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What is a pilgrimage? Name some popular pilgrimage sites
A journey that has a spiritual purpose, where the destination may be a sacred religious place
Locations include Jerusalem, Rome, Lourdes and Walsingham
What does it mean that ‘life is a pilgrimage toward heaven’?
“Christians, on pilgrimage toward the heavenly city, should seek and think of these things which are above” Gaudium et Spes
Life is a journey towards God; Catholics will complete this journey and meet God when they die
During their lifetime, a Catholic’s actions should reflect the idea of making progress on the journey towards God
Everything that they should do should contribute to this purpose of getting closer to God
What is the significance of Jerusalem?
It is the city where Jesus died
Catholics may visit Jesus’ tomb, the Via Dolorosa (street through which Jesus carried his cross) and other nearby places connected with Jesus’ life
This allows Catholics to share in Jesus’ life and suffering
This also helps Catholics to renew their faith and commitment to Jesus
What is the significance of Rome?
This is the centre of Catholic faith
This is also where St Peter died and where the current Pope lives
Catholics may visit the Vatican, the tomb of St Peter in St Peter’s Basilica, and the cathedral of St John Lateran
This shows their commitment to the Catholic Church and unity with the Pope and all Catholics
What is the significance of Lourdes?
This is where Mary appeared to St Bernadette and told her to dig in the ground, and when she did, a spring appeared. The waters of this spring are believed to have healing powers.
Catholics visit to bathe in its waters and be healed physically or spiritually
It also helps Catholics feel stronger and more at peace in body and mind
What is the significance of Walsingham?
This is where a noblewoman had visions of the house where Mary lived in Nazareth and built a copy of this house in Walsingham, Norfolk.
Catholics walk in procession between the Slipper Chapel and the Holy House and may also attend Mass
This allows Catholics to spend time in prayer with other Catholics
This helps them make themselves more aware of their place in the Church, the community of believers
It also means Catholics can go on pilgrimage without having to go abroad
How does ‘Les Miserables’ show that God’s love should be shown through good actions?
A bishop stops Valjean from being put in jail even though he had stolen silver from him and encourages Valjean to do good
The bishop’s act of love and forgiveness persuades Valjean to become a better person
How does ‘Les Miserables’ show that having the right attitude is more important than blindly following God’s law?
Valjean- a criminal- is hunted by Javert, who wants to send him back to jail
Valjean saves Javert’s life and after this, Javert finds that he cannot arrest Valjean
Goodness wins out over the law
How does ‘The Mission’ show that mission and evangelism require total commitment to God?
When the native people that European priests are working with in missionary are attacked, the priests stay to defend the native people despite the danger to their own lives and orders from the bishops
What is the significance of films that highlight Christian values?
“The production and showing of films that have value… ought to be encouraged and assured by every effective means” Inter Mirifica 14
They illustrate the power such values can have to change and improve people’s lives
They inspire and encourage Christians to show these values in their own lives
They help to inspire Christians to preach the Gospel message to others and to show it in their lives by their actions
Explain the journey of the Kingdom of God
This refers to the idea of God’s authority and rule
It began when Jesus was born- this is when God’s power came to Earth
It was established through Jesus’ resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit
It is extended by Christians who form and help to spread the Kingdom of God on Earth
It will be completed at the end of time when all people will enjoy the eternal happiness of heaven
What does The Lord’s Prayer tell us about the Kingdom of God?
“Our Father, who art in heaven”- Jesus wants all people to be able to have a trusting relationship with God
“hallowed be thy name”- this is a prayer for God to be accepted as holy and important so people can accept the call to be a member of the Kingdom
“thy kingdom come”- this is a prayer for the Kingdom to come and for people to accept the rule of God in their hearts
“thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”- when everyone on Earth does the will of God, the Kingdom will be fully established
“forgive us our trespasses”- to spread the Kingdom, people must show forgiveness to others as well as accepting His forgiveness for our sins
“Deliver us from evil”- the Kingdom will grow when people choose to accept and not reject Him
What is the significance of justice?
“goods created by God for everyone should in fact reach everyone” Catechism of the Catholic Church
It respects the dignity of every person
It treats all people fairly and eually
It recognises that all people are created and loved equally by God
It ensures all people have access to basic human rights
What is the significance of peace?
“…founded on truth, built up on justice, nurtured and animated by charity” Pacem in Terris
It is believed by Catholics to come from a person’s heart
It requires people to accept the rights of every individual
It is the removal of tensions caused by suspicion, resentment and mistreatment
It flows from justice- there can be no peace where there is injustice
It is a state of total trust and unity between all people
What is the significance of reconciliation?
It brings back together people who have broken apart
It requires people to learn from the past and work together
It relies on acceptance and empathy
It restores damaged relationships between people
What is the hierarchy of the Catholic Church?
The Pope- head of the Church
Cardinals- appointed by the Pope, they elect his Successor
Bishops- successors to the apostles, responsible for a diocese (large area of churches)
Priests- responsible for a small area of the Church called a parish, administer the sacraments and preach the Word of God
Deacons- preach the word of God and assist priests
Lay people- non-ordained members of the Church- they share in the priestly office of Christ in Baptism
How does decision-making work in the Church?
