Confirmation - 2016 The Church in Changing Times I-2
Saint(s) of the week Saint Peter & Paul Two different Backgrounds Two different visions of the Church Yet two pillars of the same shared Faith
Peter B: circa 1AD D: 64/67 AD First among the Apostles First Bishop of Rome Paul B: circa 1AD Apostle to Gentiles (non-jews) Contemporary of Jesus Follower from the beginning of Jesus' ministry ministry. Jew from Greek city of Tarsus, but Citizen of Rome Merchant, Tent Manufacturer Early persecutor of Christians. Fisherman by Trade. Saw Church through the lens of Judaism. Tried to settle disputes with Paul Over application of Jewish Law at Council of Jerusalem. Martyred in Rome by Crucifixion upside down. FEAST DAY-29 June Though contemporary of Jesus, did not encounter Jesus during Jesus' lifetime. D: 64/67 AD Converted by dramatic encounter with (vision of) Risen Jesus. Saw Church as universal, transcending Judaism. Rejected application of Jewish Law (Circumcision, Kosher etc.) Martyred just outside Rome by beheading. FEAST DAY: 29 June
When I think of the Catholic Church, what comes to mind?
A Building? A set of Rules? The Pope? Sermons Preachers? Missionaries? Comfort? Stress? Guilt??
What am I expecting from the Catholic Church?
Answers? Guidelines for how to live? What is the meaning of Life? Why am I here? List of Do's and Don'ts? List of Sins? Comfort? In time of Sorrow? In time of need?
What am I expecting from the RCIA Program? Why am I here tonight?
1st Big Word for the Night: Paradigm The way each of us perceives, understands, and interprets the surrounding world. Our paradigm of the world and the Church is influenced by each of our unique backgrounds and experiences.
Paradox of Paradigm On the one hand Our unique perspectives & experience allows each of us to bring unique perceptions to the discourse: On Church issues, as well as, In the the RCIA Class On the other hand We are often locked into our own paradigm Unable to perceive the value of others' perspectives
Pope Francis' vision of the Church is different from Pope Benedict's. Pope Benedict's vision was different from Saint John Paul II's
Paradigms of the Church Institution (Organization) Herald (Missionaries) Servant (Consoler) Communion of Saints (Community) Sacrament
Saint John Paul II: Pope Benedict: Matured during the Cold War, under totalitarian communism Viewed the Church as a moral & social force to overcome oppression An academic, viewed the Church from the perspective of unified theological structure Pope Francis: The first Post-Vatican II educated Pope Views the Church as an medicine for those needing spiritual healing
Different Paradigms of the Church Each valid Each incomplete An Institution (Organization) A Herald to the World (on a mission to convert) A Community called to Service of others The Communion of Saints (A theological view of the Community of Believers) A Sacrament (a means & opportunity to experience the presence of God)
Institutional Paradigm
Herald (Missionary) Paradigm
Servant Paradigm
Communion of Saints Paradigm
Sacrament Paradigm
For purposes of the RCIA journey: Think of Church as Sacrament
2nd Big Word for the night: Sacrament Experiencing the presence (goodness) of God in our lives
Institutional Paradigm Focus: Stability, Uniformity and Continuity Sacramental Paradigm Focus: Experiencing God Hierarchy & Position Discerning the Voice of the Holy Spirit Tangible Structure Spiritual Growth Grace Emphasis: Obedience Rules & Policies Emphasis: Introspection, Conversion, Rituals & Symbols
What it means to be a Christian One who Enjoys the Presence of the Triune God Follower of Jesus Christ. A person who believes that Christ died, and resurrected to cleanse us of our sins. Somebody who has been baptized. Somebody who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. A person who follows the moral code of Christ. One who experiences Salvation & Forgiveness Not all Christians are Catholic, but all Catholics are Christian.
What distinguishes a Catholic Central Belief: Central Action: Jesus the Christ Died and Rose again as an act of forgiveness. God Forgives our sins. Participation in community worship. The Eucharist / Mass The Sacraments Central Way of Life: Continual Conversion. Introspection of our actions and inactions with goal of change toward higher morality.