Highlights from The School of Leaders - May 4, 2010

Every month, the Twin City Cursillo sponsors a School of Leaders on the first Tuesday of the Month. The School of Leaders provides a place for new and time-tested Cursillista’s where they can 1) Learn more about Cursillo, 2) grow in spirituality, and 3) grow in Cursillo leadership knowledge and skill. Jesus says “Come follow me”. We say: “‘Yes Yes Lord’, because we have been to Leader School”.

At Leader School in May, Fr. Tim Morin talked to us about the various “Levels of Church Teaching”. Fr Tim educated us on the six (6) specific Church Teaching Levels. Some of this information was taken from a small pamphlet “Levels of Teaching in the Catholic Church” which was prepared by Bishop Raymond Lucker of the Diocese of New Ulm.

Level 1

Level 1 consists of those truths that are “Divinely Revealed Truth (Bible, Pope, and taught by magisterium)”. There are only 11 identifiable items as this level, a surprising thought since many Catholics often times have heard or have “felt” that there are hundreds at this level. The examples presented were the Blessed Trinity, the Incarnation, the real presence in the Eucharist, Sacraments, and Love of God and Neighbor. If you are not following these truths, you are then labeled as a heretic. Fr. Tim also mentioned that these items are true today as they were true in the 3^rd century and as they will be true in the 30^th century – the same for all time.

Level 2

Level 2 consists of those truths that are “Definitive non-revealed truths proposed as infallible”. This level is centered around respect for human dignity, upholding of human rights, immortality of the human being and reverence for principles of the natural law. Much of this is centered on what we hear in our first day of Cursillo. These do center on “faith and morals” to explain rightly the deposit of our Catholic faith.

Level 3

Level 3 consists of those truths that are “Authoritative but Reformable Teaching (Doctrine to aid a better understanding of Revelation)”. Unlike the first 2 levels that are essentially unchanged, this group might see small changes over large periods of time. This level includes formula for sacraments, “in-vitro” procedures, artificial birth control and non-ordination of women. In our lifetime, we have actually have seen some change in this area that has stirred discussion for and against these “truths”. This area is “authentic”, but on the other hand it is non-infallible teaching, a point sometimes overlooked in discussion. Not following these truths means that you are in dissent of the Church.

Level 4

Level 4 consists of those truths that are “Disciplinary Rules – Universal Laws of the Church, Particular laws of the diocese, Liturgical norms and Church practice”. This group includes fasting rules, feast day obligations, celibacy of the clergy, Latin usage, music, and liturgical norms. Even though 12 items were listed, Fr. Tim mentioned that a complete list covers something like 153 items. Forms of Reconciliation and Confirmation have been addressed here in our lifetime.

Level 5

Level 5 consists of those truths that are “Theological Opinion – Application of moral norms and ways of expressing teachings and cultural expressions”. These areas usually come out of University Centers and usually involve applications of moral principles. Liberation theology, and non-Catholic saving are just two areas of past discussion. Of course, University “teaching” has also crossed into levels 3 and 4 as most of you are aware.

Level 6

Level 6 consists of those truths that include “Pious Practices and Devotions”. This would be things like praying the rosary, Novenas, wearing medals, and apparitions. It also includes addressing the 150+ sights that have seen Mary.

Our Catechism is one area we normally go to for further definitions or clarification. Fr. Tim did mention that this book does change over time and that it also addresses all 6 levels of our Catholic Teaching.

Thank You Fr. Tim.

At our June Leader School, Twin City Cursillo is planning a commissioning for our Spanish weekend leaders for their planned Cursillo weekends or we will have an update from Mark and Sonia Lager from their recent trip to the Cursillo Regional Meeting.

Apostolate without Prayer is empty; Prayer without Apostolate is a lie.

Jim Harasyn WE#007, Your School of Leaders servant

Upcoming School of Leader Events

June – Commissioning for Spanish Weekend

July – Section Review or Doctrinal Talk

August – Commissioning for November