accompanies chapter 1 in Didache series level 2 Understanding Catholicism

1. Introduction to Catholicism Chapter 1: The Call to Holiness

2. Main Points The history of the Church is the history of holiness. During the Second Vatican Council, the call to holiness was affirmed in the Constitution on Church and in the Decree on the Laity Every human is called to a life of holiness: Leading a life of personal holiness is our purpose on earth and our way to heaven.

3. The Life of Holiness Begins with sacrament of Baptism Baptism gives us sanctifying grace (a share in God’s life) Prayer and the sacraments help us grow in holiness. Christ is the model for a life of holiness.

4. Signs of Christ’s Followers We study Christ and try to be like him We pray to God to know his will and follow it. We use our gifts to serve God and our neighbor We look for our neighbor so that we may serve him/her We accept the crosses that come to us

5. Growing in holiness The sacraments, particularly Reconciliation and Eucharist, received regularly help us grow in holiness Spiritual reading: the Gospels, writings of the Saints. Choosing friends who want to grow in holiness and avoid sin

6. Terms to know Council: a formal meeting of Church leaders for the purpose of studying and clarifying the life and belief of the Church. Decree on the Laity: Official Vatican II document that says all baptized are called to evangelize and grow in holiness. Grace: the gift of God’s love for us. Laity: non-ordained, baptized members of the Church.

7. Terms Martyr: one who endures death to be faithful to Christ. Saint: person who is noted for holiness and heroic virtue Sanctification: the process of becoming holy. Spiritual reading: reading that leads is to prayer and unity with God.