Questions Answered – August 2024

What Is Necessary to Belong to the True Church?

Question from the reader: Who is a member of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, and what is required for full membership in the “heart” of the Church? What is the relation of this Church to the Roman Catholic Church? What is the relation of the latter to non-Catholic Christians? Why is it important that there be visible unity among all members of the Church?

Answer from Fr. Cush: The concept of the Church in Christian theology is multifaceted, and interpretations may vary among different denominations. However, certain fundamental principles are shared across many Christian traditions. Remember, we consider the Catholic Church (both Latin and Eastern) to be the Church. The Orthodox Church is in schism, but because they, like the Catholic Church, can trace their line of bishops to the time of the Apostles, they remain a valid Church with valid Sacraments. All other churches are what the Church considers to be ecclesial communions and we have the obligation, per Christ’s command in John 17 (“ut unum sint”), to be in dialogue, to respect, and to pray for unity with our fallen-away brethren.

Let’s consider the four marks of the Church before we go any further. We profess this, as do most, if not all, of our separated brethren, in our Nicene-Constantinople/Apostles Creed, every single Sunday and liturgical solemnity.

• What does it mean to be one: The Church is considered one body, united in faith and worship despite its diverse members and expressions.
• What does it mean to be holy: The Church is seen as set apart for sacred purposes, called to live a life of holiness.
• What does it mean to be catholic: The term “Catholic” means universal, emphasizing the Church’s inclusive nature, open to all people. When we go to a Lutheran or an Episcopalian Church on a Sunday and we hear their creed, professing to be Catholic, this can be very confusing.
• What does it mean to be apostolic: The Church traces its origins and teachings back to the apostles, maintaining a connection to the early Christian community.

With this in mind, what does this mean about membership in the Church? Well, the criteria for membership in the Church may vary among Christian denominations. Generally, belief in the core tenets of Christianity, such as the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus Christ, is essential. The sacraments, particularly baptism and confirmation, are often seen as rites of initiation into the Church. However, we need to go deeper than this.

Full membership in the “Heart” of the Church means to be in full union with the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church is the visible, earthly manifestation of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Full membership in the heart of the Catholic Church involves adherence to Catholic doctrines, participation in the sacraments, and submission to the authority of the Pope. This Church also includes all of the Eastern Catholic Church in union with the Roman Catholic Church. We as Roman Catholics love and respect our Eastern Catholic Churches and the other very legitimate liturgical rites in the Church.

With this in mind, what is ecumenism? The term “ecumenism” refers to efforts to promote unity among Christians, transcending denominational boundaries. While the Catholic Church asserts its unique role, it recognizes the validity of certain sacraments in other Christian traditions and encourages dialogue for greater understanding. Eastern Orthodoxy is recognized as a Church by the Catholic Church (both Eastern and Latin); all other “churches” are ecclesial communions, as long as they have some semblance of Eucharist and a valid baptism. This is discussed in the following documents of Vatican II: Unitatis redintegratio and Lumen gentium.

We need to consider the importance of visible unity for the Church as a witness to the world because a visibly united Church presents a powerful witness to the world, reflecting the love and unity taught by Jesus Christ. Perhaps more importantly, it is the fulfillment of Jesus’ Prayer in the Gospel of John (17:21). In this Gospel pericope, Jesus prays for the unity of his followers, emphasizing its importance for the credibility of the Christian message.

If we have this, then we might have a more effective evangelism! A united Church is often more effective in its mission of evangelism and spreading the Gospel, which reflects a common purpose. The Church’s visible unity can help to enable Christians to work together on shared concerns, such as social justice, humanitarian efforts, and addressing global challenges. Let’s join with Saint John Paul II’s prayer, which echoes that of the Evangelist John: “Ut unum sint,” “may all be one.”

What Do “Apostle” and “Disciple” Mean?

Question: I have been told that, in the Gospels, every apostle is a disciple, yet not every disciple is an apostle. What does this mean for us in the Catholic Church today?

Answer from Fr. Cush: Thanks for your excellent question! One might wish to think of it as two concentric circles, the larger one being the group of disciples (72 men and women) whom the Lord has called to follow him, and then his inner circle of the Twelve, who would provide leadership, both hierarchically and eventually sacramentally for the Church. And, if we were really to examine the Scriptures, we would see that even within the Twelve, there is an “executive council,” if you will, or Sts. Peter, James, and John, who were the Lord Jesus’ inner circle, who had been the only ones to witness events including his Transfiguration and his Agony in the Garden.

Yes, that’s correct. In the Gospels, the term “disciple” is often used to refer to any follower or student of Jesus Christ, while the term “apostle” specifically refers to those whom Jesus chose and commissioned to be his closest companions, to spread his teachings, and to establish the early Church.

In the Catholic Church today, this distinction between disciples and apostles holds significance in understanding the roles and responsibilities within the Church. Being a disciple of Christ is a fundamental aspect of Christian identity for all believers. It implies following Jesus, learning from him, and striving to live according to his teachings. Every baptized Catholic is called to be a disciple of Christ, embracing the Gospel values and seeking to grow in faith and holiness.

While all disciples are called to follow Jesus, the term “apostle” carries a specific mission and authority. Apostles were chosen by Jesus himself, given special instructions and authority to preach the Gospel, administer sacraments, and lead the Church. The original twelve apostles, along with Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), played crucial roles in establishing and spreading Christianity after Jesus’ resurrection.

For Catholics today, the distinction between disciples and apostles serves as a reminder of the diversity of roles and gifts within the Church. While all believers are called to be disciples, some are called to particular ministries and leadership roles within the Church, following in the footsteps of the apostles.

This understanding informs the Church’s structure and ministries, with ordained ministers (bishops, priests, and deacons) serving in apostolic roles, while laypeople contribute to the Church’s mission through various forms of service, evangelization, and witness as disciples of Christ.