all (#17 but cf. #16 on universal saving will of God) Chapter Three: On the Hierarchical Structure of the Church; In Particular the

Episcopate 1. Office of bishop as divinely instituted (#18‐20)

a. Ordained to fullness of sacrament of Orders (#21, #23) b. Vicars of Christ not simply vicars of the Pope (#23‐27) c. The universal Church is present in the local Church (#26)

2. Collegial nature of episcopacy and relation to primacy of Pope (#22‐23) a. Sharing in the charism of infallibility (#25) b. “Religious submission of mind and will” (#25) c. Nota praevia explicativa (Appendix)

Chapter Four: The Laity

1. The importance of but difficulty in articulating a ‘theology of laity’ (described negatively as ‘not ordained or religious’, #31)

2. The positive reality of the laity (share in 3‐fold office, #33‐36) a. in the world (#36) b. within the Church (relationship to pastors, freedom and responsibility to

speak up, #37) Chapter Five: The Universal Call to Holiness in the Church

1. Some insights from chapter 2 on People of God (cf. #11, domestic Church) and chapter 4 on Laity (cf. #34 on what Eucharist entails)

2. Universal call to holiness (Title, #39, #40, #41) and so all can find it in their life a. Holiness as grace of God, sharing in God’s life and glory, oriented to

charity (#39, #42), found in one’s regular daily state of life (#41), without excluding special calls to holiness (#42)

b. variety of ways, not just language of two ways (evangelical counsels/ commandments) (#40‐41)

3. Abiding importance of evangelical way of life for all in the Church (#39, #42, cf. chapter 6 on Religious Life)

PART FOUR: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LUMEN GENTIUM: AFFIRMING THE TRADITION AND OPENING SPACE FOR POSSIBLE FUTURES A. Opening space for the kingdom of God: Embrace the journey—possibility for hope


1. The language of unity of visibly structured and Mystical Body, analogous to a prolongation of the Incarnation, the holiness of the Church

2. Yet the mystery and sacramental nature of the Church, a pilgrim Church, in need of purification and reform, eschatological nature of the Church

B. Opening space for the fundamental importance of baptismal identity: Honor your baptismal identity—possibility for ongoing conversion

1. Hierarchical structure as divinely instituted and constant inserts to highlight that reality, submission of mind and will to authoritative teaching

2. Yet People of God, universal call to holiness common priesthood of all believers the use of concept of “office” rather than only “power”, all sharing in the three‐fold office of Christ , obligation of laity to share their wisdom for good of Church

C. Opening space for a model ecclesiology of communion: Intentionally practice that type of communion—possibility for full participation

1. The continual insertions on the primacy and freedom of the pope, the nota praevia explicativa

2. Yet Collegiality of bishops as apostolic successors and vicars of Christ, their universal responsibility and authority, local and particular churches, sharing in the infallibility of the whole Church,

D. Opening space for a fully catholic Church: Cherish fellow travelers along the way—possibility for solidarity

1. The Church as a visibly structured Church united with the pope, necessity of that Church for salvation, the responsibility of all in that Church to bring the full understanding of the gospel to all in the world

2. Yet a Church “from Abel”, language of incorporation and not simply membership, God’s saving grace offered to all even those not in the visible Church, saving grace at work within other than Catholic ecclesial realities, Church of Jesus Christ ‘subsists in’ the Catholic Church

CONCLUSION “We are prophets of a future not our own” [Cardinal John Dearden, 1979] [NB: Attached at the end of this document is the full text of the homily from 1979, highlighting where portions were taken to transform it into a prayer that should be called the Dearden Prayer or Dearden-Untener Prayer (since Ken Untener, later bishop of Saginaw was responsible for doing this), but often is mistakenly called the Romero Prayer, after the martyred archbishop of San Salvador, a remarkable Christian leader but who had nothing to do with this prayer.]

LUMEN LUMEN GENTIUMGENTIUM: : AFFIRMING THE AFFIRMING THE TRADITION ANDTRADITION ANDTRADITION AND TRADITION AND

CREATING THE SPACECREATING THE SPACECREATING THE SPACE CREATING THE SPACE FOR POSSIBLE FUTURESFOR POSSIBLE FUTURESFOR POSSIBLE FUTURESFOR POSSIBLE FUTURES

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION“My feeling is that we could be generations trying to live out fully g y g yall the implications of that document [Lumen gentium]. I said right after the Co ncil hen some people e ethe Council, when some people were opting for more advanced formulations, that we should wait o u at o s, t at e s ou d a ttill we had exhausted all the implications of the document that

h d It i f i h th illwe had. It is far richer than we will be able to grasp.”--Cardinal John Dearden, May 1979Cardinal John Dearden, May 1979

1) Develop the context within which the Dogmatic Constitution on the ChurchDogmatic Constitution on the Church emerged

2) P id d i ti f th2) Provide a deeper appreciation for the final text by looking at the evolution of the conciliar text on the churchthe conciliar text on the church

3) Explore a bit more deeply the chapters of L men Genti m especiall the fi stof Lumen Gentium, especially the first five of the eight

4) How theological language of LG, if we allow it, can keep space open to be more fully Church now and the futurefully Church now and the future.

PART ONE: BACKGROUND TO THE COUNCIL PART ONE: BACKGROUND TO THE COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS ON THE CHURCHDISCUSSIONS ON THE CHURCH

M l b l i t t ti f V ti IIM l b l i t t ti f V ti II

DISCUSSIONS ON THE CHURCHDISCUSSIONS ON THE CHURCH

More global interpretations of Vatican IIMore global interpretations of Vatican II1) Rahner: initial constitutive experience f Ch h i ifi t th hift fof Church as significant as the shift from

Palestinian, Aramaic, Jewish-Christian Church to a Hellenistic, Greco-Roman,Church to a Hellenistic, Greco Roman, Gentile Church

2) P J h P l II l ti i2) Pope John Paul II: proleptic experience of and preparation for the flowering of the Church in the 3rd millenniumthe Church in the 3 millennium

PART ONE: BACKGROUND TO THE COUNCIL PART ONE: BACKGROUND TO THE COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS ON THE CHURCHDISCUSSIONS ON THE CHURCHDISCUSSIONS ON THE CHURCHDISCUSSIONS ON THE CHURCH

A. CounterA. Counter--Reformation, Apologetic, NeoReformation, Apologetic, Neo--Scholastic Ecclesiology Scholastic Ecclesiology

–– “perfect and unequal (hierarchical) society“perfect and unequal (hierarchical) societyp q ( ) yp q ( ) y

“In the first place, then, the faithful should be h h t i th di it d llshown how great is the dignity and excellence

of this Sacrament considered in its highest degree the priesthood Bishops and priestsdegree, the priesthood. Bishops and priests being, as they are, God’s interpreters and ambassadors, empowered in His name to teach , pmankind the divine law and the rule of conduct, and holding, as they do His place on

h i i id h bl f i hearth, it is evident that no nobler function than theirs can be imagined. Justly, therefore, are they called not only Angels but even godsthey called not only Angels, but even gods, because of the fact that they exercise in our midst the power and prerogatives of themidst the power and prerogatives of the immortal God.

--Catechism of the Council of Trent


A. CounterA. Counter--Reformation, Apologetic, NeoReformation, Apologetic, Neo--Scholastic Ecclesiology Scholastic Ecclesiology

–– “perfect and unequal (hierarchical) society“perfect and unequal (hierarchical) societyp q ( ) yp q ( ) y–– EccclesiaEccclesia docensdocens (teaching)/Ecclesia (teaching)/Ecclesia discensdiscens

(listening)(listening)( g)( g)–– nonnon--Catholic Christians: categories of Catholic Christians: categories of

““schismaticsschismatics” and “heretics”” and “heretics”


B. Incomplete Nature of Vatican I B. Incomplete Nature of Vatican I ----Constitution on Faith (Constitution on Faith (Dei Dei FiliusFilius))----Constitution on Papal Primacy and Infallibility (Constitution on Papal Primacy and Infallibility (Pastor Pastor

AeternusAeternus))AeternusAeternus))

C. Catholic Action and Lay ApostolateC. Catholic Action and Lay Apostolate

D. Pius XIID. Pius XII----Encyclical on the Church (Encyclical on the Church (MysticiMystici Corporis,Corporis,1943), on the 1943), on the

t d f S i t (t d f S i t (Di iDi i Affl tAffl t S i itS i it 1943) th1943) thstudy of Scripture (study of Scripture (DivinoDivino AfflanteAfflante SpirituSpiritu, 1943), on the , 1943), on the liturgy (liturgy (Mediator DeiMediator Dei, 1947), and on some new insights in , 1947), and on some new insights in theology (theology (HumaniHumani GenerisGeneris, 1950), 1950)gy (gy ( ))

----Dogma on the Assumption(Dogma on the Assumption(MunificentissimusMunificentissimus Deus, Deus, 1950)1950)


E. Pope John E. Pope John XXIII’sXXIII’s Vision for the Council Vision for the Council

----”spiritual good and joy” of Church”spiritual good and joy” of Churchp g j yp g j y----”aggiornamento””aggiornamento”----Ecumenical outreachEcumenical outreach From the announcement of a Council onFrom the announcement of a Council on Establishment of the Secretariat forEstablishment of the Secretariat forEstablishment of the Secretariat for Establishment of the Secretariat for

Christian UnityChristian Unity Invitation to Christian Leaders to attend Invitation to Christian Leaders to attend

and observeand observe


F Months Leading Up to First SessionF Months Leading Up to First SessionF. Months Leading Up to First SessionF. Months Leading Up to First Session

–– OttavianiOttaviani and the Holy Officeand the Holy OfficeOttavianiOttaviani and the Holy Officeand the Holy Office

–– Most bishopsMost bishops

–– SuenensSuenens and core group of and core group of European bishopsEuropean bishops

PART TWO: FROM PREPARATORY SCHEMA PART TWO: FROM PREPARATORY SCHEMA DE ECCLESIADE ECCLESIA TO FINAL DOCUMENTTO FINAL DOCUMENT LUMENLUMENDE ECCLESIADE ECCLESIA TO FINAL DOCUMENT TO FINAL DOCUMENT LUMEN LUMEN

GENTIUMGENTIUMA.A. Questions and Concerns Which Will ShapeQuestions and Concerns Which Will ShapeA.A. Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape

the Documentthe Document1. Nature and completeness of the visible1. Nature and completeness of the visible1. Nature and completeness of the visible 1. Nature and completeness of the visible

Church?Church?

