Fifth Sunday after Easter

Baltimore track

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Lesson 11 — On the Church

Q. 500.Why are Catholics called "Roman"?

A.Catholics are called Roman to show that they are in union with the true Church founded by Christ and governed by the Apostles under the direction of St. Peter, by divine appointment the Chief of the Apostles, who founded the Church of Rome and was its first bishop.

Q. 501.By what name is a bishop's diocese sometimes called?

A.A bishop's diocese is sometimes called his see. The diocese of Rome, on account of its authority and dignity, is called the Holy See, and its bishop is called the Holy Father or Pope. Pope means father.

Q. 502.What do we call the right by which St. Peter or his successor has always been the head of the Church and of all its bishops?

A.We call the right by which St. Peter or his successor has always been the head of the Church, and of all its bishops, the Primacy of St. Peter or of the Pope. Primacy means holding first place.

Q. 503.How is it shown that St. Peter or his successor has always been the head of the Church?

A.It is shown that St. Peter or his successor has always been the head of the Church: (1) From the words of Holy Scripture, which tell how Christ appointed Peter Chief of the Apostles and head of the Church. (2) From the history of the Church, which shows that Peter and his successors have always acted and have always been recognized as the head of the Church.