The Pope leads the Church and all authority in the Church ultimately lies with him
Sometimes the Pope consults other people in the hierarchy to make sure he is making the best decisions for the whole Church
For this he may call a Council- a meeting with Bishops discussing issues that affect the whole Church
What is the significance of Dei Verbum?
This means ‘the Word of God’
This deals with the importance and the interpretation of the Bible
This stresses that the Bible should be taken seriously as the word of God, but should not be read in a literal way
What is the significance of Lumen Gentium?
This means ‘On the Church’
This deals with the nature and structure of the Church
This stresses that all members of the Church have important roles to play, not just the Pope
This emphasises the idea of a pilgrim Church moving forwards within modern society
What is the significance of Sacrosantum Concilium?
This means ‘On the Sacred Liturgy’
This deals with the liturgy and church services
This emphasises that people should be able to take a full part in the worship of God
This allows Catholics to hear the Mass in their own language
What is the significance of Gaudium et Spes?
This means ‘The Church in the Modern World’
This deals with issues related to modern society
This stresses that the Church should not be separate from modern society, but should guide people on how to live in the modern world
How does the Magnificat show that Mary is the perfect disciple?
Mary shows humility- she recognises that she is only special because of what God has done for her; “for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servants”
Mary praises God’s greatness- she is aware that God has shown has shown His love for all people by doing great things for her and humanity; “My soul magnifies the Lord… for the Mighty One has done great things for me”
Mary shows her acceptance of God’s will- Mary willingly accepted the role of the mother of Jesus and show she is eager to follow God’s will through her praise
Mary shows her trust in God- she was a pregnant unmarried teenager and could have been killed for adultery but she trusted God to protect her
Why is the Magnificat controversial?
“He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly” Luke 1:52
“he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty” Luke 1:53
Some believe that it supports those rebelling against their governments because there is a sense of revolution
Others think that it shows that God supports the weak and helpless and that those who trust in God will be saved
What are the four marks of the Church?
One- the Church is one united body
Catholic- the beliefs of the Church are universal
Holy- the presence of God makes the Church holy
Apostolic- the Church’s teachings are built on the teachings of the 12 Apostles
What is the significance of apostolic succession and the Magisterium?
The authority of Peter has been passed down to the current Pope, who leads the Church today
The authority of the apostles has been passed down from one generation of bishops to the next
The combined authority of the bishops and the Pope is known as the Magisterium
When the Pope makes a formal declaration, he is speaking as the Head of the Church and is infallible
How is the Church conciliar?
Councils are held to make important decisions and update Church teachings
These help the Pope to discuss difficult issues with other members of the Church and to understand the feelings of the whole Catholic community
Councils influence the teachings and direction of the Church
Councils express the voice of the whole Church
How is the Church pontifical?
The Pope is the leader of the Church and has the highest authority
This authority has been passed down over generations from Peter, who was chosen by Jesus to lead the apostles
This makes the Pope the representative of Christ on Earth
The Pope’s teachings must be taken very seriously and can be declared infallible
The decisions of a Council have no authority until they are approved by the Pope
What are two Catholic social teachings?
The weakest and poorest members of society be supported- “the Church sincerely professes that all men…ought to work for the rightful betterment of this world in which all alike live”
Economic exploitation and a culture of greed should be opposed- “today we… have say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality”
What does the St Vincent de Paul Society do?
Members visit people in need in their homes, hospitals, care homes and prisons
They offer support, friendship and advice to the vulnerable
They help individuals with practical needs- EG helping with shopping or other household chores
They also run community projects such as summer camps for children or providing food for the homeless
What do CAFOD do?
They provide emergency aid to overseas places where natural disasters or war have ruined lives
They help victims of these disasters to rebuild their lives with long-term aid
They challenge national and international laws that hurt those living in poverty- campaigning against policies contributing to inequality or climate change
They provide legal assistance to people threatened by the actions of national or international companies
What are Kingdom values?
Humility
Obedience to God
A wish to serve God
A desire for peace
Love
Mercy
Gentleness
How are kingdom values expressed in priesthood?
Priests take a promise of celibacy- they commit their whole selves to God
A priest commits his whole life to serving others
They take a promise of obedience to their bishop
How are kingdom values expressed in family life?
Love is an important value that unites a family
Parents show Kingdom values in their relationship with each other
By teaching children kingdom values, the Kingdom of God is spread on Earth
How are kingdom values expressed in religious life?
They must take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience
They live simple lives dedicated to prayer and serving others
They may take on roles such as teachers, nurses or care workers to show love through helping others
How does Pope Francis show justice?
When he became Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he increased the number of priests working among the poor
By setting a good example, he aims to inspire others to live more simply to help reduce inequality
He criticises economic policies that lead to inequality and exploitation
How does Pope Francis show peace?
During 2014-15, he played a major role in restoring relations between Cuba and the USA
He brings together leaders of countries that have been at war with each other
He uses his public addresses to pray for peace
How does Pope Francis show reconciliation?
Every Maundy Thursday, he goes to a local prison and washes the feet of 12 prisoners, including Muslims
He has visited areas of tension, trying to help restore humanity
He has helped to reconcile some of the tensions between Muslims, Jews and Christians
