Once, an aged nun expressed irritation with an accomplished theologian. “He doesn’t even know how many sacraments there are,” the sister said, “he thinks there are eight or ten or some other number.” The sister obviously had in mind the doctrine, defined by the Council of Trent, that there are seven sacraments by which it is meant that the Church surely conveys sanctifying grace by seven distinct actions. Still, theologians are correct in pointing out that the Church herself is, in a tangible way, a sacrament. That is, the Church is a visible sign established by Christ to bestow grace.

Besides a sacrament, the Church may be described with other terms. Vatican II’s Constitution on the Church (frequently called by its Latin introductory words Lumen Gentium), sees the Church first as the “people of God.” This means that the Church is a community of persons that worship God and serve Him in holiness. At the same time the Church is the “Body of Christ” – the extension of Jesus Christ through time with himself as its head. The Church is also said to be the “bride of Christ” since he has joined her to himself in an everlasting covenant. Finally, the Church, along with individual Christians, is described as the “temple of the Holy Spirit” meaning that the Church has the Holy Spirit as her source of vitality so that she might complete her mission of evangelization.

The tenth session of “Why Catholic?” examines the characteristics and the ministries of the Church. It provides valuable insights into the institution by which many of us identify ourselves after giving our names.