How complete/finished is the visible Catholic How complete/finished is the visible Catholic Church? Church?

Is there room for change and renewal? Is there room for change and renewal? Perhaps even Reform?Perhaps even Reform?


GENTIUMGENTIUMA.A. Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape Q pQ p

the Documentthe Document1. Nature and completeness of the visible 1. Nature and completeness of the visible

Church?Church?Church?Church? How unite the holiness of the Church, a mark of How unite the holiness of the Church, a mark of

the Church, with the sinfulness of its members the Church, with the sinfulness of its members d b f it i tit ti l t t td b f it i tit ti l t t tand maybe of its institutional structures at and maybe of its institutional structures at

times? times? How close is this visible Church to the realityHow close is this visible Church to the realityHow close is this visible Church to the reality How close is this visible Church to the reality

God intended for his kingdom? God intended for his kingdom? What is the relationship of the visible Church What is the relationship of the visible Church

and its members to the invisible mystical Bodyand its members to the invisible mystical Bodyand its members to the invisible, mystical Body and its members to the invisible, mystical Body of Christ?of Christ?



the Documentthe Document2. Relationship between hierarchy and laity?2. Relationship between hierarchy and laity?

Does hierarchy essentially define the starting point Does hierarchy essentially define the starting point d b th k id tit k f th Ch h?d b th k id tit k f th Ch h?and become the key identity marker for the Church? and become the key identity marker for the Church?

Isn’t there only one priesthoodIsn’t there only one priesthood——that of Jesus that of Jesus Christ?Christ?Christ? Christ?

Do only the ordained have share in the ruling, Do only the ordained have share in the ruling, teaching and sanctifying mission of Jesus?teaching and sanctifying mission of Jesus?g y gg y g



the Documentthe Document2. Relationship between hierarchy and2. Relationship between hierarchy and2. Relationship between hierarchy and 2. Relationship between hierarchy and

laity?laity?

if not what is the difference between ordained if not what is the difference between ordained and those not ordained? and those not ordained?

Is there essentially a “teaching Church” Is there essentially a “teaching Church” (hierarchy) and a “listening Church” (laity)? (hierarchy) and a “listening Church” (laity)?



the Documentthe Document2. Relationship between hierarchy and2. Relationship between hierarchy and2. Relationship between hierarchy and 2. Relationship between hierarchy and

laity?laity?

Is the Church best imaged as the people of Is the Church best imaged as the people of God? the body of Christ? other images? God? the body of Christ? other images?

What is the relationship between What is the relationship between charismscharisms and and offices in the Church?offices in the Church?


GENTIUMGENTIUMA.A. Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape Quest o s a d Co ce s c S apeQuest o s a d Co ce s c S ape

the Documentthe Document3. The Call to Holiness?3. The Call to Holiness?

Does holiness primarily consist of renouncing the Does holiness primarily consist of renouncing the world in some sense and living lives of chastityworld in some sense and living lives of chastityworld in some sense and living lives of chastity, world in some sense and living lives of chastity, poverty, and obedience? poverty, and obedience?

Are monks and religious better exemplars of Are monks and religious better exemplars of h li ll th t l d ?h li ll th t l d ?holiness usually that lay men and women? holiness usually that lay men and women?

Can marriage and the family be as full a call to Can marriage and the family be as full a call to holiness as consecrated religious life?holiness as consecrated religious life?holiness as consecrated religious life? holiness as consecrated religious life?


GENTIUMGENTIUM

AA Questions and Concerns Which WillQuestions and Concerns Which WillA.A. Questions and Concerns Which Will Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape the DocumentShape the Document

3 The Call to Holiness?3 The Call to Holiness?3. The Call to Holiness?3. The Call to Holiness?

Can marriage and family be understood as aCan marriage and family be understood as a Can marriage and family be understood as a Can marriage and family be understood as a type of Church in miniature? type of Church in miniature?

Does the theological understanding of “vocation”Does the theological understanding of “vocation” Does the theological understanding of vocation Does the theological understanding of vocation apply to all or is it primarily reserved for those apply to all or is it primarily reserved for those called to ordained and consecrated religious life?called to ordained and consecrated religious life?


GENTIUMGENTIUMA.A. Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape

the Documentthe Document4. Relationship of Non4. Relationship of Non--Catholic Christians Catholic Christians

to the Catholic Church?to the Catholic Church?to the Catholic Church?to the Catholic Church?

What is the relationship of those who are What is the relationship of those who are baptized nonbaptized non--Catholics to the one visible Church Catholics to the one visible Church of Jesus Christ? of Jesus Christ?

Do categories such asDo categories such as schismaticsschismatics and hereticsand heretics Do categories such as Do categories such as schismaticsschismatics and heretics and heretics best capture that relationship for ecclesial best capture that relationship for ecclesial communities that have stood the test of time? communities that have stood the test of time?

Can one call such ecclesial communities Can one call such ecclesial communities “Church” in any real sense? “Church” in any real sense?


GENTIUMGENTIUM

Questions and Concerns Which Will Questions and Concerns Which Will Shape the DocumentShape the Document

4 R l ti hi f N4 R l ti hi f N C th liC th li4. Relationship of Non4. Relationship of Non--Catholic Catholic Christians to the Catholic Church?Christians to the Catholic Church?

Does God’s saving grace work in and through Does God’s saving grace work in and through the visible structures of such Churches/ecclesial the visible structures of such Churches/ecclesial

iti l i i di id l ithi th ?iti l i i di id l ithi th ?communities or only in individuals within them? communities or only in individuals within them? Does ecumenism mean a “return to the Mother Does ecumenism mean a “return to the Mother

Church (Rome) or is the Spirit shaping anChurch (Rome) or is the Spirit shaping anChurch (Rome) or is the Spirit shaping an Church (Rome) or is the Spirit shaping an ecumenism different from that?ecumenism different from that?


GENTIUMGENTIUMA.A. Questions and Concerns Which Will Questions and Concerns Which Will

Shape the DocumentShape the Document5. Relationship of Bishops to Pope?5. Relationship of Bishops to Pope?

Is the primacy of the Pope exercised collegially Is the primacy of the Pope exercised collegially with all the bishops or alone by the Pope?with all the bishops or alone by the Pope?with all the bishops or alone by the Pope? with all the bishops or alone by the Pope?

Are bishops more aptly seen as vicars of the Are bishops more aptly seen as vicars of the Pope or vicars of Christ? Pope or vicars of Christ? pp

Directly given apostolic authority by Christ or Directly given apostolic authority by Christ or only via a canonical mission from the bishop of only via a canonical mission from the bishop of y py pRome? Rome?



Shape the DocumentShape the Document5. Relationship of Bishops to Pope?5. Relationship of Bishops to Pope?

Are bishops responsible for the universal welfare Are bishops responsible for the universal welfare f h h h l h l l df h h h l h l l dof the Church or only their local diocese? of the Church or only their local diocese?

Do bishops in collegial relationship have the Do bishops in collegial relationship have the bilit t i th t f i f llibilitbilit t i th t f i f llibilitability to exercise the same type of infallibility as ability to exercise the same type of infallibility as

the Pope alone? the Pope alone? Does talking about collegiality of all bishops takeDoes talking about collegiality of all bishops take Does talking about collegiality of all bishops take Does talking about collegiality of all bishops take away from papal primacy?away from papal primacy?



Shape the DocumentShape the Document6. Mary and the Church?6. Mary and the Church?

Is Mary’s reality so unique that she is in some Is Mary’s reality so unique that she is in some b d f h h hb d f h h hway to be treated apart from the Church?way to be treated apart from the Church?

Or is she also a disciple as well as mother of Or is she also a disciple as well as mother of Ch i t?Ch i t?Christ? Christ?

““MediatrixMediatrix of all graces” and if so what would of all graces” and if so what would that mean?that mean?that mean?that mean?



Shape the DocumentShape the Document6. Mary and the Church?6. Mary and the Church?

Can she be called “Mother of the Church” and if Can she be called “Mother of the Church” and if h ld hh ld hso what would that mean? so what would that mean?

How do we treat of Mary in a way that doesn’t How do we treat of Mary in a way that doesn’t d i i l l ti hi b td i i l l ti hi b tundermine ecumenical relationships but undermine ecumenical relationships but

recognizes the rich Tradition present in Catholic recognizes the rich Tradition present in Catholic faith?faith?faith? faith?

