Unit 5 describes how the renewal of Catholicism has been the most positive result of the Reformation for Catholics. This concluding study of the Church looks to modern times with a focus on morality and Catholic social justice. Chapter 17|Chapter 18|Chapter 19|Chapter 20
		Modern Ecumenical Councils Refer to GET CONNECTED, pages 173–174 (Parish Edition), 227–228 (School Edition), in your child’s book to help your child prepare for Chapter 17. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help the young people • know that God’s revelation comes through Holy Scripture and the traditions of the Church, inspired by the Holy Spirit. • learn that the Vatican Councils were occasions for renewal in the Church. • understand that the Church changes to reflect the needs of the community while remaining true to its origins. The Need for Renewal Chapter 17 focuses on three ecumenical councils—Trent (1545—1563), Vatican I (1869), and Vatican 11 (1962—1965). All three councils dealt with official church teaching regarding matters of faith and morals. Together, the pope, bishops, and others who are chosen to teach make up the Magisterium of the Church. The pope calls ecumenical councils and their declarations are issued in union with the pope. The Church believes that these declarations carry the blessing of infallibility. This is also true when a pope declares a doctrine regarding faith or morals ex cathedra—that is, in an official capacity as head of the Church. God is a mystery. In this life, we will never completely understand the fullness of God's self-revelation. While the truth does not change, our understanding of it does change. The pope and bishops must proclaim the faith in every age and in every culture. They are to teach us and remind us of the need for constant fidelity to the Gospel under contemporary circumstances. Family Activity Using recent news magazines and papers identify current situations in the world that reveal a need for reform. As a family, propose solutions to complicated issues such as hunger, civil war, discrimination, and oppression. Connect these issues to the church’s role in matters of social justice. Back to top
		Renewal of the Liturgy Refer to GET CONNECTED, pages 181–182 (Parish Edition), 239–240 (School Edition), in your child’s book for a choice of things to do at home. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help the young people • review the effects of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and how the sacrament is received. • understand that a vocation to the priesthood is a gift from God. • know how Vatican II helped bring about a renewal of the Church’s liturgical life, especially in the Mass and the sacraments. The Liturgy Renews Us The sacred liturgy of the Church includes the Mass, sacraments, Liturgy of the Hours, and Order of Christian Funerals. The bishops of Vatican II made many changes in the way the Church celebrates the liturgy. The reasons for the changes were to restore the liturgy to its original meaning and purpose, to make the liturgy more accessible to people of every culture, and to invite greater participation by the assembly. While Vatican II affirmed the importance of an ordained priesthood as a gift from God, the bishops also emphasized the responsibility that through Baptism all church members share as priests, prophets, and leaders. Liturgical participation enriches us with the virtues necessary to grow in love of God and love of neighbor. The theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—help us to develop a personal relationship with God. The moral virtues—temperance, prudence, justice, and fortitude—help us to grow in our ability to love others and live in peace with them. Family Activity Talk together about changes in the Mass since Vatican II: Mass no longer in Latin, receiving communion in the hand, priest and altar facing people, community participation, one-hour fasting before communion, and the sign of peace. This conversation will be most interesting if shared with family members who lived before 1965. They will have interesting anecdotes to share concerning their experiences with the changes and how things were before them. Back to top
		The Moral Struggle of a New Age Refer to GET CONNECTED, pages 189–190 (Parish Edition), 251–252 (School Edition), in your child’s book for a choice of things to do at home. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help the young people • recognize that Christians are called to protect and respect the dignity of all life. • understand that the Church has a special mission to help the poor and calls on its members to work for justice and peace everywhere. • know that the inspiration to help people in need is seen by Jesus’ example, in families, and the church community. The Gospel of Life Social justice—fairness that extends to all people in all countries—defines the moral struggle of the third millennium. As Catholics, the Church calls us to remember that God has chosen us to be good stewards of creation. We are called to care for the earth's resources not only for the present world population but also for future generations. Social justice is imperative for the survival of life on earth and is the Gospel of life Jesus preached. Whether we are rich or poor, we have a moral obligation to respect and protect life in all forms. Such life includes endangered species of plants and animals and humans of all races and ages, including unborn babies and the elderly. We can begin correcting social problems by changing our attitudes toward other people. When we treat people fairly and generously, we act with justice and bring Christ's peace to others. Family Activity Brainstorm together examples of choices people have made that caused much suffering such as the 1999 Columbine High School shooting or the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America. Discuss the repercussions of these and similar events on society, such as causing many people to live in fear. Talk about how either of these events have affected your own family. Back to top
		A Prayer for the Church Refer to GET CONNECTED, pages 197–198 (Parish Edition), 263–264 (School Edition), in your child’s book for a choice of things to do at home. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help the young people • understand that blessings are an important part of the worship and prayers of the Church. • recognize that the prayer life of the saints and other faithful people provide faith models. • know that Christians are called to help build the faith of the People of God. Building Tomorrow's Church The Church we experience results from the work of the Holy Spirit acting through dedicated believers in past decades. Just as these people struggled to strengthen and build the faith of God’s people, so Catholics today have the challenge to build the Church of tomorrow. The efforts of each person, regardless of age, nationality, or state in life, are necessary in this endeavor. Building tomorrow's Church begins with the practice of constant prayer and action that shows respect for all humanity. In prayer, we ask God for the grace to become true followers of Christ in today's world. As we continue Christ's mission, we also ask the Holy Spirit to help us live as Jesus did. We try to love and treat others as he did. We try to serve our neighbors with selfless generosity, putting their needs before our own. We especially try to protect human life by helping those who are poor or oppressed by government and society. Family Activity Bring the presence of the Holy Spirit into the room. Light a scented "intention" candle as everyone gathers. The aroma and the flame can help family members become aware of God’s presence. Invite each person to offer a prayer of thanksgiving or petition. Remember that God’s love embraces your family and can be a constant source of light.