Complete Joy

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 15:7-21; PS 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10; Jn 15:9-11
Notes: The continuous readings we begin to encounter since yesterday are concerned with:

1. Dogma.
2. Pastoral Care.
3. Governance.
4. Magisterium.

Jesus reassures us the Father loves us. Jesus also reassures that the magisterium is guided by the Holy Spirit. We may make human error from time to time but the Holy Spirit will right the ship always and often. Have Joy in his love!

Summary of the governance of the Roman Catholic Church

Magisterium – the teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church, especially as exercised by bishops or the Pope.

The Roman Curia the central body through which the affairs of the Catholic Church are conducted. It acts in the pope’s name and with his authority for the good and for the service of the particular churches and provides the central organization for the church to advance its objectives.

Congregations:

1. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is the oldest among the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. Its seat is the Palace of the Holy Office in Rome. It was founded to defend the church from heresy; today, it is the body responsible for promulgating and defending Catholic doctrine.
2. Congregation for the Oriental Churches
3. Congregation for the Causes of Saints
4. Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
5. Congregation for the Clergy
6. Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic life
7. Congregation for Catholic Education (Institutes of Study)

Apostolic Constitutions:

1. Dogmatic constitution – what we believe and govern.
   Lumen gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, November, 1964.
   Dei verbum, the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, November, 1965.
2. Pastoral constitution – how we act (often a subcomponent of the dogmatic constitution).

First reading
After much debate had taken place,
Peter got up and said to the Apostles and the presbyters, ‘…’

it is my judgment, therefore,
that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God,
but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols,
unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood.
For Moses, for generations now,
has had those who proclaim him in every town,
as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”

1. Dogma.
2. Pastoral Care.
3. Governance.
4. Magisterium.

Responsorial Psalm
Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Alleluia Verse
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.

Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples:…

“I have told you this so that
my joy might be in you and
your joy might be complete.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry