The Magisterium

Question 1

What is the Magisterium?

Answer 1

The teaching authority of the Church, exercised by the bishops in communion with the Pope.

Question 2

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the Magisterium?

Answer 2

The Holy Spirit grants grace to interpret scriptures and tradition faithfully.

Question 3

Who leads the Catholic Church?

Answer 3

The Pope.

Question 4

What is the significance of the Pope being the successor of St. Peter?

Answer 4

The Pope continues the same role that Peter had, and Jesus’ words to Peter apply to him.

Question 5

What is the primary function of Cardinals in the Catholic Church?

Answer 5

To elect a new Pope.

Question 6

Who are Archbishops?

Answer 6

Senior bishops.

Question 7

What is the responsibility of Bishops?

Answer 7

To oversee a diocese and all the priests within it.

Question 8

What sacrament do Bishops administer?

Answer 8

The sacrament of Holy Orders.

Question 9

What is the role of Priests in the Catholic Church?

Answer 9

To provide spiritual care for a parish and celebrate the sacraments.

Question 10

What are religious orders that some Priests may belong to?

Answer 10

Examples include Jesuits and Benedictines.

Question 11

Who is considered the Laity in the Catholic Church?

Answer 11

The body of the faithful who are not clergy.

Question 12

What does the Latin word ‘magisterium’ mean?

Answer 12

‘Teaching authority.’

Question 13

What is the responsibility of the Pope and bishops regarding Church teachings?

Answer 13

To safeguard the Church’s teaching on behalf of everyone.

Question 14

What authority do the Pope and bishops have?

Answer 14

To make decisions and statements about faith and morality.

Question 15

What types of issues can the Magisterium address?

Answer 15

Issues not mentioned in the Bible, such as same-sex partnerships, contraception, ecology, and nuclear weapons.

Question 16

What belief do Catholics hold about the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Answer 16

It guides the Pope and bishops in their decisions.

Question 17

What does it mean for the Pope to be infallible?

Answer 17

He cannot make a mistake when teaching definitively about matters of faith.

Question 18

In what two ways can the Magisterium be exercised?

Answer 18

Ordinary Magisterium and Extraordinary Magisterium.

Question 19

What is the Ordinary Magisterium?

Answer 19

The everyday teaching of the Church, including homilies and letters from bishops and the Pope.

Question 20

What is an encyclical?

Answer 20

A letter written by the Pope addressing the world on contemporary issues to reinforce Church teaching.

Question 21

Give an example of an encyclical issued by Pope Francis.

Answer 21

Laudato si

Question 22

What does Laudato si focus on?

Answer 22

How we should care for the environment.

Question 23

What is the Extraordinary Magisterium?

Answer 23

Times when the teaching authority of the Church is used but does not happen very often.

Question 24

What is the Pontifical Magisterium?

Answer 24

The Pope’s teaching authority under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believed to be infallible when speaking ex cathedra.

Question 25

What does 'ex cathedra' mean?

Answer 25

From the chair; refers to the Pope's authority on matters of faith and morals.

Question 26

What are the most recent dogmas pronounced under the infallible teaching authority of the Pope?

Answer 26

The Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Question 27

What is the Conciliar Magisterium?

Answer 27

When the Pope calls together all the bishops to settle a problem or explore new questions facing the Church.

Question 28

How many ecumenical councils have there been?

Answer 28

21 councils.

Question 29

What is the climax of these councils?

Answer 29

A written letter that explains the faith, interprets Scripture, and settles disputed topics of faith and morals.

Question 30

What significant doctrine was defined at the Council of Nicaea?

Answer 30

The divinity of Christ.

Question 31

When was the last ecumenical council held?

Answer 31

Vatican II in the 1960s.

Question 32

What was the Second Vatican Council?

Answer 32

An ecumenical council of the Catholic Church held between 1962 and 1965 to discuss how Catholicism needed to meet modern challenges.

Question 33

Who started the Second Vatican Council?

Answer 33

Pope John XXIII.

Question 34

Who completed the Second Vatican Council?

Answer 34

Pope Paul VI.

Question 35

What is an ecumenical council?

Answer 35

A gathering of Church leaders to discuss matters of faith.

Question 36

What is a homily?

Answer 36

A short talk given by a priest explaining the readings of the day.

Question 37

What is Gaudium et spes?

Answer 37

The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World ## Footnote This document encourages Catholics to respond to issues of poverty and social justice, and engage with modern scientific and technological advancements.

Question 38

What is Sacrosantum concilium?

Answer 38

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy ## Footnote This document covers changes to the Church's public worship, including the translation of Mass into local languages and the orientation of the altar.

Question 39

What major change did Sacrosantum concilium bring to the Mass?

Answer 39

Mass is now said in the vernacular ## Footnote This change allows people to understand what is being said during the service.

Question 40

What is Dei verbum?

Answer 40

The Dogmatic Constitution on the Word of God ## Footnote This document emphasizes the importance of the Bible and encourages its use in prayers and the establishment of Bible study groups.

Question 41

What does Lumen gentium mean?

Answer 41

'The light of the peoples' ## Footnote This document encourages ordinary Catholics to take an active role in the Church's mission and serve Jesus.

Question 42

What shift occurred in the role of lay people after Vatican II?

Answer 42

Lay people are encouraged to read and be Eucharistic ministers ## Footnote This change led to increased participation of ordinary Catholics in church services.

Question 43

What was the status of Bible reading in the lives of many Catholics before Vatican II?

Answer 43

Bible reading did not play a big part ## Footnote This indicates a lack of emphasis on scripture in the Catholic faith prior to the Council.

Question 44

What is ecumenism?

Answer 44

The effort to work for Christian Unity and pray with other Christians ## Footnote This concept emerged as Catholics were encouraged to see common beliefs among all Christians.

Question 45

What did Pope John mean by wanting to 'throw open the windows of the Church'?

Answer 45

To reflect the purpose of Vatican II, which was to promote openness and engagement with the modern world ## Footnote This statement signifies the Council's aim to connect the Church with contemporary society.

Question 46

What was one significant change in the way communion was administered after Vatican II?

Answer 46

Communion under both bread and wine was encouraged ## Footnote This allowed for a fuller participation in the Eucharist compared to prior practices.

Question 47

True or False: Catholics were encouraged to see themselves as similar to other Christians before Vatican II.

Answer 47

False ## Footnote Before Vatican II, Catholics were discouraged from mixing with other Christian denominations.

Question 48

What attitude did Catholics have towards other religions before Vatican II?

Answer 48

Closed off and cautious of world views ## Footnote This reflects a lack of dialogue and engagement with other faiths.

Question 49

Fill in the blank: The congregation only received communion in the form of _______.

Answer 49

bread

Question 50

What special relationship do Christians share with Jews according to Vatican II?

Answer 50

The covenant ## Footnote This highlights the unique connection between these two faiths.

Question 51

What was one of the emphases placed on scripture after Vatican II?

Answer 51

More emphasis on the Liturgy of the Word ## Footnote This encouraged Catholics to engage more deeply with biblical texts.