We are the Church

The Church is comprised of all believers or the People of God. Ordained clergy have a distinct role and function in the Church; all of the baptized are a part of the whole of the Body of Christ. Together with ordained ministers, the lay faithful are called to live out their baptism through spreading the gospel message and ministering to people in need.

The entire body of the faithful, anointed as they are by the Holy One, cannot err in matters of belief. They manifest this special property by means of the whole peoples' supernatural discernment in matters of faith when ‘from the Bishops down to the last of the lay faithful,’ they show universal agreement in matters of faith and morals. That discernment in matters of faith is aroused and sustained by the Spirit of truth. (Lumen Gentium #12)

Catholic bishops from all over the world ratified, “The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.” This was one of the first documents approved at the Second Vatican Council. This document returned to the early Christian understanding of the Body of Christ and proclaimed that the Church is the People of God.

• What is the Catholic Church?
• We Are the Church
• What Do Catholics Believe?
• Sacraments