The Second Vatican Council Flashcards
Catholic Christianity - Sources of wisdom and authority
what is Laity?
all the people of the Church who aren’t chosen to be bishops, priests or deacons
what is Common priesthood?
all the baptised who follow Christ and serve him
what is Sacramental priesthood?
the ordained priests who lead and celebrate Mass and the sacraments
what is Separated brethren?
non-catholic Christians
what is Vernacular?
the language of the people
what is the Second Vatican Council for?
- bring the Church up to date
- open the Church to ‘the wind of the Holy Spirit’
- bring the leadership of the Church closer to the people
how did the Sacred Council propose changes to worship?
- there was to be a new rite of the Mass in the language of the local people
- the laity were to be allowed to do parts of the Bible readings and lead bidding prayers
- priests could face the people during Mass
how did the Light of Humanity propose changes to worship?
- the ordained priesthood is taken from the common priesthood to celebrate the sacraments
- every Christian is called to serve Christ and all the baptised are part of the priesthood
- rather than the Pope descending down onto others, the Church is a circle but with the Pope and bishops leading and holding things together
how is ‘joy and hope’ addressed to the world?
- affirmed the human rights and dignity of each person
- expressed concern over morals and values in the changing world
- claimed that peace and justice are necessary for all, whatever belief
what does ‘The Word of God’ say?
- the Bible should be read by Catholics in their own language
- Catholics should read the Bible and apply its teachings to their lives
what did the Council declare?
- Catholics should pray with other Christians to work for greater unity
- Communion shouldn’t be shared without a greater unity in the faith
- Protestants and other Christians should be known as separated brethren
what are the different understandings of the importance of the Council?
- many Catholics saw the council as a relief and encouragement as the Church listened to the people and opened up to the modern world
- some thought the reforms of the Vatican went too far and wanted to keep aspects
what is a Source of wisdom for the Second Vatican Council?
the documents produced by Vatican 2 carry the authority of the Church
