Characteristics of the Church

Jeffrey M. MayorSt. Paul University Quezon City

Quezon City, Philippines

The Church as ONE

The Church as One

• The is one from her very source, the one living God in three Persons. “The Church shines forth as ‘a people made one with in the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’” (LG 4)• Sacred Scripture: Eph. 4:4-6

• Church Unity as a task• Ecumenism is concerned with

restoring unity of the Christian Churches. • Inter- religious dialogue • Ecumenical unity transcends human

abilities grounded in the prayer of Christ for the Church.

The Church as ONE

The Church as HOLY

The Church as HOLY• Christ loved the Church as his bride

and gave himself up for her, to make holy.• The Holy Spirit graces her with the

fullness of the means of salvation and holiness.• The Church’s holiness is a process for

growing, a “Paschal Pilgrimage”.

• Sacred Scripture: Eph. 4: 22-24• …justice and holiness are born in truth • We all need God’s mercy continuously

and must daily pray: “Forgive us our sins’” (LG 40)• In 1 Thes. 4:3 All baptized are called to

live the full challenge of Christian holiness. • Charity and Love is the center of

holiness.

The Church as HOLY

The Church as CATHOLIC

The Church as CATHOLIC• Catholic means universal, complete,

all-embracing. • The Church is world-wide, sent to all

the peoples and by faith endowed with the “fullness of the means for salvation”.• “Catholicity” external and internal

• The Church as Catholic is both gift and task which involves mission and inculturation. • The Catholicity of the Church is

more fully realized when its able to assimilate and use the riches of a people’s culture for the glory of God.

The Church as CATHOLIC

The Church as APOSTOLIC

The Church as APOSTOLIC

• The Church is “Apostolic” based on the Foundation of the Apostles (Eph. 2:20)• APOSTOLATE, The work of all the

faithful who carry on the original mission entrusted by Christ to his Apostle.

The Church as APOSTOLIC

MISSION AND MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH • Christ founded his Church to

continue his saving mission on earth• Mark presents mission as

proclaiming the Gospel to lead others to the faith.• Matthew’s mission stresses the

teachings of the Christian community- the Church

• Luke emphasizes the Gospel’s transforming power to work conversion to God’s merciful love and liberation from the root of all evil.• In John’s Gospel sends forth his

disciples on mission, just as the Father sent him.

• Mission is at the center of Church’s being, the whole Church is missionary. • “…All are called to mission… -all

without exception… -are called to evangelize” (PCP II 402)

MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH