BOOK II : THE PEOPLE OF GOD
PART I :
CHRIST'S FAITHFUL (Cann. 204 - 207)
Can.
204 §1 Christ's faithful are those who, since they are incorporated into Christ
through baptism, are constituted the people of God. For this reason they
participate in their own way in the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ.
They are called, each according to his or her particular condition, to exercise
the mission which God entrusted to the Church to fulfil in the world.
§2 This
Church, established and ordered in this world as a society, subsists in the
catholic Church, governed by the successor of Peter and the Bishops in
communion with him.
Can.
205 Those baptised are in full communion with the catholic Church here on earth
who are joined with Christ in his visible body, through the bonds of profession
of faith, the sacraments and ecclesiastical governance.
Can.
206 §1 Catechumens are linked with the Church in a special way since, moved by
the Holy Spirit, they are expressing an explicit desire to be incorporated in
the Church. By this very desire, as well as by the life of faith, hope and
charity which they lead, they are joined to the Church which already cherishes
them as its own.
§2 The
Church has a special care for catechumens. While it invites them to lead an
evangelical life, and introduces them to the celebration of the sacred rites,
it already accords them various prerogatives which are proper to christians.
Can.
207 §1 By divine institution, among Christ's faithful there are in the Church
sacred ministers, who in law are also called clerics - the others are called
lay people.
§2 Drawn
from both groups are those of Christ's faithful who, professing the evangelical
counsels through vows or other sacred bonds recognised and approved by the
Church, are consecrated to God in their own special way and promote the
salvific mission of the Church. Their state, although it does not belong to the
hierarchical structure of the Church, does pertain to its life and holiness.
|