from the community of the faithful (1 Cor. v. 5, and 1 Tim. i. 20), and received them again when they repented (2 Cor. ii. 10). and elsewhere).
3. What further did the Apostles do when the communities of Christians increased?
They chose elders from amongst them, ordained them Bishops, and appointed them everywhere as rulers of the new Christian communities, with the commission that they should likewise ordain and appoint others (Short History of Revealed Rel., 31).
'And when they had ordained to them Priests [or Elders — i.e., Bishops and Priests] in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed' (Acts xiv. 22). For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest ordain Priests [Elders] in every city, as I also appointed thee' (Titus i. 5),
4. Were all these several communities united with one another?
Yes, they were all closely united with one another: they professed the same faith, partook of the same Sacraments, and formed all together one great Christian community under one common Head, St. Peter (Short Hist. of Revealed Rel., 31).
5. What did they call this great community of Christians under one common Head?
The Catholic—i.e., the universal—Church, or in one word, the Church.
6. What, then, is the Church even at the present time?
The Church is the same congregation of all the faithful, who, being baptized, profess the same doctrine, partake of the same Sacraments, and are governed by their lawful pastors under one visible Head, the Pope.
7. Was the Church thus organized by the Apostles?
No; she was thus organized by Jesus Christ, her Founder; the Apostles were only the instruments by which He accomplished His will.
8. How did Jesus Christ thus organize His Church?
