Who Belongs to the Catholic Church?

These flashcards cover the levels of belonging to the Catholic Church, the definition of catholicity, its relation to other religions, and the historical expansion of the Church's mission.

Catholic (Big C)

Refers to the Catholic Church as a whole.

catholic (small c)

Refers to the mark of the Church meaning "universal"; the Church is for all people and Christ is present.

Full Incorporation

Describes baptized Catholics who accept the whole structure of the Church and all her means of Salvation, united by Faith, Sacraments, and obedience to the bishops under the pope.

Lumen Gentium, 14

A Church document stating that fully incorporated members who fail to respond in thought, word, and deed to grace will be more severely judged.

Imperfect Communion

The state of other Christians who remain in communion with the Catholic Church despite not believing in the Faith in its entirety or having broken ties with the pope.

Baptism

The foundation of unity among all Christians; the Church generally accepts most Christian versions as valid for the forgiveness of sins.

Islam Connection

Muslims are connected to the Church through their belief in one God as Creator and judge, as well as tracing their ancestry to Abraham.

Universal Sacrament of Salvation

A title for the Church, signifying that all are saved through Christ, who is the Head of the Church.

Begotten

A term meaning "to bring about," indicating that Jesus was not generated by God but has always existed.

Pantheism

The false belief that God and nature are one in the same.

Idolatry

Worshipping someone or something other than God.

Pentecost

The event where the Holy Spirit came to the apostles and filled them with gifts, marking the beginning of the Church's mission.

Preaching to Samaritans (Acts 8)

An event involving the baptism of Samaritans and the laying on of hands by Peter and John, representing the early roots of Confirmation.

Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8)

An expansion of the Church beyond Judaism where Philip baptized an Ethiopian who was curious about Jesus.

Conversion of St. Peter (Acts 10-11)

The realization by Peter that "God shows no partiality" and that those from every nation who fear Him are acceptable.

Council of Jerusalem

A meeting that determined circumcision was not necessary for membership and that the faith must be shared with everyone.

St. Augustine (Missionary to England)

Sent by St. Gregory the Great to England; he was instructed to select good customs from various churches to share.

Vatican II (on Cultural Customs)

Stated that various customs could be introduced into Catholic worship as long as they were not "indissolubly bound up with superstition and error."