The Church Both Human and Divine
What are two aspects of the Church described in the passage?
The Church has both divine and human dimensions.
What are three main ways we can cooperate with grace?
Sacraments, Scripture, and service.
What does the word “saint” mean?
The word "saint" comes from the Latin word sanctus, which means “holy.”
Who is considered the preeminent saint in the passage?
The Blessed Virgin Mary.
Why did Pope Francis write "Rejoice and Be Glad"?
He wrote it to help people live a holy life and grow closer to God
What does the passage say about the holiness of the members of the Church?
The holiness of the members of the Church is real but imperfect, because while the Church is holy as the Body of Christ, its members are human and sin.
Why is it important to receive the sacraments regularly?
Regular reception of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Penance, helps us grow in holiness and stay connected to God and the Church.
How are the saints important to our own journey of holiness?
The saints are important as guides, because their example of faithfulness to the Gospel inspires our choices
What key qualities make Mary a perfect model of holiness?
Mary embraced God’s will, was attentive to the Holy Spirit, and followed Jesus Christ’s redemptive work.
Who is called to be holy, according to Pope Francis?
Everyone
How does the Holy Spirit help the Church fulfill its mission despite human sinfulness?
The Holy Spirit assures that the Church continues carrying out Christ's mission, despite the sins and failures of its members, by helping us participate in the divine life of the Trinity.
How can reading and reflecting on Scripture help us grow in holiness?
When we pray with Scripture, especially the Gospels, we bring ourselves in the life and teachings of Jesus, which helps us encounter him and grow in holiness.
What does the passage say about the flaws and sins of saints?
The saints were holy but still had sins and flaws. They were real human beings who struggled with temptation, sin, fear, and failure, but they were faithful to God’s call with His grace.
What does Mary do when the angel Gabriel visits her, and why is this significant?
Mary listens, asks questions, and ponders the message, showing she is actively engaged and thoughtful in her response to God's call.
What are some things Pope Francis says can help us grow in holiness?
Being patient, finding joy, helping others, and praying.
What example does Pope Francis set in relation to ongoing conversion and holiness?
Pope Francis humbly acknowledges his own sinfulness by calling himself a sinner and by being the first to go to confession
What role does service play in cooperating with grace?
Engaging in works of service, charity, and justice allows us to respond to God's grace by giving our time, talent, and energy to help others
What do the examples of Saint Augustine and Saint Oscar Romero show about saints?
They show that saints were human, with flaws and mistakes, but they changed and followed God's call.
How does Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel’s message demonstrate her faith?
Mary courageously says “yes” to God’s plan, trusting in His will.
How is the joy Pope Francis talks about different from happiness from things like toys?
The joy he talks about lasts even when things are hard, while happiness from toys goes away quickly.
Why does the passage emphasize the importance of "eyes of faith" when looking at the Church?
The passage emphasizes "eyes of faith" because the Church's divine dimension, which is its true holiness, is a mystery that can only be fully understood through faith, even though its human members may show imperfection.
How does God's grace empower us to respond to his call, and why is it important that we actively cooperate with it?
God’s grace empowers us to live as faithful disciples and to grow in holiness, but if we don't actively cooperate with it, it's like a gift that is left unopened, meaning we miss out on its full benefits.
Why is the Solemnity of All Saints important, and how does it honor lesser-known saints?
It celebrates all saints, even those not famous, and honors their holiness, known only to God.
Why is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary significant, and what does it celebrate?
Celebrates the belief that Mary’s body and soul were taken into Heaven, honoring her unique holiness and role in salvation.
What is the Examen, and how can it help us be more holy?
The Examen is a prayer that helps us think about our day, notice God’s love, and become better people.