Ways that the Magisterium teaches
The Ordinary Universal Magisterium
The Ordinary Universal Magisterium is the everyday function of the Church to teach truths of the Catholic Faith (CCC 2034). Many of these truths have never been solemnly defined by an ecumenical council or papal pronouncement (CCC 892). Nonetheless, they are part of the constant teaching and preaching of the Church and are, therefore, an expression of faith for all believers. An example of this is the perpetual virginity of Mary or that the sacramental priesthood is reserved to men. The publication of the Catechism itself is an exercise in the Ordinary Magisterial office.
The Solemn or Extraordinary Magisterium
The Solemn or Extraordinary Magisterium serves the Church by making pronouncements defining dogma, divinely revealed truth. Since Christ has promised His abiding presence (Matt 28:20) and the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church which teaches in Christ's Name, this teaching is infallible (CCC 889-891; 2035). It becomes infallible when such teaching takes the form of papal definitions or conciliar decisions which are binding on the consciences of all the faithful in matters of faith and morals.
The Extraordinary Magisterium is most often exercised in response to a need for clarification, as in the example mentioned above in the confusion about the person and nature of Jesus Christ. The response is often directed specifically to that particular need. Therefore further explanation on an issue is possible should further need arise. This is in keeping with the pattern of much of Jesus' teaching and that of the Apostles and the Church Fathers. As mankind develops in both society and history, the understanding of the significance of Revelation through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition must likewise develop.
There are two circumstances in which the Solemn Magisterium functions. Most often these pronouncements are made at ecumenical councils. These are councils, which involve bishops from all over the world, as opposed to local or regional councils which would involve bishops from only one territory. We looked at the Councils of Nicea and the Council of Constantinople above. Most recently the Church convoked the Second Vatican Council in 1962-1965, which in some respects was a continuation of the First Vatican Council in 1871. Vatican II interestingly was not called as a response to doctrinal confusion. Rather as Pope Saint John XXIII who called the council explained it, its purpose was the perceived need of the Church to express her teachings in a more up-to-date manner—aggiornamiento as he called it in Italian. But whatever the purpose, in the modern age these worldwide gatherings of bishops are convoked by and presided over by the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome.
Very rarely, solemn Magisterial pronouncements are made by popes apart from ecumenical councils. These pronouncements are called ex cathedra or in English "from the chair." These pronouncements are always made, however, after consulting the Catholic Church through their brother bishops and even the clergy and faithful. The Immaculate Conception and the Assumption are two dogmas declared by popes under the Solemn Magisterium.
The Ordinary Universal Magisterium is the everyday function of the Church to teach truths of the Catholic Faith (CCC 2034). Many of these truths have never been solemnly defined by an ecumenical council or papal pronouncement (CCC 892). Nonetheless, they are part of the constant teaching and preaching of the Church and are, therefore, an expression of faith for all believers. An example of this is the perpetual virginity of Mary or that the sacramental priesthood is reserved to men. The publication of the Catechism itself is an exercise in the Ordinary Magisterial office.
The Solemn or Extraordinary Magisterium
The Solemn or Extraordinary Magisterium serves the Church by making pronouncements defining dogma, divinely revealed truth. Since Christ has promised His abiding presence (Matt 28:20) and the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church which teaches in Christ's Name, this teaching is infallible (CCC 889-891; 2035). It becomes infallible when such teaching takes the form of papal definitions or conciliar decisions which are binding on the consciences of all the faithful in matters of faith and morals.
The Extraordinary Magisterium is most often exercised in response to a need for clarification, as in the example mentioned above in the confusion about the person and nature of Jesus Christ. The response is often directed specifically to that particular need. Therefore further explanation on an issue is possible should further need arise. This is in keeping with the pattern of much of Jesus' teaching and that of the Apostles and the Church Fathers. As mankind develops in both society and history, the understanding of the significance of Revelation through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition must likewise develop.
There are two circumstances in which the Solemn Magisterium functions. Most often these pronouncements are made at ecumenical councils. These are councils, which involve bishops from all over the world, as opposed to local or regional councils which would involve bishops from only one territory. We looked at the Councils of Nicea and the Council of Constantinople above. Most recently the Church convoked the Second Vatican Council in 1962-1965, which in some respects was a continuation of the First Vatican Council in 1871. Vatican II interestingly was not called as a response to doctrinal confusion. Rather as Pope Saint John XXIII who called the council explained it, its purpose was the perceived need of the Church to express her teachings in a more up-to-date manner—aggiornamiento as he called it in Italian. But whatever the purpose, in the modern age these worldwide gatherings of bishops are convoked by and presided over by the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome.
Very rarely, solemn Magisterial pronouncements are made by popes apart from ecumenical councils. These pronouncements are called ex cathedra or in English "from the chair." These pronouncements are always made, however, after consulting the Catholic Church through their brother bishops and even the clergy and faithful. The Immaculate Conception and the Assumption are two dogmas declared by popes under the Solemn Magisterium.
Discussion of "Ways that the Magisterium teaches"
Add your voice to this discussion.
Checking your signed in status ...