First Draft (Dec. 1-7, 1962)Chapter 1: The Nature of the Church

Final Document (November 21, 1964)

Chapter 1: The Mystery of thepMilitant

Chapter 2: The Members of the Church Militant and its Necessity for Salvation

Chapter 3: The Episcopate as the Highest

Chapter 1: The Mystery of the Church

Chapter 2: The People of GodChapter 3: The Episcopate as the Highest Grade of the Sacrament of Holy Orders; the Priesthood

Chapter 4: Residential BishopsCh t 5 Th St t f A i i

Chapter 3: On the Hierarchical Structure of the Church and in Particular the Episcopate

Chapter 4: The LaityChapter 5: The States for Acquiring

Evangelical PerfectionChapter 6: The LaityChapter 7: The Magisterium

p y

Chapter 5: The Universal Call to Holiness in the Churchp g

Chapter 8: Authority and Obedience in the Church

Chapter 9: The Relationship between Church and State and Religious

Chapter 6: Religious

Chapter 7: The Eschatological Nature of the Pilgrim ChurchChurch and State and Religious

ToleranceChapter 10: The Church and its Duty to

Proclaim the Gospel to All Nations of the World

Nature of the Pilgrim Church and Its Union with the Church in Heaven

Chapter 8: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God in the the World

Chapter 11: EcumenismAppendix: The Virgin Mary

a y, o e o God eMystery of Christ and His Church

Final Document (November 21, 1964)

Second Draft (Sept. 30 – Oct. 31, 1963) 1964)

Chapter 1: The Mystery of the Church

Chapter 2: The People of God

Oct. 31, 1963)Chapter 1: The Mystery of

the ChurchChapter 2: The People of GodChapter 3: On the Hierarchical

Structure of the Church and in Particular the Episcopate

Chapter 2: Hierarchical Constitution of the Church and the Particular the Episcopate

Chapter 4: The LaityChapter 5: The Universal Call to

Holiness in the Ch ch

Church and the Episcopate in General

Chapter 3: The People of Holiness in the ChurchChapter 6: ReligiousChapter 7: The Eschatological

N f h Pil i Ch h d

Chapter 3: The People of God and Laity in Particular

Nature of the Pilgrim Church and Its Union with the Church in Heaven

Ch t 8 Th Bl d Vi i M

Chapter 4: Call to Holiness in the Church

Chapter 8: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God in the Mystery of Christ and His Church

DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THEDOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THEDOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH CHURCH

LumenLumen gentiumgentium cum sitcum sit ChristusChristusLumen Lumen gentiumgentium cum sit cum sit ChristusChristus……

AARTICLERTICLE1:1:AARTICLERTICLE1:1:CCHRISTHRIST ISIS THETHE LLIGHTIGHT OFOF NATIONSNATIONS. . Because this is so, Because this is so, this Sacred Synod gathered together in the Holy this Sacred Synod gathered together in the Holy y g g yy g g ySpirit eagerly desires, by proclaiming the Gospel to Spirit eagerly desires, by proclaiming the Gospel to every creatureevery creature, , to bring the light of Christ to all men, to bring the light of Christ to all men,

li h b i h l i ibl h f hli h b i h l i ibl h f ha light brightly visible on the countenance of the a light brightly visible on the countenance of the Church. Church. SSINCEINCE THETHE CCHURCHHURCH ISIS ININ CCHRISTHRIST LIKELIKE AASACRAMENTSACRAMENT OROR ASAS AA SIGNSIGN ANDAND INSTRUMENTINSTRUMENT BOTHBOTH OFOFSACRAMENTSACRAMENT OROR ASAS AA SIGNSIGN ANDAND INSTRUMENTINSTRUMENT BOTHBOTH OFOFAA VERYVERY CLOSELYCLOSELY KNITKNIT UNIONUNION WITHWITH GGODOD ANDAND OFOF THETHEUNITYUNITY OFOF THETHE WHOLEWHOLE HUMANHUMAN RACERACE,, it desires now to it desires now to ,,unfold more fully to the faithful of the Church and unfold more fully to the faithful of the Church and to the whole world its own inner nature and to the whole world its own inner nature and universal mission. universal mission.

AARTICLERTICLE 48:48:

Christ, having been lifted up from the earth has Christ, having been lifted up from the earth has drawn all to drawn all to Himself. Rising Himself. Rising from the from the dead He dead He sent sent His lifeHis life--giving Spirit upon His disciples and through giving Spirit upon His disciples and through Him has Him has ESTABLISHEDESTABLISHED HHISIS BBODYODY WHICHWHICH ISIS THETHE

CCHURCHHURCH ASAS THETHE UNIVERSALUNIVERSAL SACRAMENTSACRAMENT OFOF

SALVATIONSALVATION. .

AARTICLERTICLE 6:6:The Church is a The Church is a SHEEPFOLDSHEEPFOLD whose one and whose one and indispensable door is indispensable door is Christ. Christ. It is aIt is a FLOCKFLOCK of which of which God Himself foretold He would be the God Himself foretold He would be the shepherd...shepherd...

Th Ch h iTh Ch h iThe Church is The Church is AA PIECEPIECE OFOF LANDLAND TOTO BEBECULTIVATEDCULTIVATED, the tillage of God.(30) On that land the , the tillage of God.(30) On that land the ANCIENTANCIENT OLIVEOLIVE TREETREE grows whose holy roots weregrows whose holy roots wereANCIENTANCIENT OLIVEOLIVE TREETREE grows whose holy roots were grows whose holy roots were the the Prophets…Prophets… CHOICECHOICE VINEYARDVINEYARD… … BUILDINGBUILDING OFOFGGODOD……HOUSEHOUSE OFOF GGODOD……FAMILYFAMILY, , HOUSEHOLDHOUSEHOLD OFOF,,GGODOD……HOLYHOLY TTEMPLEEMPLE……HOLYHOLY CITYCITY, , NEWNEWJERUSALEMJERUSALEM……BRIDEBRIDE……OUROUR MOTHERMOTHER

Article 2:Article 2:The The ETERNALETERNAL FFATHERATHER, , BYBY AA FREEFREE ANDAND HIDDENHIDDEN PLANPLAN OFOF HHISISOWNOWN WISDOMWISDOM ANDAND GOODNESSGOODNESS t d th h l ldt d th h l ld HHISISOWNOWN WISDOMWISDOM ANDAND GOODNESSGOODNESS, , created the whole world.created the whole world. HHISISPLANPLAN WASWAS TOTO RAISERAISE MENMEN TOTO AA PARTICIPATIONPARTICIPATION OFOF THETHE DIVINEDIVINELIFELIFE. . A ti l 3A ti l 3Article 3:Article 3:TTHEHE SSONON, , THEREFORETHEREFORE, , CAMECAME, , SENTSENT BYBY THETHE FFATHERATHER. It was in . It was in Him, before the foundation of the world, that the Father Him, before the foundation of the world, that the Father h d d ti dh d d ti d t b d t d f it b d t d f ichose us and predestined chose us and predestined us to become adopted sons, for in us to become adopted sons, for in

Him it pleased the Father to reHim it pleased the Father to re--establish all establish all things.things.

A ti l 4A ti l 4Article 4Article 4::WWHENHEN THETHE WORKWORK WHICHWHICH THETHE FFATHERATHER GAVEGAVE THETHE SSONON TOTO DODOONON EARTHEARTH WASWAS ACCOMPLISHEDACCOMPLISHED, , THETHE HHOLYOLY SSPIRITPIRIT WASWAS SENTSENT

PP HHONON THETHE DAYDAY OFOF PPENTECOSTENTECOST ININ ORDERORDER THATTHAT HHEE MIGHTMIGHTCONTINUALLYCONTINUALLY SANCTIFYSANCTIFY THETHE CCHURCHHURCH, , ANDAND THUSTHUS, , ALLALL THOSETHOSEWHOWHO BELIEVEBELIEVE WOULDWOULD HAVEHAVE ACCESSACCESS THROUGHTHROUGH CCHRISTHRIST ININ ONEONESS FFSSPIRITPIRIT TOTO THETHE FFATHERATHER

Article 2:Article 2:

At the end of time it will gloriously achieve At the end of time it will gloriously achieve completion, when, completion, when, ASAS ISIS READREAD ININ THETHE FFATHERSATHERS, , ALLALLTHETHE JUSTJUST FROMFROM AADAMDAM ANDAND ""FROMFROM AABELBEL THETHE JUSTJUSTTHETHE JUSTJUST, , FROMFROM AADAMDAM ANDAND ""FROMFROM AABELBEL, , THETHE JUSTJUSTONEONE, , TOTO THETHE LASTLAST OFOF THETHE ELECTELECT," ," WILLWILL BEBEGATHEREDGATHERED TOGETHERTOGETHER WITHWITH THETHE FFATHERATHER ININ THETHEGATHEREDGATHERED TOGETHERTOGETHER WITHWITH THETHE FFATHERATHER ININ THETHEUNIVERSALUNIVERSAL CCHURCHHURCH..

