APOSTOLICITY

By Craig Lobo
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OPENING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, as we gather here this evening, we come before you with grateful hearts,
acknowledging your wisdom in establishing the Church on the foundation of the Apostles. Guide us
today as we reflect on the mission and authority of the Pope and the Magisterium. We pray for the
Holy Father’s intentions, that he may continue to lead the Church with wisdom, courage, and love.
Strengthen our unity as one body in Christ, as we seek to grow closer to you through the teachings of
your Church.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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LOGICAL FALLACY OF THE WEEK

“Each ingredient in this recipe is delicious, so the final dish is absolutely going to be amazing.”
“Every player on the team is a top athlete, so the team must be the best in the league.”

Fallacy of Composition

The assumption that what’s true for individual parts of something must also be true for the
whole. The error here lies in mistakenly thinking that qualities of the parts always add up the
same way in the larger group or system, but that is not always the case; what works
individually might not work collectively.
WHAT ARE THE
FOUR MARKS OF
THE CHURCH
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FOUR MARKS
ONE HOLY
Just as God is one in the Father, Son, and The Church is holy because the Church lives in
Holy Spirit, so also is the Church one. union with Jesus Christ, the source of holiness.
The founder of the Church is Jesus Through the Holy Spirit the Church leads others
Christ, who brought us back to God and to holiness. The holiness of the Church is seen in
made us into the family of God. The the love that the members of the Church have
Church is one in the Holy Spirit, who toward one another and the many sacrifices they
dwells in those who believe. make for the sake of the world.

CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC
Catholic means “universal.” The Church is The Church traces its tradition
universal in two ways. First, the Church is directly from the apostles; therefore,
catholic because all baptized people are
the Church is considered apostolic.
part of the Church and the Church
possesses the means of salvation. Second, With the Holy Spirit the Church
the mission of the Church is universal preserves and continues the teaching
because the Church has been sent to of the apostles. The pope and
proclaim Christ to the entire human race. bishops are the successors of the
apostles.
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HIERARCHY OF THE CATHOLIC

CHURCH ON EARTH
Pope

Bishops

Priests

Deacons

Laity
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WHY A CENTRAL
SOURCE OF AUTHORITY
• In a rapidly changing world, the Church faces
numerous challenges and moral dilemmas. The
Pope's central authority allows for a cohesive
response to these issues, providing guidance and
clarity to the faithful. As Pope John Paul II noted,
the ministry of the Pope is crucial for presiding over
the whole flock in charity, protecting legitimate
variety while ensuring that such variety does not
hinder unity (Pope John Paul II 1986 AD Homily).
• It fosters a shared mission among the faithful,
encouraging collaboration and solidarity in
evangelization and service. The Church's unity is not
merely organizational but is rooted in a common
purpose: to glorify God and transmit the goods
of salvation entrusted to the Apostles (Pope John
Paul II 2004 AD Speech)
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Discussion: Does the fact that we

have a strict hierarchy in the church
mean that we are authoritarian?
WHAT DOES
APOSTLE MEAN
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APOSTLE
• From the Greek “apóstolos” the word means “one
who is sent off”
• In other words, who is entrusted with a mission,
rather, a foreign mission ie messenger.
• Also refers to the Twelve Apostles, Paul and others
APOSTOLIC
SUCCESSION
The transmission by means of the sacrament
of Holy Orders of the mission and power of
the Apostles to their successors, the bishops.
Thanks to this transmission the Church
remains in communion of faith and life with
her origin, while through the centuries she
carries on her apostolate for the spread of the
Kingdom of Christ on earth.
Compendium of the Catechism of the
Catholic Church (question. 176)
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BIBLICAL EVIDENCE:
SUCCESSION AND EPISCOPACY
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to
you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that
every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them,
tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a
tax collector. . . . Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and
whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven Matthew 18:15-18

Lo, I will be with you always, even to the end of the age
Matthew 28:20
In those days Peter stood up . . . and said, “Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled,
which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas. . . . For it
is written in the book of Psalms, “Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no
one to live in it”; and “His office let another take.” Acts 1:15-22
But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are
they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear
without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent Romans 10:14-15

For this reason I left you in Crete so that you might set right what remains to
be done and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you,
Titus 1:5
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BIBLICAL EVIDENCE: LAYING OF

HANDS
The sacrament of holy orders is conferred
by the laying on of hands followed by a
repentance from dead works and faith in God, instruction about solemn prayer of consecration asking God
baptisms and laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and to grant the ordinand the graces of the
Holy Spirit required for his ministry.
eternal judgment. And we shall do this, if only God permits. Ordination imprints an indelible
sacramental character (CCC 1597).
Hebrews 6:1-3

And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to

faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.
2 Timothy 2:2
Do not lay hands too readily on anyone, and do not share in
another’s sins. Keep yourself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22

