Student Number 27690130 Word count (excluding headings) - 1100

Roman Catholicism Origins Before the official formation of the Roman Catholic Church, Christianity derived from Jewish roots and only came about after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His apostles provided the ground structure for early Christianity by spreading the gospels and teachings of the faith, with the power of the Holy Spirit. "And they were filled with the Holy Spirit. And they began to speak in various languages, just as the Holy Spirit bestowed eloquence to them." - Acts 2:4 However, Roman Catholicism was only officially established with the occurrence of The Great Schism in 1054AD, which was split into Western Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. The main disagreements included the language used in the celebration of mass, Papal Authority, the way in which the Eucharist was celebrated and the wording of The Nicene Creed. The differing views were as followed:

Disagreement Papal Authority Language Centre of Authority

East Orthodoxy Patriarch of Constantinople The language used in the Eastern Church was Greek The church of Constantinople claimed authority because it was the capital of the Roman Empire.

West Roman Catholicism Pope in Rome In the west, Latin replaced Greek The Church of Rome thought that it should have authority in Christianity as It was Saint Peter who founded the church. Jesus said: "You are Peter, and on this rock I shall build my Church." - Matt 16:18

Celebration of The Eucharist

The Eastern Church chose to emphasise the mystery of the Holy Eucharist by concealing the altar behind a set of curtains.

In the Roman Catholic tradition, the celebration of the Eucharist is simpler. The church chose to focus on letting those gathered see what was happening on the altar. The Pope opposed these ideas and opposed image breaking. Roman Catholics continued to honour these pictures in churches and homes.

Holy Images/Icons

Disputes arose in the East about whether it was right to use images of Jesus, Mary and the Saints. Later, only flat images, paintings, mosaics or shallow carvings were permitted. As a result, many holy images were destroyed. The East strongly objected that there should be no change to the wording of The Nicene Creed, and that any alteration was forbidden.

Nicene Creed

The West insisted that changes to the wording of the Creed should be made. By the eleventh century, this was put in place and used throughout the Western Church.

Student Number 27690130 Word count (excluding headings) - 1100

Marriage How It expresses the beliefs of Christianity Many aspects of the Marriage Ceremony express the beliefs of Christianity, and all value this ceremony as a significant Rite of Passage. Catholics recognise marriage as one of The Seven Sacraments. Like the other sacraments, marriage is an irreversible and life-long commitment that is the basis of the family and the Church. More so, as marriage is not just a sacrament but also a Rite of Passage, it is the point at which two individuals are transmitted from one relationship status with God to another. A Nuptial wedding ceremony usually consists of The Opening Rite, Liturgy of the Word, marriage vows, exchange of rings, the Sacrament of The Holy Eucharist and a Nuptial blessing. Scriptural References Scriptural references play a prime role in expressing the beliefs of Christianity. It is through the Gospel and other readings, as well as the Homily, which elaborates on Biblical readings, that we reflect on the true meaning and significance of marriage. Each reading is chosen for the insight it offers into Catholic matrimony, even if it is not specifically mentioned. This links to the way In which Roman Catholic tradition values The Bible as a message from God Himself. Wedding Vows These words are said before a crowd of witnesses, including God. This reminds us that it was He who instituted marriage and just as one's commitment is important to their spouse, it is even more so important to God. Once vowed to Him, our relationship is heightened on a supernatural level which cannot be reversed. This notion is associated with the Christian belief that Marriage is eternal and that when you stand before God and say your vows, you are committing to be that persons husband or wife until death. Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist The Liturgy of The Holy Eucharist celebrates God's presence, acknowledging Its importance in the lives of the newly married couple. All Christians present take part in a common meal, marking those gathered as a community who share one heart and mind. As first expressed by Jesus at The Last Supper, It is a way in which we bind ourselves with God as we receive Him in Holy Communion. This allows us to be drawn more deeply into an intimate union of body, mind and spirit.

Symbols Wedding Rings "Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, In the name of The Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit." By observing this part of the wedding vows, we come to the realisation that while the rings serve as a sign of unbroken love and faithfulness, it is done so by the one who gives it, not by the one who receives it. Wedding Gown A Roman Catholic brides wedding dress is usually ankle-length, covers the chest and shoulders, and is white in colour. This symbolises her purity before marriage and the start of a new life with her husband. Veil The veil covering the face of the bride for the majority of the ceremony not only shows modesty and purity in reverence for God, but is also a symbol of unity. We are able to see a reflection of the relationship between Christ and His Church, and another reflection in the removal of the veil, giving the couple full access to each other through a life in marriage.

Student Number 27690130 Word count (excluding headings) - 1100

Significance In The Roman Catholic tradition, marriage is recognised as the expression of the underlying purpose for man and woman, as He [God] calls them to an intimate communion of life and love in marriage. (CCC 1601-05) Christian beliefs suggest that this union between a man and woman reflect the relationship of Jesus Christ and the Church, parallel to The Old Testament teaching of the relationship between God and His people. The Sacrament of Matrimony means becoming husband and wife through a sacred covenant with God and each other, and establishes a perpetual and exclusive bond between the spouses (1638-42). This extract depicts marriage as being an everlasting commitment not only between a wedded couple, but also God. Furthermore, the spouses are expected to enter the Sacrament of Matrimony with the intention that their union will be fruitful. This is evident in the excerpt: By its very nature the institution of marriage and married love is ordered to the procreation and education of the offspring. (1652)