Lesson 11: The Church continued

1. Why do we call the church Roman?

Because the visible head of the church is Bishop of Rome; and because St. Peter and his successors fixed their see in Rome.

2. Who is the visible head of the church?

The Pope: who is Christ's vicar on earth, and supreme visible head of the church.

3. To whom does the Pope suceeed, as visible head of the church?

To St. Peter, who was the chief of the apostles, Christ's vicar on earth, and first Pope and Bishop of Rome.

4. What texts of Scripture prove that St. Peter was made head of the church?

Chiefly the words which Christ said to him: Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, — and I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven. Feed my lambs, feed my sheep. Matt, xvi John, xxi.

5. What do these texts prove?

That Christ committed to St. Peter and to his lawful successors, the care of his whole flock, that is, of his whole church, both pastors and people.

6. Who succeed to the other apostles?

The bishops of the holy catholic church.

7. Can the church err in what it teaches?

No; because Christ promised to the pastors of his church: Behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. Matt, xxviii. 20.

8. Why did Christ promise always to remain with his church?

That he himself, directing and assisting by his holy spirit the pastors of his church, might teach all age and nations.*

9. What else did Christ promise to his church?

That the gates of Hell shall not prevail agaitiM it. Matt. xvi. 18.

10. What other advantage have we in the true church?

We have true faith, with the communion of saints and the forgiveness of sins. Ap. Cr.

11. What means the forgiveness of sins?

That Christ left to the pastors of his church the power of forgiving sins. St. John, xx. 23.