The church and sources of wisdom and authority

Changes from Vatican II

• Could receive Eucharist in both forms (bread and wine) allows Catholics to follow the example of Jesus at the Last Supper.

• Mass was said in the native language- not Latin, which allows Christians to learn responses and participate.

• Ordinary people could participate in mass, by reading or distributing the Eucharist, allows people to get involved.

• Other religions could be saved not just Catholics; therefore, the church was more inclusive.

4 marks of the church

• Catholic- means universal, as Jesus said ‘Go and make disciples of all nations’ to evangelise them. Even though Catholics have suffered hard times and persecution they remain universal, the church gives them personal strength.

• Apostolic-Jesus created the church and the apostles power (apostolic succession). Through apostolic succession the Magisterium can make decisions for Catholics today on issues that aren’t in the bible, e.g. IVF.

• One-all Catholics are united together in one church.…