The Spirit & The Bride

Vatican II's Decree on the Appropriate Renewal of Religious Life

Part of the Second Vatican Council's overarching concern in presenting the Catholic Church's nature and mission in our times was its teaching on religious and consecrated life. Dr. Schreck talks about the council's decree on "The Appropriate Renewal of Religious Life," or in Latin called "Perfectae Caritatis," the perfection of charity.

Vatican II's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity

Some have said the Second Vatican Council was the "Council of the Laity." Dr. Schreck talks about Apostolicam Actuositatem, the council's document that activated and broadened lay people's participation in the life of the Catholic Church and in her mission to make Jesus Christ present in the world.

Vatican II's Decrees on the Priesthood

Dr. Schreck talks about the Second Vatican Council's decrees on Priestly Formation (Optatam Totius) and on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Presbyterorum Ordinis).  The former emphasized the centrality of spiritual and pastoral formation of priesthood candidates, while the latter was a ground-breaking document that addressed the life of priests and their particular path to holiness. Dr. Schreck shows how priests are "set apart" through their ordination but not "separated" from the people they serve, following the example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Vatican II's Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops

The role of the bishop in the Catholic Church was one of the important topics taken up by the Council Fathers (who were bishops themselves) at the Second Vatican Council. Dr. Schreck talks about their "Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops," or Christus Dominus, and its emphasis on bishops as carrying out the mission of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, and the apostles in the life of the Church.

Vatican II's Decrees on the Church's Relationship to Non-Christian Religions and Missionary Activity

Dr. Schreck explores the Council's decrees on the Church's relationship to non-Christian religions (Nostra Aetate) and on the Church's missionary activity (Ad gentes divinitus). He talks about how the Catholic Church respects all that is true and holy in non-Christian religions and condemns persecution while also following Jesus' command to make disciples and evangelize. He also address common misconceptions about these teachings.

Vatican II's Decree on Ecumenism

Dr. Schreck talks about how the restoration of unity among Christians, or ecumenism, was a priority for Pope St. John XXIII in calling the Second Vatican Council.  As a result, Pope St. Paul VI and the Council's bishops published the Decree on Ecumenism, or Unitatis Redintegratio.  Dr. Schreck shares about this topic in light of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January.

Vatican II's Decree on the Means of Social Communication

Dr. Schreck presents the teaching of the Second Vatican Council on the means of social communication, or the media.  He talks about the moral principles of the media's production, transmission, and reception.  He also shares how the Church is responsible for using media to promote truth, goodness, and beauty and to spread the Gospel.

Vatican II's Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World: Part 5

Dr. Schreck highlights the second part of Vatican II's Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, or Gaudium et Spes, and discusses the Church's teaching on marriage and family life (part 2, chapter 1). He also discusses the promotion of peace and cooperation among nations in light of modern challenges (part 2, chapter 5).

Vatican II's Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World: Part 4

What does the Church offer to individuals and society?  And what does the modern world contribute to the Church?  Dr. Schreck discusses chapter 4 of Gaudium et Spes and how Jesus Christ is both the author and goal of the Church’s mission.

Vatican II's Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World: Part 3

What is a Christian’s role in promoting the common good?  Dr. Schreck continues discussing Gaudium et Spes and people’s role and responsibility in promoting the true welfare of society, as well as the relationship between faith and science.