145. To whom did Christ give the power to teach, to sanctify, and to rule the members of His Church?
Christ gave the power to teach, to sanctify, and to rule the members of His Church to the , the first of the Church.
146. Did Christ intend that this power should be exercised by the apostles alone?
No, Christ intended that this power should be exercised also by their , the bishops of the Church.
147. Did Christ give special power in His Church to any one of the apostles?
Christ gave special power in His Church to Saint Peter by making him the of the apostles and the chief teacher and of the entire Church.
148. Did Christ intend that the special power of chief teacher and ruler of the entire Church should be exercised by Saint Peter alone?
Christ did not intend that the special power of chief teacher and ruler of the entire should be exercised by Saint Peter alone, but intended that this power should be passed down to his successor, the , the Bishop of Rome, who is the Vicar of Christ on earth and the head of the Church.
149. Who assist the bishops in the care of souls?
The , especially parish priests, assist the bishops in the care of souls.
150. Who are the laity of the Church?
The laity of the Church are all its who do not belong to the clerical or to the religious state.
151. How can the laity help the Church in her care of souls?
The laity can help the Church in her care of souls by leading that will reflect credit on the Church, and by with their bishops and priests, especially through Catholic Action.
151A. What is Catholic Action?
Catholic Action is the active of the laity in the apostolate of the Church under the of the hierarchy.
151B. In what ways can the laity participate actively in the apostolate of the Church?
The laity can participate actively in the apostolate of the Church when they arouse the of non-Catholics in the Catholic faith; promote high in the press, motion pictures, radio and television; in the work of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; take part in the activities of Catholic societies and organizations; represent, under proper direction, the Church's position in speaking and writing; and go as lay to foreign lands.