A ti l 8A ti l 8Article 8:Article 8:

TTHISHIS CCHURCHHURCH CONSTITUTEDCONSTITUTED ANDAND ORGANIZEDORGANIZED ININ THETHEWORLDWORLD ASAS AA SOCIETYSOCIETY, , SUBSISTSSUBSISTS ININ THETHE CCATHOLICATHOLICCCHURCHHURCH,, which is governed by the successor of Peter which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with and by the Bishops in communion with him, him, ALTHOUGHALTHOUGH MANYMANY ELEMENTSELEMENTS OFOF SANCTIFICATIONSANCTIFICATION ANDANDOFOF TRUTHTRUTH AREARE FOUNDFOUND OUTSIDEOUTSIDE OFOF ITSITS VISIBLEVISIBLEOFOF TRUTHTRUTH AREARE FOUNDFOUND OUTSIDEOUTSIDE OFOF ITSITS VISIBLEVISIBLESTRUCTURESTRUCTURE. . These elements, as gifts belonging to the These elements, as gifts belonging to the Church of Christ, are forces impelling towardChurch of Christ, are forces impelling towardChurch of Christ, are forces impelling toward Church of Christ, are forces impelling toward catholic unitycatholic unity..


All men are called to be part of this catholic unity of All men are called to be part of this catholic unity of the people of God which in promoting universal the people of God which in promoting universal peace presages it.peace presages it. AANDND THERETHERE BELONGBELONG TOTO OROR AREARE

RELATEDRELATED TOTO ITIT ININ VARIOUSVARIOUS WAYSWAYS, , THETHE CCATHOLICATHOLIC

FAITHFULFAITHFUL, , ALLALL WHOWHO BELIEVEBELIEVE ININ CHRIST, AND CHRIST, AND ,, ,,INDEED THE WHOLE OF MANKIND, FOR ALL INDEED THE WHOLE OF MANKIND, FOR ALL MEN ARE CALLED BY THE GRACE OF GOD MEN ARE CALLED BY THE GRACE OF GOD TO SALVATION.TO SALVATION.

Article 14:Article 14:They areThey are FULLYFULLY INCORPORATEDINCORPORATED in the society of thein the society of theThey areThey are FULLYFULLY INCORPORATEDINCORPORATED in the society of the in the society of the Church who…Church who…

Article15:Article15:TT CCTTHEHE CCHURCHHURCH RECOGNIZESRECOGNIZES THATTHAT ININ MANYMANY WAYSWAYS SHESHE

ISIS LINKEDLINKED WITHWITH THOSETHOSE WHOWHO, , BEINGBEING BAPTIZEDBAPTIZED,, are are honored with the name of Christian, though they do honored with the name of Christian, though they do not profess the faith in its entirety or do not preserve not profess the faith in its entirety or do not preserve unity of communion with the successor of unity of communion with the successor of Peter…Peter…Likewise we can sayLikewise we can say THATTHAT ININ SOMESOME REALREAL WAYWAY THEYTHEY

AREARE JOINEDJOINED WITHWITH USUS ININ THETHE HHOLYOLY SSPIRITPIRIT

Article 8:Article 8:While Christ holy innocent andWhile Christ holy innocent and undefiledundefiled knewknewWhile Christ, holy, innocent and While Christ, holy, innocent and undefiled undefiled knew knew nothing of nothing of sin, sin, but came to expiate only the sins of the but came to expiate only the sins of the

ll THETHE CCHURCHHURCH EMBRACINGEMBRACING ININ ITSITS BOSOMBOSOMpeople, people, THETHE CCHURCHHURCH, , EMBRACINGEMBRACING ININ ITSITS BOSOMBOSOM

SINNERSSINNERS, , ATAT THETHE SAMESAME TIMETIME HOLYHOLY ANDAND ALWAYSALWAYS ININ NEEDNEED

OFOF BEINGBEING PURIFIEDPURIFIED, , ALWAYSALWAYS FOLLOWSFOLLOWS THETHE WAYWAY OFOF

PENANCEPENANCE ANDAND RENEWALRENEWAL. . Article15Article15::Mother Church never ceases to pray, hope and work Mother Church never ceases to pray, hope and work that this may come about. She exhorts her children to that this may come about. She exhorts her children to PURIFICATIONPURIFICATION ANDAND RENEWALRENEWAL so that the sign of Christ so that the sign of Christ may shine more brightly over the face of the earthmay shine more brightly over the face of the earth..

Article 10:Article 10:TTHOUGHHOUGH THEYTHEY DIFFERDIFFER FROMFROM ONEONE ANOTHERANOTHER ININTTHOUGHHOUGH THEYTHEY DIFFERDIFFER FROMFROM ONEONE ANOTHERANOTHER ININESSENCEESSENCE ANDAND NOTNOT ONLYONLY ININ DEGREEDEGREE, , THETHE COMMONCOMMONPRIESTHOODPRIESTHOOD OFOF THETHE FAITHFULFAITHFUL ANDAND THETHE MINISTERIALMINISTERIALOROR HIERARCHICALHIERARCHICAL PRIESTHOODPRIESTHOOD AREARE NONETHELESSNONETHELESSINTERRELATEDINTERRELATED: : EACHEACH OFOF THEMTHEM ININ ITSITS OWNOWN SPECIALSPECIALWAYWAY ISIS AA PARTICIPATIONPARTICIPATION ININ THETHE ONEONE PRIESTHOODPRIESTHOOD OFOFCCHRISTHRIST..

Article11:Article11:It isIt is THROUGHTHROUGH THETHE SACRAMENTSSACRAMENTS ANDAND THETHE EXERCISEEXERCISEIt is It is THROUGHTHROUGH THETHE SACRAMENTSSACRAMENTS ANDAND THETHE EXERCISEEXERCISEOFOF THETHE VIRTUESVIRTUES that the sacred nature and organic that the sacred nature and organic structure of the priestly community is brought into structure of the priestly community is brought into operationoperation..

Article 12:Article 12:Th h l l f G d h l i Ch i t'Th h l l f G d h l i Ch i t'The holy people of God shares also in Christ's The holy people of God shares also in Christ's prophetic office; it spreads abroad a living witness to prophetic office; it spreads abroad a living witness to Him, especially by means of a life of faith andHim, especially by means of a life of faith andHim, especially by means of a life of faith and Him, especially by means of a life of faith and charity and by offering to God a sacrifice of praise, charity and by offering to God a sacrifice of praise, the tribute of lips which give praise to His the tribute of lips which give praise to His name. name. TTHEHE ENTIREENTIRE BODYBODY OFOF THETHE FAITHFULFAITHFUL, , ANOINTEDANOINTED ASASTHEYTHEY AREARE BYBY THETHE HHOLYOLY OONENE, , CANNOTCANNOT ERRERR ININ

Th if t thi i lTh if t thi i lMATTERSMATTERS OFOF BELIEFBELIEF. . They manifest this special They manifest this special property by means of the whole peoples'property by means of the whole peoples'SUPERNATURALSUPERNATURAL DISCERNMENTDISCERNMENT ININ MATTERSMATTERS OFOF FAITHFAITHSUPERNATURALSUPERNATURAL DISCERNMENTDISCERNMENT ININ MATTERSMATTERS OFOF FAITHFAITHwhen "from the Bishops down to the last of the lay when "from the Bishops down to the last of the lay faithful" faithful" they they show universal agreement in matters show universal agreement in matters yy ggof faith and moralsof faith and morals..

Article 12:Article 12:Article 12:Article 12:He distributes special graces among the faithful of He distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank. By these gifts He makes them fit and every rank. By these gifts He makes them fit and y y gy y gready to undertake the various tasks and offices ready to undertake the various tasks and offices which contribute toward the renewal and building which contribute toward the renewal and building up of the Church, according to the words of the up of the Church, according to the words of the Apostle: "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to Apostle: "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for profiteveryone for profit"" TTHESEHESE CHARISMSCHARISMS WHETHERWHETHEReveryone for profiteveryone for profit". ". TTHESEHESE CHARISMSCHARISMS, , WHETHERWHETHERTHEYTHEY BEBE THETHE MOREMORE OUTSTANDINGOUTSTANDING OROR THETHE MOREMORESIMPLESIMPLE ANDAND WIDELYWIDELY DIFFUSEDDIFFUSED,, are to be receivedare to be receivedSIMPLESIMPLE ANDAND WIDELYWIDELY DIFFUSEDDIFFUSED,, are to be received are to be received with thanksgiving and consolation for they are with thanksgiving and consolation for they are perfectly suited to and useful for the needs of the perfectly suited to and useful for the needs of the Church.Church.

Article 14:Article 14:Article 14:Article 14:TTHEHE CCHURCHHURCH, , WHICHWHICH THETHE SSPIRITPIRIT GUIDESGUIDES ININ WAYWAY OFOF ALLALLTRUTHTRUTH ANDAND WHICHWHICH HHEE UNIFIEDUNIFIED ININ COMMUNIONCOMMUNION ANDAND ININ WORKSWORKSOFOF MINISTRYMINISTRY, H, HEE BOTHBOTH EQUIPSEQUIPS ANDAND DIRECTSDIRECTS WITHWITHHIERARCHICALHIERARCHICAL ANDAND CHARISMATICCHARISMATIC GIFTSGIFTS ANDAND ADORNSADORNS WITHWITHHHISIS FRUITSFRUITS..HHISIS FRUITSFRUITS..Article Article 30:30:TTHEYHEY ALSOALSO KNOWKNOW THATTHAT THEYTHEY WEREWERE NOTNOT ORDAINEDORDAINED BYBYCCHRISTHRIST TOTO TAKETAKE UPONUPON THEMSELVESTHEMSELVES ALONEALONE THETHE ENTIREENTIRESALVIFICSALVIFIC MISSIONMISSION OFOF THETHE CCHURCHHURCH TOWARDTOWARD THETHE WORLDWORLD. O. ONNTHETHE CONTRARYCONTRARY THEYTHEY UNDERSTANDUNDERSTAND THATTHAT ITIT ISIS THEIRTHEIR NOBLENOBLEDUTYDUTY TOTO SHEPHERDSHEPHERD THETHE FAITHFULFAITHFUL ANDAND TOTO RECOGNIZERECOGNIZE THEIRTHEIRMINISERIESMINISERIES ANDAND CHARISMSCHARISMS,, so that all according to their so that all according to their proper roles may cooperate in this common undertaking withproper roles may cooperate in this common undertaking withproper roles may cooperate in this common undertaking with proper roles may cooperate in this common undertaking with one mindone mind..

