Carrubbers
Christian Centre
A religion characterised by its uniform, highly developed doctrinal and organizational structure, the Roman Catholic Church traces its own history to the Apostles and Jesus Christ in the 1st century ad. Along with Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism, it represents one of the three major branches of what is usually termed Christianity.
Roman Catholic teaching comes from a number of different sources: the Bible, writings of the church fathers, pontifical pronouncements (bulls, encyclicals and discourses), canon law and the church synods and councils.
Over the last two millennia, the doctrinal situation has developed with fits and starts. However, the authority of the ecclesiastical hierarchy has remained central to the Roman Catholic mindset. Followers of Roman Catholicism are expected to adhere to what the church teaches since interpretation of all the above sources remains officially under the auspices of the church leaders.
Apostolic succession is an interpretation of scripture which provides hierarchical and spiritual validation for the church and its figurehead the pope. As Cardinal Newman declared, 'Christ gave His Spirit to the Apostles; they, in turn laid their hands on those who should succeed them and these again on others, and so the sacred gift has been handed down to our present bishops.'
Hence the notion of papal authority: 'For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ namely, and as pastor of the entire church, has full supreme and universal power over the whole church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered' [883]. This authority is centralised geographically at Vatican City, Rome. In 1870, papal infallibility in matters ecclesial was assumed. 'The Roman Pontiff ... enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful ... he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals ... this infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself.' [891]
In Roman Catholic theology, sacraments correctly administered are outward signs that produce inner grace, effecting an encounter with the mysterious, that is to say the saving act of Christ. Since the 11th century, there have been seven.
Baptism achieves spiritual regeneration, '... the two principal effects are purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.' [1262].
Confirmation '... gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation ...' [1316]
Mass (or Eucharist) is central to Roman Catholic liturgical life as '... the source and summit of the Christian's life' [1324] and therefore deserves special treatment. Transubstantiation is defined as the change of the substance of bread and wine into the substance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
'We carry out this command of the Lord by celebrating the memorial of his sacrifice. In so doing, we offer to the Father what he has himself given us: the gifts of his creation, bread and wine which, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the words of Christ, have become the body and blood of Christ. Christ is thus really and mysteriously made present.' [1357]
Sin causes a rupture in man's relationship with God. '... forgiveness and reconciliation with the church ... are expressed and accomplished liturgically by the sacrament of penance' [1440]. 'The sacrament of Penance is a whole consisting in three actions of the penitent and the priest's absolution. The penitent's acts are repentance, confession or disclosure of sins to the priest, and the intention to make reparation and do works of reparation.' [1491]
Anointing the (gravely) sick with oil, or extreme unction, is usually administered to someone close to death. This effects amongst other things, the forgiveness of sins and prepares the recipient for '... passing over to eternal life.' [1532]
Holy Orders (deacon, priest, bishop etc.) are positions of authority in the church which give the candidate the power to administer the sacraments. These effect a reinforcement of the church hierarchy and authority. 'As successors of the apostles and members of the college, the bishops share in the apostolic responsibility and mission of the whole Church under the authority of the Pope, successor of St. Peter.' [1594]
Marriage '... signifies the union of Christ and the Church ... the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses ...' [1661]. As a sacrament, the Roman Catholic Church claims complete jurisdiction over the marriages of its members.
For the practising Roman Catholic, observing certain rituals is a key ingredient for the spiritual life. The rosary is a string of beads which reminds the worshipper to perform prayers to God and Mary. Crucifixes and the sign of the cross provide spiritual comfort and protection.
Worshippers are encouraged to honour and venerate images of saints, Mary especially. Prayers for the dead appear sometimes as the more elaborate and formal Requiem Mass. Pilgrimages to the 'eternal city' Rome are also of deep significance, a spiritual haven for the faithful.
In rendering services to the church, the believer can be rewarded with indulgences from the Pope or priests, a relaxation of punishment for sin. Since the Pope is thought to have control over people's spiritual destinies, an indulgence ensures the believer of spiritual safety.
The Roman Catholic understanding of the intercession of the saints, Mary in particular, is an extension of the belief in the communion of saints. This veneration is encouraged: '... the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things ... The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians:
In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death' [966]
'... the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.' [969]
Indeed, in the common mind there is also a veneration of physical remains of the saints, which can be seen at most major Catholic cathedrals. (Hmmm. I myself have seen with my very eyes the hand of St Stephen (in St Stephen's Cathedral, Budapest), a piece of the tablecloth from the last supper, a nail from the cross (all in the Cathedral Vault in Vienna) and (was it the gall bladder?) of St Thaddeus among other things. These relics have caused some embarrassment to the church in recent years - Ed.)
Roman Catholicism has been an important force within European life and history, in the political, social, educational and cultural arenas. With the expansion of European life and culture, the influence of this religion has likewise spread. True to its name, Roman Catholicism has to a large extent achieved catholicity.
Numbers in brackets refer to the article paragraph in the 1994 edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and represent the location of the quote.
