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Believing-The Essence of the Task

Scripture and Tradition

The Books of the Bible:

  • Old Testament (46 Books)

    • The Historical Books

    • The Wisdom Books

    • The Prophets

  • New Testament (27 Books)

    • The Gospels

    • The Acts of the Apostles

    • The Letters of St. Paul

    • The Catholic Letters

Tradition vs. tradition

 

The Tradition…… comes from the apostles and hands on what they received from Jesus’ teaching and example and what they learned from the Holy Spirit.  The first generation of Christians did not yet have a written New Testament, and the New Testament itself demonstrates the process of living Tradition.

Tradition is to be distinguished from the various theological, disciplinary, liturgical or devotional traditions, born in the local churches over time.  These are the particular forms, adapted to different places and times, in which the great Tradition is expressed.  In the light of Tradition, these traditions can be retained, modified or even abandoned under the guidance of the Church’s Magisterium.  (CCC 83)

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The Creed

The Apostles' Creed 

The Nicene Creed

Marks of the Church

One Holy Catholic Apostolic  Church

Marks of the Church

from Loyola Press 

 

The Nicene Creed was written centuries ago to help Christians remember the important beliefs of the faith. In the Nicene Creed we identify the four marks of the Church. The four marks of the Church are not characteristics that the Church creates or develops or learns. They are qualities that Jesus Christ shares with his Church through the Holy Spirit. The four marks of the Church are that it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.

The Church Is One
Just as God is one in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so also is the Church one. The founder of the Church is Jesus Christ, who brought us back to God and made us into the family of God. The Church is one in the Holy Spirit, who dwells in those who believe.

The Church Is Holy
The Church is holy because the Church lives in union with Jesus Christ, the source of holiness. Through the Holy Spirit the Church leads others to holiness. The holiness of the Church is seen in the love that the members of the Church have toward one another and the many sacrifices they make for the sake of the world.

The Church Is Catholic
Catholic means “universal.” The Church is universal in two ways. First, the Church is catholic because all baptized people are part of the Church and the Church possesses the means of salvation. Second, the mission of the Church is universal because the Church has been sent to proclaim Christ to the entire human race.

The Church Is Apostolic
The Church traces its tradition directly from the apostles; therefore, the Church is considered apostolic. With the Holy Spirit the Church preserves and continues the teaching of the apostles. The pope and bishops are the successors of the apostles.

 

Links:

The Books of the Bible

Tradition?

The Credo:  Catechism of the Catholic Church-The Vatican

Our Catholic Prayers: The Apostles' Creed

The Nicene Creed: Symbol of the Catholic Faith-David Bennet

Permeation With Intent: Holy Spirit Catholic Schools (Page 14)

Four Marks of the Church

 

In God’s plan of salvation Christ founded the Church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.

 

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