THE
MAGISTERIUM
REL ED 111
OBJECTIVE
S... At the end of the lesson, students
can:
• Define Magisterium.
• Discuss the role of Magisterium.
• Identify the levels of magisterial
teachings.
What is
Magisterium
?
Origin and Meaning
The term "Magisterium"
Time for school
originates from the Latin
word "magister," which
means "teacher" or
"master." In the context Magisterium encompasses
of the Catholic Church, the Pope and the bishops in
the Magisterium refers communion with him, who
to the Church's together guide the faithful in
authoritative teaching matters of doctrine and
office, which is
moral teaching.
responsible for
interpreting and
preserving the teachings
of Christ and the
Scriptures.
What is the
role of
Magisterium
?
Roles
Authority Teaching
The Magisterium holds a
unique position within the
Office
The Magisterium is tasked
with safeguarding the
Church, as it is the body that deposit of faith, which
has the authority to teach includes both Sacred
and interpret the faith. This Scripture and Sacred
authority is believed to be Tradition. It ensures that the
derived from Christ Himself, teachings of the Church
who entrusted the apostles remain true to the original
and their successors with the message of Christ and the
responsibility of teaching the apostles.
Gospel.
Roles
Infallibility Responsibility
The Magisterium is believed to the Faithful
to be infallible in specific
The Magisterium has a
circumstances, particularly
pastoral role, guiding the
when it proclaims a doctrine
faithful in understanding and
concerning faith or morals
living out their faith. It
that is to be held by all the
engages in dialogue with the
faithful. This infallibility is
world, addressing
not a personal attribute of
contemporary moral and
the Pope or the bishops but
ethical issues.
is understood as a protection
by the Holy Spirit.
Levels of Teaching
1. Ex cathedra - 2. Ordinary
3. Conciliar
When the Pope Magisterium - The
Teaching - Teachings
speaks infallibly on collective teaching of
that arise from
matters of faith and bishops in communion
ecumenical councils,
morals, a teaching with the Pope, which
where bishops gather
that is considered may not be infallible
to discuss and define
definitive and binding but still carries
matters of faith.
for all Catholics. significant authority.
