Hey there,
In 2020, as the Coronavirus pandemic opened up in our communities, our Church doors were slammed shut. And we yearned for what we once took a little for granted.
We attended Mass virtually and prayed the Act of Spiritual Communion.
Some waged battles to re-open their Church, even taking the issue up with the courts. And a few Priests defied the law by holding public Masses.
Four years later, most parishioners have returned to in-person Mass.
Regardless of whether we celebrate Mass in our parish Church or virtually though, we’re still a part of the larger Catholic Church.
The Universal Church.
The Mystical Body of Christ.
The Communion of Saints.
The Pilgrim Church on Earth.
Church Militant, Church Suffering or Penitent, and the Church Triumphant.
These are all terms for our Catholic Church. We should understand exactly what our Church is … what the terms mean … and what our role is. In fact, what our duty is.
So this week’s Genuflect looks at what the Catholic Church is, who all it includes (plot twist, it’s way larger than you think), the various terms used to describe it, how we’re all interconnected, what our duty is as a Church member and how to live out that duty to get to heaven … and we even look at what the Church is not.
The best part about our Catholic Church? The doors are always open.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Holy Catholic Church
It’s always ideal to go directly to the source. So here is the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the teaching of the “Holy Catholic Church.” It’s worth a look to get started on the subject.
Catechism of The Catholic Church | The Holy See
What is The Church?
This helpful article takes an in-depth look at Churches. The various terms we use for the Catholic Church, who belongs to it, who doesn’t belong to it, if Churches can lose their standing, the invisible Church, and can we have “sister” churches.
What is The Church of Jesus Christ? | Catholic Culture
Our Expanded Church
When you think about our Church, you probably think about where you attend Mass. Or maybe you think about the broader Church that the Pope leads. But did you know that in Catholicism, our Church is actually much larger? It’s pretty amazing.
The Visible Church on Earth is Only One Part of a Much Larger Reality | Aleteia
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
We believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. We refer to the Body of Christ. These are just two of the terms we hear and use in Mass. But do you fully understand their meaning? If not, or if you’re not sure, this article is here to help.
What is The Catholic Church? | Catholic Diocese of Madison
Communion of Saints
Communion of Saints is another term for our Church. And references to it go all the way back to the fourth century. We include mention of the Communion of Saints during our Mass. But it may not be referring to what you think it is … to who you think it is. Would you believe me if I said you are part of the Communion of Saints? Check this out.
What is The Communion of Saints? | U.S. Catholic
Combat Weapons
As followers of Jesus Christ we enter into combat here on Earth, becoming soldiers for Christ. Father Ed Broom offers 11 spiritual weapons to use against the devil.
Spiritual Combat: Weapons For Your Arsenal | The Catholic Gentleman
Our Strongest Weapon
As part of the Church Militant, we have our work cut out for us. Every day we’re bombarded with evil. Fortunately, Jesus Christ has given us this one weapon. And it’s all we need to win the battle.
The Church Militant: Fighting The Good Fight | Diocesan
Our Duty in The Church
As Catholics we know what we’re supposed to do … go to Mass, pray, almsgiving, love others. And what we’re not supposed to do … sin. Liturgy Guy, Brian Williams, suggests that there’s one duty that we Catholics tend to forget about. And it’s important.
A Prayer is Worth a Thousand Souls | Liturgy Guy
What The Church is Not
While we’re looking at what the Catholic Church is, it’s also good to look at what’s not the Catholic Church. Here’s what it’s not, summed up in four words.
What The Catholic Church Is Not, in Four Words | Word on Fire
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