Article 14:Article 14:Article 14:Article 14:Basing itself upon Sacred Scripture and Tradition, it teaches Basing itself upon Sacred Scripture and Tradition, it teaches that that THETHE CCHURCHHURCH, , NOWNOW SOJOURNINGSOJOURNING ONON EARTHEARTH ASAS ANAN EXILEEXILE, , ISIS NECESSARYNECESSARY FORFOR SALVATIONSALVATION. . Article 7:Article 7:OONN EARTHEARTH STILLSTILL ASAS PILGRIMSPILGRIMS ININ AA STRANGE LANDSTRANGE LANDOONN EARTHEARTH, , STILLSTILL ASAS PILGRIMSPILGRIMS ININ AA STRANGE LAND, STRANGE LAND, TRACINGTRACING ININ TRIALTRIAL ANDAND ININ OPPRESSIONOPPRESSION THETHE PATHSPATHS HHEE TRODTROD, , WEWE AREARE MADEMADE ONEONE WITHWITH HHISIS SUFFERINGSSUFFERINGS LIKELIKE THETHE BODYBODY ISISONEONE WITHWITH THETHE HHEADEAD, , SUFFERINGSUFFERING WITHWITH HHIMIM, , THATTHAT WITHWITH HHIMIMWEWE MAYMAY BEBE GLORIFIEDGLORIFIED..

Chapter VII:Chapter VII:THE ESCHATOLOGICAL NATURE OF THE PILGRIM THE ESCHATOLOGICAL NATURE OF THE PILGRIM CHURCH AND ITS UNION WITH THE CHURCH INCHURCH AND ITS UNION WITH THE CHURCH INCHURCH AND ITS UNION WITH THE CHURCH IN CHURCH AND ITS UNION WITH THE CHURCH IN HEAVEN HEAVEN

Article 17:Article 17:TTHEHE CCHURCHHURCH HASHAS RECEIVEDRECEIVED THISTHIS SOLEMNSOLEMN MANDATEMANDATE OFOFCCHRISTHRIST TOTO PROCLAIMPROCLAIM THETHE SAVINGSAVING TRUTHTRUTH FROMFROM THETHECCHRISTHRIST TOTO PROCLAIMPROCLAIM THETHE SAVINGSAVING TRUTHTRUTH FROMFROM THETHEAPOSTLESAPOSTLES ANDAND MUSTMUST CARRYCARRY ITIT OUTOUT TOTO THETHE VERYVERY ENDSENDS OFOF THETHEEARTHEARTH..Article 16:Article 16:for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all things, things, and and asas SSAVIORAVIOR WILLSWILLS THATTHAT ALLALL MENMEN BEBE SAVEDSAVED.. TTHOSEHOSE ALSOALSOdd ss SS V OV O W SW S NN S VS V .. OSOS SOSOCANCAN ATTAINATTAIN TO SALVATION WHO THROUGH NO FAULT TO SALVATION WHO THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN DO NOT KNOW THE GOSPEL OF OF THEIR OWN DO NOT KNOW THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST OR HIS CHURCH YET SINCERELY SEEK GODCHRIST OR HIS CHURCH YET SINCERELY SEEK GODCHRIST OR HIS CHURCH, YET SINCERELY SEEK GOD CHRIST OR HIS CHURCH, YET SINCERELY SEEK GOD AND MOVED BY GRACE STRIVE BY THEIR DEEDS TO AND MOVED BY GRACE STRIVE BY THEIR DEEDS TO DO HIS WILL AS IT IS KNOWN TO THEM THROUGH DO HIS WILL AS IT IS KNOWN TO THEM THROUGH THE DICTATES OF CONSCIENCE.THE DICTATES OF CONSCIENCE.

Article 20:Article 20:TTHEREFOREHEREFORE, , THETHE SSACREDACRED CCOUNCILOUNCIL TEACHESTEACHES THATTHAT BISHOPSBISHOPSBYBY DIVINEDIVINE INSTITUTIONINSTITUTION HAVEHAVE SUCCEEDEDSUCCEEDED TOTO THETHE PLACEPLACE OFOFTHETHE APOSTLESAPOSTLES, , ArArticle 21:ticle 21:AANDND THETHE SSACREDACRED CCOUNCILOUNCIL TEACHESTEACHES THATTHAT BYBY EEPISCOPALPISCOPALCONSECRATIONCONSECRATION THETHE FULLNESSFULLNESS OFOF THETHE SACRAMENTSACRAMENT OFOF OORRORDERSORDERS ISIS CONFERREDCONFERRED,,Article 27:Article 27:BBISHOPSISHOPS, , ASAS VICARSVICARS ANDAND AMBASSADORSAMBASSADORS OFOF CCHRISTHRIST, , GOVERNGOVERNTHETHE PARTICULARPARTICULAR CHURCHESCHURCHES ENTRUSTEDENTRUSTED TOTO THEMTHEMArticle Article 26:26:TTHISHIS CCHURCHHURCH OFOF CCHRISTHRIST ISIS TRULYTRULY PRESENTPRESENT ININ ALLALLLEGITIMATELEGITIMATE LOCALLOCAL CONGREGATIONSCONGREGATIONS OFOF THETHE FAITHFULFAITHFULWHICHWHICH, , UNITEDUNITED WITHWITH THEIRTHEIR PASTORSPASTORS, , AREARE THEMSELVESTHEMSELVESCALLEDCALLED CHURCHESCHURCHES ININ THETHE NNEWEW TTESTAMENTESTAMENT. . For in their For in their locality these are the new People called by God, in the Holy locality these are the new People called by God, in the Holy Spirit and in much fullnessSpirit and in much fullness..

Article 22:Article 22:JJUSTUST ASAS ININ THETHE GGOSPELOSPEL THETHE LLORDORD SOSO DISPOSINGDISPOSING SSTT PPETERETERJJUSTUST ASAS ININ THETHE GGOSPELOSPEL, , THETHE LLORDORD SOSO DISPOSINGDISPOSING, S, STT. P. PETERETERANDAND THETHE OTHEROTHER APOSTLESAPOSTLES CONSTITUTECONSTITUTE ONEONE APOSTOLICAPOSTOLICCOLLEGECOLLEGE, , SOSO ININ AA SIMILARSIMILAR WAYWAY THETHE RROMANOMAN PPONTIFFONTIFF, , THETHESUCCESSORSUCCESSOR OFOF PPETERETER, , ANDAND THETHE BISHOPSBISHOPS, , THETHE SUCCESSORSSUCCESSORS OFOFTHETHE APOSTLESAPOSTLES, , AREARE JOINEDJOINED TOGETHERTOGETHER.. Indeed, the very Indeed, the very ancient practice whereby bishops duly established in all partsancient practice whereby bishops duly established in all partsancient practice whereby bishops duly established in all parts ancient practice whereby bishops duly established in all parts of the world were in communion with one another and with of the world were in communion with one another and with the Bishop of Rome in a bond of unity, charity and the Bishop of Rome in a bond of unity, charity and peace (23*) and also the co ncils assembled together (24*) inpeace (23*) and also the co ncils assembled together (24*) inpeace,(23*) and also the councils assembled together,(24*) in peace,(23*) and also the councils assembled together,(24*) in which more profound issues were settled in common, (25*) which more profound issues were settled in common, (25*) the opinion of the many having been prudently the opinion of the many having been prudently considered,(26*) both of these factors are already an considered,(26*) both of these factors are already an indication of the collegiate character and aspect of the indication of the collegiate character and aspect of the Episcopal order; and the ecumenical councils held in theEpiscopal order; and the ecumenical councils held in theEpiscopal order; and the ecumenical councils held in the Episcopal order; and the ecumenical councils held in the course of centuries are also manifest proof of that same course of centuries are also manifest proof of that same character.character.


For then the Roman Pontiff is not pronouncing For then the Roman Pontiff is not pronouncing judgment as a private personjudgment as a private person BUTBUT ASAS THETHE SUPREMESUPREMEjudgment as a private person,judgment as a private person, BUTBUT ASAS THETHE SUPREMESUPREMETEACHERTEACHER OFOF THETHE UNIVERSALUNIVERSAL CCHURCHHURCH, , ININ WHOMWHOM THETHECHARISMCHARISM OFOF INFALLIBILITYINFALLIBILITY OFOF THETHE CCHURCHHURCH ITSELFITSELFCHARISMCHARISM OFOF INFALLIBILITYINFALLIBILITY OFOF THETHE CCHURCHHURCH ITSELFITSELFISIS INDIVIDUALLYINDIVIDUALLY PRESENTPRESENT, , HEHE ISIS EXPOUNDINGEXPOUNDING ORORDEFENDINGDEFENDING AA DOCTRINEDOCTRINE OFOF CATHOLIC CATHOLIC FAITH. FAITH. THE THE INFALLIBILITY PROMISED TO THE INFALLIBILITY PROMISED TO THE CHURCH RESIDES ALSO IN THE BODY OF CHURCH RESIDES ALSO IN THE BODY OF BISHOPS WHEN THAT BODY EXERCISES THEBISHOPS WHEN THAT BODY EXERCISES THEBISHOPS, WHEN THAT BODY EXERCISES THE BISHOPS, WHEN THAT BODY EXERCISES THE SUPREME MAGISTERIUM WITH THE SUPREME MAGISTERIUM WITH THE SUCCESSOR OF PETERSUCCESSOR OF PETERSUCCESSOR OF PETER. SUCCESSOR OF PETER.

