Master of Arts in Theology

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Browsing Master of Arts in Theology by Author "Ndiukwu, Toby"

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    On-Going Catechesis As An Essential Element For New Evangelization In The Mission Of The Church: A Case Study Of The Writings Of John Paul II
    (Tangaza University College/Duquesne University, 2016) Ndiukwu, Toby
    During the Vatican II Council, Pope Paul VI, wrote his first encyclical about the Church probably inspired by the atmosphere which characterized the Vatican II Council. The Holy Father said, ‘‘We are convinced that the Church must look with penetrating eyes within itself, ponder the mystery of its own being, and draw enlightenment and inspiration from a deeper scrutiny of the doctrine of its own origin, nature, mission, and destiny’’ (ES 9). The Vatican II Council came at an appointed time as pastoral and ecumenical council to review its understanding of the Church guided by the Holy Spirit. The Church never ceases to widen and deepen her understand of the Mission from which she was conceived. The Mission of the Church has been understood differently by different Christians. However, the sole mission of the Church is to proclaim the reign of God on earth. The Church is not separated from the world, and all her activities are exercised in a world of misplaced priority, consumerism and technological advancement, economic meltdown, barriers between the rich and the poor, conglomeration of resources by a few, thus creating a gap between the rich and poor, cases of child abuse, violence, persistent terrorism around the globe, quest for power and affluence, climate change and ecological extinction. These affect and many more affect the world and yet the Church has an indispensable role in being prophetic and the moral conscience in such a society; the Church needs to and has to find its way to accommodate and achieve her purpose in such a diverse society. The Mission of the Church generates newer perspective because the Church has to read the signs of the times and find her rightful place in order to address surging issues that affect humanity. To realize this, there comes a need to understand the mission of the Church more profoundly as Christians and to seek newer ways while upholding the gospel to carry out the mission of the Church is the world. Pope John Paul II proposes New Evangelization as a method of witnessing in the world. However, witnessing in a complex world such as ours requires a joint effort of all Christians. Having understood what the mission of the Church is all about, Christians have the task to involve themselves as well in bringing forth the Good News of Christ in the world by words and deeds.