For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that
you have through the imposition of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6
CHURCH FATHER ON APOSTOLIC
SUCCESSION
• “Through countryside and city [the apostles] preached, and they • “It is possible, then, for everyone in
appointed their earliest converts, testing them by the Spirit, to be the every church, who may wish to know the
bishops and deacons of future believers. Nor was this a novelty, for truth, to contemplate the tradition of
bishops and deacons had been written about a long time earlier. . . . the apostles which has been made
Our apostles knew through our Lord Jesus Christ that there would be known to us throughout the whole
strife for the office of bishop. For this reason, therefore, having world. And we are in a position to
received perfect foreknowledge, they appointed those who have enumerate those who were instituted
already been mentioned and afterwards added the further provision bishops by the apostles and their
that, if they should die, other approved men should succeed to their successors down to our own times, men
ministry” who neither knew nor taught anything
(Letter to the Corinthians 42:4–5, 44:1–3 [A.D. 80] , Clement of Rome). like what these heretics rave about”
(Against Heresies 3:3:1 [A.D. 189],
• “When I had come to Rome, I [visited] Anicetus, whose deacon was Irenaeus).
Eleutherus. And after Anicetus [died], Soter succeeded, and after him
Eleutherus. In each succession and in each city there is a continuance IMPRIMATUR: In accord with 1983 CIC 827 permission to
of that which is proclaimed by the law, the prophets, and the Lord” publish this work is hereby granted. +Robert H. Brom,
(Memoirs, cited in Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 4:22 [A.D. 180], Bishop of San Diego, August 10, 2004
NIHIL OBSTAT: In accord with 1983 CIC 827
Hegesippus). permission to publish this work is hereby granted.
+Robert H. Brom, Bishop of San Diego, August 10, 2004
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Discussion: Defend the fact that we

have an unbroken line of bishops?
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DEPOSIT OF
FAITH
The deposit of faith refers to the body of
revealed truth in the Scriptures and
Sacred Tradition that has been entrusted
to the Church.
It encompasses all that God has revealed
through Jesus Christ and the apostles,
forming the foundation of Catholic
doctrine.
This deposit is preserved and
interpreted by the Magisterium of the
Church, ensuring that the teachings
remain faithful to the original revelation.
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WHAT IS THE MAGISTERIUM?

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MAGISTERIUM
• To whom is given the task of authentically
interpreting the deposit of faith? … entrusted to
the living teaching office of the Church alone,
that is, to the successor of Peter, the Bishop of
Rome, and to the bishops in communion with
him. To this Magisterium, which in the service of
the Word of God enjoys the certain charism of
truth, belongs also the task of defining dogmas
which are formulations of the truths contained
in divine Revelation.
(Compendium of CCC, question. 16)
• The pastoral duty of the Magisterium is aimed at
seeing to it that the People of God abides in the
truth that liberates. To fulfill this service, Christ
endowed the Church's shepherds with the
charism of infallibility in matters of faith and
morals. (CCC 890)
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TWO ASPECTS OF THE MAGISTERIUM

EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY
MAGISTERIUM MAGISTERIUM
• This level includes teachings that are • The ordinary Magisterium refers
definitively proclaimed by the Pope to the regular teaching authority
or an ecumenical council. These exercised by the Pope and the
teachings are considered infallible bishops in communion with him
and binding for all Catholics. and focuses on the day-to-day
• Examples include ex cathedra teachings of the Church
statements made by the Pope and • It is infallible when it teaches
dogmatic definitions issued by universally accepted matters of
ecumenical councils. Such teachings faith and morals. Not all
are recognized asdefinitive truths of teachings in this capacity are
faith or morals that must be deemed infallible, but those
accepted by the faithful widely recognized by the faithful
hold significant authority.
WHAT IS DOCTRINE
AND DOGMA
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DOGMA AND DOCTRINE

The Church’s magisterium
exercises the authority it holds
from Christ to the fullest extent
when it defines dogmas, that is,
when it proposes, in a form
obliging the Christian people to an
irrevocable adherence of faith,
truths contained in divine
Revelation or also when it
proposes, in a definitive way,
truths having a necessary
connection with these. (CCC 88)
In general, doctrine is all Church
teaching in matters of faith and
morals.
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LEVELS OF DOCTRINE AND