Article 25:Article 25:Article 25:Article 25:IINN MATTERSMATTERS OFOF FAITHFAITH ANDAND MORALSMORALS, , THETHE BISHOPSBISHOPSSPEAKSPEAK ININ THETHE NAMENAME OFOF CCHRISTHRIST ANDAND THETHE FAITHFULFAITHFULAREARE TOTO ACCEPTACCEPT THEIRTHEIR TEACHINGTEACHING ANDAND ADHEREADHERE TOTO ITITWITHWITH AA RELIGIOUSRELIGIOUS ASSENTASSENT. T. THISHIS RELIGIOUSRELIGIOUSSUBMISSIONSUBMISSION OFOF MINDMIND ANDAND WILLWILL MUSTMUST BEBE SHOWNSHOWN ININ AASPECIALSPECIAL WAYWAY TOTO THETHE AUTHENTICAUTHENTIC MAGISTERIUMMAGISTERIUM OFOFTHETHE RROMANOMAN PPONTIFFONTIFF even when he is not speakingeven when he is not speakingTHETHE RROMANOMAN PPONTIFFONTIFF,, even when he is not speaking even when he is not speaking ex cathedra; that is, it must be shown in such a way ex cathedra; that is, it must be shown in such a way that his supreme magisterium is acknowledged with that his supreme magisterium is acknowledged with p g gp g greverence, the judgments made by him are sincerely reverence, the judgments made by him are sincerely adhered to, according to his manifest mind and will. adhered to, according to his manifest mind and will.

AA PRELIMINARYPRELIMINARY NOTENOTE OFOF EXPLANATIONEXPLANATION is being given to theis being given to theA A PRELIMINARYPRELIMINARY NOTENOTE OFOF EXPLANATIONEXPLANATION is being given to the is being given to the Council Fathers from higherCouncil Fathers from higher--authority, regarding the authority, regarding the ModiModibearing on Chapter III of the Schema de Ecclesia; the bearing on Chapter III of the Schema de Ecclesia; the doctrine set forth in Chapter III ought to be explained and doctrine set forth in Chapter III ought to be explained and understood in accordance with the meaning and intent of this understood in accordance with the meaning and intent of this explanatory note. explanatory note. p yp y

1) college not meant to suggest a society of equals1) college not meant to suggest a society of equals;;22) ordination confers share in universal teaching and) ordination confers share in universal teaching and22) ordination confers share in universal teaching and ) ordination confers share in universal teaching and governing but cannot be put into action without proper governing but cannot be put into action without proper determination from pope; determination from pope; 33) college is truly a college only if in union with its head, the ) college is truly a college only if in union with its head, the pope; pope; 44) pope can act in supreme authority personally or collegially ) pope can act in supreme authority personally or collegially ) p p p y p y g y) p p p y p y g ybut college only intermittently and if truly but college only intermittently and if truly collegial.collegial.

Article 31:Article 31:TTHEHE TERMTERM LAITYLAITY ISIS HEREHERE UNDERSTOODUNDERSTOOD TOTO MEANMEAN ALLALL THETHEFAITHFULFAITHFUL EXCEPTEXCEPT THOSETHOSE ININ HOLYHOLY ORDERSORDERS ANDAND THOSETHOSE ININ THETHESTATESTATE OFOF RELIGIOUSRELIGIOUS LIFELIFE SPECIALLYSPECIALLY APPROVEDAPPROVED BYBY THETHECHURCH. TCHURCH. THESEHESE FAITHFULFAITHFUL AREARE BY BAPTISM MADE ONE BY BAPTISM MADE ONE BODY WITH CHRIST AND ARE CONSTITUTED AMONGBODY WITH CHRIST AND ARE CONSTITUTED AMONGBODY WITH CHRIST AND ARE CONSTITUTED AMONG BODY WITH CHRIST AND ARE CONSTITUTED AMONG THE PEOPLE OF GOD; THEY ARE IN THEIR OWN WAY THE PEOPLE OF GOD; THEY ARE IN THEIR OWN WAY MADE SHARERS IN THE PRIESTLY, PROPHETICAL, MADE SHARERS IN THE PRIESTLY, PROPHETICAL, AND KINGLY FUNCTIONS OF CHRIST; AND THEY AND KINGLY FUNCTIONS OF CHRIST; AND THEY CARRY OUT FOR THEIR OWN PART THE MISSION CARRY OUT FOR THEIR OWN PART THE MISSION OFOFTHETHE WHOLEWHOLE CCHRISTIANHRISTIAN PEOPLEPEOPLE ININ THETHE CCHURCHHURCH ANDAND ININ THETHEWORLDWORLD..

WHAT SPECIFICALLY CHARACTERIZES THE WHAT SPECIFICALLY CHARACTERIZES THE LAITY IS THEIR SECULAR NATURELAITY IS THEIR SECULAR NATURELAITY IS THEIR SECULAR NATURE. LAITY IS THEIR SECULAR NATURE.

Article 33:Article 33:TTHEHE LAYLAY APOSTOLATEAPOSTOLATE, , HOWEVERHOWEVER, , ISIS AA

PARTICIPATIONPARTICIPATION ININ THETHE SALVIFICSALVIFIC MISSIONMISSION OFOF THETHECC CC SS Th h th i b ti dTh h th i b ti dCCHURCHHURCH ITSELFITSELF. . Through their baptism and Through their baptism and confirmation all are commissioned to that apostolate confirmation all are commissioned to that apostolate by the Lord Himselfby the Lord Himselfby the Lord Himself.by the Lord Himself.

Article 33:Article 33:BBESIDESESIDES THISTHIS APOSTOLATEAPOSTOLATE WHICHWHICH CERTAINLYCERTAINLY

PERTAINSPERTAINS TOTO ALLALL CCHRISTIANSHRISTIANS, , THETHE LAITYLAITY CANCAN ALSOALSOBEBE CALLEDCALLED ININ VARIOUSVARIOUS WAYSWAYS TOTO AA MOREMORE DIRECTDIRECTFORMFORM OFOF COOPERATIONCOOPERATION ININ THETHE APOSTOLATEAPOSTOLATE OFOF THETHEHHIERARCHYIERARCHYHHIERARCHYIERARCHY

Article 36:Article 36:Article 36:Article 36:Further, He has shared this power so that serving Further, He has shared this power so that serving Ch i t i th iCh i t i th i ff ll th i ht b h ilitll th i ht b h ilitChrist in their Christ in their fefellow men they might by humility llow men they might by humility and patience and patience l dl d h i b h h Ki f h ih i b h h Ki f h ilead lead their brethren to that King for whom to serve is their brethren to that King for whom to serve is to reign. to reign. BBUTUT THETHE LLORDORD WISHESWISHES TOTO SPREADSPREAD HHISIS

KINGDOMKINGDOM ALSOALSO BYBY MEANSMEANS OFOF THETHE LAITYLAITY, , NAMELYNAMELY, , AAKINGDOMKINGDOM OFOF TRUTHTRUTH ANDAND LIFELIFE, , AA KINGDOMKINGDOM OFOF

HOLINESSHOLINESS ANDAND GRACEGRACE, , AA KINGDOMKINGDOM OFOF JUSTICEJUSTICE, , LOVELOVE

ANDAND PEACEPEACE

Article 37:Article 37:TTHEHE LAITYLAITY HAVEHAVE THETHE RIGHTRIGHT, , ASAS DODO ALLALL CCHRISTIANSHRISTIANS, , TOTO RECEIVERECEIVE ININ ABUNDANCEABUNDANCE FROMFROM THEIRTHEIR SPIRITUALSPIRITUALSHEPHERDSSHEPHERDS THETHE SPIRITUALSPIRITUAL GOODSGOODS OFOF THETHE CCHURCHHURCHSHEPHERDSSHEPHERDS THETHE SPIRITUALSPIRITUAL GOODSGOODS OFOF THETHE CCHURCHHURCH, , ESPECIALLYESPECIALLY THETHE ASSISTANCEASSISTANCE OFOF THETHE WORDWORD OFOF GGODODANDAND OFOF THETHE SACRAMENTSSACRAMENTS They should openly revealThey should openly revealANDAND OFOF THETHE SACRAMENTSSACRAMENTS They should openly reveal They should openly reveal to them their needs and desires with that freedom to them their needs and desires with that freedom and confidence which is fitting for children of God and confidence which is fitting for children of God and brothers in Christ.and brothers in Christ. TTHEYHEY AREARE, , BYBY REASONREASON OFOFTHETHE KNOWLEDGEKNOWLEDGE, , COMPETENCECOMPETENCE OROR OUTSTANDINGOUTSTANDINGABILITYABILITY WHICHWHICH THEYTHEY MAYMAY ENJOYENJOY PERMITTEDPERMITTED ANDANDABILITYABILITY WHICHWHICH THEYTHEY MAYMAY ENJOYENJOY, , PERMITTEDPERMITTED ANDANDSOMETIMESSOMETIMES EVENEVEN OBLIGEDOBLIGED TOTO EXPRESSEXPRESS THEIRTHEIROPINIONOPINION ONON THOSETHOSE THINGSTHINGS WHICHWHICH CONCERNCONCERN THETHEOPINIONOPINION ONON THOSETHOSE THINGSTHINGS WHICHWHICH CONCERNCONCERN THETHEGOODGOOD OFOF THETHE CCHURCHHURCH

