Ekklesia – “assembly” or “church” “Ecclesiology is the study of the church.”
Ecclesiology is the theological study of the
Church, which is to say that it studies the Church as a MYSTERY and a SACRAMENT. The Church as a Mystery “The Church is a mystery. It is a reality imbued with the hidden presence of God. It lies, therefore, within the very nature of the Church to be always open to new and greater exploration.” Second Vatican Council, The Church as a Sacrament “A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible grace.” It is God’s gift of self. Grace The invisible grace, therefore, “Charis” is God who is (Greek) present and active in the Charism Church. “Gift” “Where two or three are gathered together in my na there I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 What is the Church? The Church is the community of those who confess the lordship of Jesus and who strive to live their lives in accordance with his example and teachings.
“The Church has but one sole purpose –
that the Kingdom of God may come and the salvation of the human race may be accomplished.” Second Vatican Council, Pastoral Constitution on the Church The Mission of the Church The Fourfold Mission of the Church 1. Word 2. Sacrament/Worship 3. Witness 4. Service The Mission of the Church WORD The Church is “sent” 1. to confess and proclaim that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) 2. to “go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The Mission of the Church This preaching andWORD teaching is done in various forms: 1. Teachings of bishops 2. Theologians 3. Religious Educators 4. Parents The Mission of the Church SACRAMENT/WORSHIP The Church’s mission includes its devotional life of which at the center is the Eucharist. Constitution on Sacred Liturgy, No. 10
The liturgy of the Church consists of its
participation in Christ’s eternal worship of his Father. Pope Pius XII, Mediator Dei The Mission of the Church WITNESS The Church has been sent to give witness to the validity of Christ’s teachings and his own personal and compelling example of how one should live a fully human life. The Mission of the Church SERVICE The Church exists to assist the poor, the sick, the marginalized and those in need. It also includes involvement in the causes of social justice, human rights, and peace.
