A practical look at the History of the Catholic Church up to the present:

3 Meetings 4, 11, 18 December 2013

The Catholic Church, as we know it, developed over the centuries within the historical structure

of the countries in which Christians found itself. The idea and belief in Christ grew at an

unbelievable rate from apostolic time through the middle ages before seeing a decline coinciding

with the protestant reformation and a few centuries later with the advent of the industrial age.

By having a better understanding of the struggles the Church experienced over time, the modern

Catholic can be in a better position to embrace the message of Christ as he or she experiences the

world around them.

We will explore the universal Church in our modern world and how its organization is confusing

and troublesome to some. What is it? How does it function? What is its relationship with

Catholics throughout the World? What is the Dogma and doctrine of Papal infallibility? What is

it? When was it defined and how does it affect me as a Catholic.

Finally we will examine our local parish group as a Christian family. Discuss the relationship

of our parish to our diocese in both organizational and pastoral terms. Look at the ecclesiology

of local parishes and dioceses, its problems, ministries requirements and organizations, and the

members that make it all run. We are the Church!

“Ten ‘Peak” Moments of Church History” (C0687)

“The Christian Family Tree” (C0100)

“Infallibility and Church Authority” (C0388)

“The Roman Curia-How the Church is Run” (C1082)

“What Does It Mean to ‘Be Church’?” (C0585)

“Nine Things That Make Us Catholic” (C0904) (Included in Class #1)