Article 11:Article 11:TT I iI iTTHEHE FAMILYFAMILY ISIS, , SOSO TOTO SPEAKSPEAK, , THETHE DOMESTICDOMESTIC CHURCHCHURCH.. In it In it parents should, by their word and example, be the first parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children; they should preachers of the faith to their children; they should p ; yp ; yencourage them in the vocation which is proper to each of encourage them in the vocation which is proper to each of them, fostering with special care vocation to a sacred state.them, fostering with special care vocation to a sacred state.ArticleArticle 34:34:Article Article 34:34:FFOROR ALLALL THEIRTHEIR WORKSWORKS, , PRAYERSPRAYERS ANDAND APOSTOLICAPOSTOLIC ENDEAVORSENDEAVORS, , THEIRTHEIR ORDINARYORDINARY MARRIEDMARRIED ANDAND FAMILYFAMILY LIFELIFE, , THEIRTHEIR DAILYDAILYOCCUPATIONSOCCUPATIONS, , THEIRTHEIR PHYSICALPHYSICAL ANDAND MENTALMENTAL RELAXATIONRELAXATION, , IFIFCARRIEDCARRIED OUTOUT ININ THETHE SSPIRITPIRIT, , ANDAND EVENEVEN THETHE HARDSHIPSHARDSHIPS OFOFLIFELIFE, , IFIF PATIENTLYPATIENTLY BORNEBORNE——ALLALL THESETHESE BECOMEBECOME ""SPIRITUALSPIRITUALSACRIFICESSACRIFICES ACCEPTABLEACCEPTABLE TOTO GGODOD THROUGHTHROUGH JJESUSESUSCCHRISTHRIST".(199) T".(199) TOGETHEROGETHER WITHWITH THETHE OFFERINGOFFERING OFOF THETHELLORDORD''SS BODYBODY THEYTHEY AREARE MOSTMOST FITTINGLYFITTINGLY OFFEREDOFFERED ININ THETHELLORDORD SS BODYBODY, , THEYTHEY AREARE MOSTMOST FITTINGLYFITTINGLY OFFEREDOFFERED ININ THETHECELEBRATIONCELEBRATION OFOF THETHE EEUCHARISTUCHARIST. .

CHAPTER CHAPTER V: THE V: THE UNIVERSAL CALL UNIVERSAL CALL TO HOLINESS IN TO HOLINESS IN THE CHURCH THE CHURCH

Article Article 39:39:TTHEHE CCHURCHHURCH, , whose mystery is being set forth by this Sacred whose mystery is being set forth by this Sacred Synod,Synod, ISIS BELIEVEDBELIEVED TOTO BEBE INDEFECTIBLYINDEFECTIBLY HOLYHOLY.. Indeed Christ, Indeed Christ, the Son of God, who with the Father and the Spirit is praised the Son of God, who with the Father and the Spirit is praised as "uniquely holy," as "uniquely holy," loved loved the Church as His bride, delivering the Church as His bride, delivering Himself up for her. He did this that He might sanctify herHimself up for her. He did this that He might sanctify her..HHEE UNITEDUNITED HERHER TOTO HHIMSELFIMSELF ASAS HHISIS OWNOWN BODYBODY ANDAND BROUGHTBROUGHT

ITIT TOTO PERFECTIONPERFECTION BYBY THETHE GIFTGIFT OFOF THETHE HHOLYOLY SSPIRITPIRIT FORFORITIT TOTO PERFECTIONPERFECTION BYBY THETHE GIFTGIFT OFOF THETHE HHOLYOLY SSPIRITPIRIT FORFOR

GGODOD''SS GLORYGLORY. . Therefore in the Church, Therefore in the Church, EVERYONEEVERYONE WHETHERWHETHER

BELONGINGBELONGING TOTO THETHE HIERARCHYHIERARCHY, , OROR BEINGBEING CAREDCARED FORFOR BYBY ITIT, , ,, ,,ISIS CALLEDCALLED TOTO HOLINESSHOLINESS,,

Article 42:Article 42:FFOROR CHARITYCHARITY, , ASAS THETHE BONDBOND OFOF PERFECTIONPERFECTION ANDAND THETHE

FULLNESSFULLNESS OFOF THETHE LAWLAW, , RULESRULES OVEROVER ALLALL THETHE MEANSMEANS

OFOF ATTAININGATTAINING HOLINESSHOLINESS ANDAND GIVESGIVES LIFELIFE TOTO THESETHESE

SAMESAME MEANSMEANS. . It is charity which guides us to our It is charity which guides us to our y gy gfinal end. It is the love of God and the love of one's final end. It is the love of God and the love of one's neighborneighbor ……neighbor neighbor ……

Article 42:Article 42:Article 42:Article 42:TTHEHE CCHURCHHURCH, , THENTHEN, , CONSIDERSCONSIDERS MARTYRDOMMARTYRDOM ASAS ANANEXCEPTIONALEXCEPTIONAL GIFTGIFT ANDAND ASAS THETHE FULLESTFULLEST PROOFPROOF OFOFLOVELOVE. By martyrdom a disciple is transformed into . By martyrdom a disciple is transformed into an image of his Master by freely accepting death for an image of his Master by freely accepting death for the salvation of the worldthe salvation of the world——as well as his conformity as well as his conformity to Christ in the shedding of his to Christ in the shedding of his blood….blood….

LLIKEWISEIKEWISE THETHE HOLINESSHOLINESS OFOF THETHE CCHURCHHURCH ISISLLIKEWISEIKEWISE, , THETHE HOLINESSHOLINESS OFOF THETHE CCHURCHHURCH ISISFOSTEREDFOSTERED ININ AA SPECIALSPECIAL WAYWAY BYBY THETHE OBSERVANCEOBSERVANCE OFOFTHETHE COUNSELSCOUNSELS PROPOSEDPROPOSED ININ THETHE GGOSPELOSPEL BYBY OOURURTHETHE COUNSELSCOUNSELS PROPOSEDPROPOSED ININ THETHE GGOSPELOSPEL BYBY OOURURLLORDORD TOTO HHISIS DISCIPLESDISCIPLES.(13*) A.(13*) ANN EMINENTEMINENT POSITIONPOSITIONAMONGAMONG THESETHESE ISIS HELDHELD BYBY VIRGINITYVIRGINITY OROR THETHECELIBATECELIBATE STATESTATE

Article 42:Article 42:LLLLETET NEITHERNEITHER THETHE USEUSE OFOF THETHE THINGSTHINGS OFOF THISTHIS WORLDWORLD NORNORATTACHMENTATTACHMENT TOTO RICHESRICHES, , WHICHWHICH ISIS AGAINSTAGAINST THETHE SPIRITSPIRIT OFOFEVANGELICALEVANGELICAL POVERTYPOVERTY, , HINDERHINDER THEMTHEM ININ THEIRTHEIR QUESTQUEST FORFOR,,PERFECTPERFECT LOVELOVE. . Let them heed the admonition of the Apostle Let them heed the admonition of the Apostle to those who use this world; let them not come to terms with to those who use this world; let them not come to terms with this world; for this world as we see it is passingthis world; for this world as we see it is passing awayawaythis world; for this world, as we see it, is passing this world; for this world, as we see it, is passing awayaway

Article 39:Article 39:(( ))ININ AA VERYVERY SPECIALSPECIAL WAYWAY THISTHIS ((HOLINESSHOLINESS) ) APPEARSAPPEARS ININ THETHE

PRACTICEPRACTICE OFOF THETHE COUNSELSCOUNSELS, , CUSTOMARILYCUSTOMARILY CALLEDCALLED""EVANGELICALEVANGELICAL." ." This practice of the counsels, under the This practice of the counsels, under the ppimpulsion of the Holy Spirit, undertaken by many Christians, impulsion of the Holy Spirit, undertaken by many Christians, either privately or in a Churcheither privately or in a Church--approved condition or state of approved condition or state of life gives and must give in the world an outstanding witnesslife gives and must give in the world an outstanding witnesslife, gives and must give in the world an outstanding witness life, gives and must give in the world an outstanding witness and example of this same holiness.and example of this same holiness.

PART FOUR: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PART FOUR: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LUMEN LUMEN GENTIUMGENTIUM:: AFFIRMING THE AFFIRMING THE TRADITION AND OPENING SPACE FOR TRADITION AND OPENING SPACE FOR POSSIBLE FUTURESPOSSIBLE FUTURES

Opening space for the kingdom of GodOpening space for the kingdom of God----the Church is not the kingdom of Godthe Church is not the kingdom of Godgg----seeing the Church as a sacrament before talking seeing the Church as a sacrament before talking about the various sacraments the Church celebratesabout the various sacraments the Church celebrates

----classical sacramental theologyclassical sacramental theology----sacramentumsacramentum tantumtantum----res et res et sacramentumsacramentum----res res tantumtantum


Opening space for the fundamental importance of Opening space for the fundamental importance of baptismal baptismal identityidentity

----11stst millennium importance of baptismal identity over millennium importance of baptismal identity over against the “pagan world”: “Where do you stand against the “pagan world”: “Where do you stand visvis--aa--visvisth ld?”th ld?”the world?”the world?”