DOGMA
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THE ROLE OF THE POPE

• The bishop of the Roman Church, in whom continues the
office given by the Lord uniquely to Peter, the first of the
Apostles, and to be transmitted to his successors, is the head
of the college of bishops, the Vicar of Christ, and the pastor
of the universal Church on earth. By virtue of his office he
possesses supreme, full, immediate, and universal ordinary
power in the Church, which he is always able to exercise
freely. (Code of Canon Law 331.)
• “ Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of
Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but
my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and
upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the
netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the
keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth
shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth
shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17-19)
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ELECTION OF POPES
Historical Participation:
• Early elections involved clergy and laity, as seen in the election of
Pope St. Cornelius.
• Popes were often putatively appointed by their predecessors or
by political rulers.
• Civil authority interference was minimal in the early Church but
increased over time, particularly during the medieval period.
Medieval Interference:
• Notable interference by figures like Theodoric the Ostrogoth and
Byzantine emperors, leading to contested elections.
• The ninth century saw a rise in imperial control over papal
elections, with rulers demanding oaths from electors.
Reform Movements:
• Pope Nicholas II's 1059 decree limited elections to cardinals,
granting only a voice to clergy and people.
• By the late 12th century, a two-thirds majority of cardinals was
required to prevent election disputes.
• The term "conclave" was introduced, mandating cardinals'
seclusion during elections for confidentiality.
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CHURCH FATHERS ON THE

AUTHORITY OF THE POPE
• Jerome: “I follow no leader but Christ and join in communion • Peter Chrysologus: “We exhort you in every
with none but your blessedness [Pope Damasus I], that is, with respect, honorable brother, to heed obediently
the chair of Peter. I know that this is the rock on which the what has been written by the most blessed
Church has been built. Whoever eats the Lamb outside this pope of the city of Rome, for blessed Peter,
house is profane. Anyone who is not in the ark of Noah will who lives and presides in his own see, provides
perish when the flood prevails” (Letters 15:2 [A.D. 396]). the truth of faith to those who seek it. For we,
by reason of our pursuit of peace and faith,
• Augustine: “[On this matter of the Pelagians] two councils have cannot try cases on the faith without the
already been sent to the Apostolic See [the bishop of Rome], consent of the bishop of Rome” (Letters 25:2
and from there rescripts too have come. The matter is at an [A.D. 449]).
end; would that the error too might be at an end!” (Sermons
131:10 [A.D. 411]). • Council of Chalcedon: “After the reading of the
foregoing epistle [The Tome of Leo], the most
• Theodoret: If Paul, the herald of truth, the trumpet of the Holy reverend bishops cried out: ‘This is the faith of
Spirit, hastened to the great Peter to carry from him the the fathers! This is the faith of the apostles! So
solution to the difficulties of those at Antioch who hesitated we all believe! Thus the orthodox believe!
from conformity with the law, much more do we, men Anathema to him who does not thus believe!
insignificant and small, hasten to your Apostolic See in order to Peter has spoken thus through Leo!’” (ibid.,
receive from you a cure for the wounds of the churches. session 2)
(Epistula 113 ad Leonem I.[457 A.D.])
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Discussion: What do you think about

papal infallibility?
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HOW OFTEN DOES THE CHURCH USE

INFALLIBILITY?
In the last 2 centuries of the church
infallibility has been use twice
What are the 2 uses of the papal infallibility?
The Dogma of the Immaculate Conception (1854): This
dogma was defined by Pope Pius IX in the apostolic constitution
Ineffabilis Deus. It proclaims that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was
conceived without original sin.
The Dogma of the Assumption of Mary (1950): This dogma
was defined by Pope Pius XII in the apostolic constitution
Munificentissimus Deus. It states that Mary was assumed body and
soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life.
WHAT ARE THE
CONDITIONS FOR
SPEAKING WITH
PAPAL
INFALLIBILITY?
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CONDITIONS FOR SPEAKING WITH

PAPAL INFALLIBILITY
• Subject Matter: The Pope must speak on a subject that pertains to faith or morals. This
ensures that the infallible teaching addresses essential aspects of the Catholic faith.
• Official Capacity: The Pope must speak as the Vicar of Christ and in his official capacity as
the pastor and teacher of all Christians. This means he is not speaking in a private capacity or
as a theologian, but rather as the supreme leader of the Church.
• Intention to Teach Definitively: The Pope must indicate his intention to teach infallibly.
This is typically expressed through specific phrases such as "we define" or "we proclaim," which
signal that he intends to make a definitive declaration that binds the whole Church.
• Universal Scope: The teaching must be intended for the whole Church, meaning it should
be clear that the Pope wishes to bind all the faithful to this teaching. This is crucial for the
infallibility of the declaration, as it emphasizes the universal nature of the doctrine being
defined.
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Discussion: Do you think that the apostolic

succession of other denominations ie.
protestant (Lutheran & Anglican) and Orthodox
is valid?
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CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, as we leave this place, we ask for your strength and wisdom to go out and live as faithful
defenders of the truth. Help us to stand firm in the teachings of the Church, guided by the
Magisterium and the successors of the Apostles. May we always be courageous in sharing and
defending our Faith with humility, compassion, and love, following the example of the saints. Grant
us the grace to be witnesses to your truth in our everyday lives, bringing your light to the world and
drawing others closer to you.

We ask this through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of
the holy spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Next Week (18 October):

DEBATE:
Female Ordination
Adoration
SJC Chapel
7:30 to 8:30
THANK
YOU
Craig Lobo