----22ndnd millennium importance of Orders as defining: “Where millennium importance of Orders as defining: “Where d t d ithi th Ch h?”d t d ithi th Ch h?”do you stand within the Church?”do you stand within the Church?”

----grappling more deeply with the call to holiness and what grappling more deeply with the call to holiness and what th tth tthat meansthat means

AARTICLERTICLE 32:32:

St. Augustine puts this very beautifully when St. Augustine puts this very beautifully when hh "Wh t I f t ifi h t I"Wh t I f t ifi h t Ihe says: he says: "What I am for you terrifies me; what I "What I am for you terrifies me; what I am with you consoles me. For you I am a bishop; am with you consoles me. For you I am a bishop; b i h I Ch i i Th f ib i h I Ch i i Th f ibut with you I am a Christian. The former is a but with you I am a Christian. The former is a duty; the latter a grace. The former is a danger; duty; the latter a grace. The former is a danger; the latter, salvation" the latter, salvation"


Opening space for Opening space for a model a model ecclesiology of ecclesiology of communioncommunion

----11stst millennium understanding of millennium understanding of communiocommunio

----appreciating the universal nature of the local Churchappreciating the universal nature of the local Church

----collegiality and the unresolved tensions of jurisdictioncollegiality and the unresolved tensions of jurisdictioncollegiality and the unresolved tensions of jurisdictioncollegiality and the unresolved tensions of jurisdiction

----using using communiocommunio model within our dioceses, parishes, model within our dioceses, parishes, and ministriesand ministriesand ministriesand ministries


Opening space for a fully catholic Opening space for a fully catholic ChurchChurch

----one Church of Jesus Christ means what in our one Church of Jesus Christ means what in our relationship to:relationship to:

each other in the Catholic Church even thoseeach other in the Catholic Church even those----each other in the Catholic Church, even those each other in the Catholic Church, even those whose life situations we do not agree with?whose life situations we do not agree with?----other Christians?other Christians?----other faiths? Jewish? Muslim? other faiths? Jewish? Muslim? ----nonnon--believers?believers?

Keeping Open Possible Futures Given Keeping Open Possible Futures Given to Us by Lumen to Us by Lumen GentiumGentium::

1) Embrace 1) Embrace the journey toward the the journey toward the kingdomkingdom : : keeping open possibility for surprisekeeping open possibility for surprisekeeping open possibility for surprisekeeping open possibility for surprise

2) Remember and honor your baptismal 2) Remember and honor your baptismal identity:identity:k i ibilit f i ik i ibilit f i ikeeping open possibility for ongoing conversionkeeping open possibility for ongoing conversion

3) Intentionally practice 3) Intentionally practice communiocommunio ::keeping open possibility for full participationkeeping open possibility for full participation

44) Cherish fellow travelers along the) Cherish fellow travelers along the way:way:44) Cherish fellow travelers along the ) Cherish fellow travelers along the way:way:keeping open the possibility for solidaritykeeping open the possibility for solidarity

It helps, now and then, to step It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view Theback and take a long view Theback and take a long view. The back and take a long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is beyond our vision. Weefforts, it is beyond our vision. Weefforts, it is beyond our vision. We efforts, it is beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise fraction of the magnificent enterprise g pg pthat is the Lord’s [God’s] work. that is the Lord’s [God’s] work.

Nothing we do is complete, Nothing we do is complete, o g do s o p ,o g do s o p ,which is a way of saying that the which is a way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No kingdom always lies beyond us. No sermon [statement] says all that sermon [statement] says all that could be said. No prayer fully could be said. No prayer fully

f ith N f if ith N f iexpresses our faith. No confession expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness No programbrings wholeness No programbrings wholeness. No program brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church's mission. accomplishes the church's mission. No set of goals and objectivesNo set of goals and objectivesNo set of goals and objectives No set of goals and objectives includes everything.includes everything.

This is what we are about. This is what we are about. We plant [the] seeds that one dayWe plant [the] seeds that one dayWe plant [the] seeds that one day We plant [the] seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold planted, knowing that they hold p , g yp , g yfuture promise. We lay foundations future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. that will need further development. W id h d fW id h d fWe provide yeast that produces far We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything, and there We cannot do everything, and there y g,y g,is a sense of liberation in realizing that. is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to This enables us to do something, and to do it very [very] well It may bedo it very [very] well It may bedo it very, [very] well. It may be do it very, [very] well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the along the way, an opportunity for the g y, pp yg y, pp yLord's grace to enter and do the rest. Lord's grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between thethat is the difference between thethat is the difference between the that is the difference between the Master Builder and the worker. We are Master Builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, workers, not master builders; ministers, , ; ,, ; ,not messiahs. We are not messiahs. We are prophets prophets of a of a future not our ownfuture not our own..

----Cardinal JohnCardinal John DeardenDearden----Cardinal John Cardinal John DeardenDearden, , Homily for Deceased Clergy, October 1979Homily for Deceased Clergy, October 1979

The So-Called “Romero Prayer” [which really should be called the “Dearden Prayer” adapted from homily by Cardinal John Dearden, Archbishop of Detroit (1958-1980), for Mass for Deceased Priests, October 25, 1979 (his last time presiding at this yearly Mass before resigning and entering senior bishop status); prepared by Ken Untener, priest of the archdiocese, later bishop of Saginaw (1980-2004). The parts that were taken out and made into the so-called ‘Romero prayer’ are highlighted in bold, with the original words from Cardinal Dearden and the changes in brackets.]

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:4-11 Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33 When we look back on the life of a bishop such as Cardinal Mooney, and the lives of priests such as we are commemorating today, it is natural to think of all the things they did—the plans and programs they implemented, the hours and hours of dedicated pastoral work, the countless Masses, baptisms, marriages, the broken lives they helped to heal, the buildings they built… That is as it should be, for our predecessors labored long and hard in the Lord’s vineyard. They fought the good fight. They ran the race with energy and zeal, and we can look back with admiration and thanksgiving. Today, I would like to look at it from a different perspective. I would like to reflect, instead, on all the things they didn’t do. At first that may sound strange, even a bit irreverent. But it is not meant to be so. Quite the opposite. It is meant to be very, very reverent. It is meant to remind us that what they were doing—and what we are doing—is so great, so sacred, that it could never be accomplished in a lifetime. We are about the Lord’s work, not our own. It is the Lord who builds the house, not ourselves. We are sowers of seeds, not reapers of the harvest. We preach the Kingdom begun, not the Kingdom accomplished. It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is the Lord’s [God’s] work. What all this comes down to is the realization that everything we do is incomplete. And we have to approach it that way, with humility, a sense of mystery, a profound reverence. That is not always an easy thing to do. There is something in each of us that makes us want to do a complete job and call it our own. We are driven toward wholeness. We want to experience the fulfillment of rounding things off nicely. We want to finish them, settle things before moving on to our next task. It can’t be done. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No sermon [statement] says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church's mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything. In our first reading we heard Paul speak of planting a seed, watering it, and then acknowledging that the Lord gives the growth. He spoke also of laying a foundation upon which someone else would build. Then in the Gospel we heard Jesus speak of a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, that one day develops into the largest of plants. He spoke of a tiny portion of yeast that eventually affects a large mass of dough.

This is what we are about. We plant [the] seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities. The priest who has this perspective has the key to happiness and holiness. He can be happy, because he doesn’t need success measured in this world’s terms—and we seldom have success in those terms. He can be holy because he accepts the Lord’s most basic formula for holiness: becoming like a little child, realizing that without the Lord we can do nothing, realizing that He is the vine, we are the branches. To say that what we do is incomplete is not to say that what we do is unimportant. It becomes even more important, because it is part of something greater than meets the eye. It is as important as planting is to the harvest…as a foundation to a skyscraper. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very, [very] well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the Master Builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own. We celebrate this in every Eucharist. We hold in our hands the mystery of the “already” and the “not yet.” That is why, as so many spiritual writers have noted, priests invariably make the Eucharist the center of their spiritual life. Amid all the tasks and worries and hopes and dreams that are so incomplete, we celebrate the coming of Him Who is the Alpha and the Omega, the King of the universe. Everything comes together when we hold the Eucharist before our people and say, “Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours Almighty Father, forever and ever. Amen.” These are the reflections that come to mind when we look back on the lives of the priests who came before us. The incompleteness of their work reminds us of the incompleteness of our own. At the same time, the value of what they did reminds us of the value of our own work, and of the care and the reverence that must attend each and everything we do. I might also say that these are the reflections that come to mind when you are an old priest who just celebrated his 72nd birthday. They have been a source of strength and peace to me every day of my priesthood, and that is why I wanted to share them with you. The prayer of Simeon has always meant a great deal to me. It is not an accident that the Church places that prayer on our lips at the end of each day. No matter how incomplete our efforts may have been, despite our limitations, despite our failures, we can say with much peace and much fulfillment: “Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace; you have fulfilled your word. For my eyes have witnessed your saving deed displayed for all the peoples to see: a revealing light to the Gentiles, the glory of your people Israel.” We can say that every night. And Cardinal Mooney and the priests of this diocese could say it when they died. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” [AMEN].

talk on lumen gentium 9-22-12

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