Early Church :
Early Church Key concept to remember is that the Liturgies, Sacraments, and the Church existed well before the Bible (as we know it) was put together.
A living active Church exists to spread the faith and the New Testament springs out of that living Church
Creeds :
Creeds A Creed of the Church is an official statement of truths that are essential to our faith. The are (basically) professions of faith
Examples:
Apostles Creed
Nicene Creed
Magisterium :
Magisterium This term refers to the teaching authority of the Church. This authority is given by Christ.
Christ sent the Holy Spirit to guide this teaching authority into truth
Doctrine :
Doctrine A belief that the Church holds and teaches.
We can grow in our knowledge of doctrines and we call this the development of doctrine
Dogma :
Dogma A doctrine that the Church officially defines as a truth revealed by God.
An example of Dogma: Mary’s Assumption into Heaven
Miracle :
Miracle A miracle is an extraordinary phenomenon that is not able to be explained and understood by natural means, but only by the direct intervention of God.
Examples: Wedding at Cana, Healings, Lazarus, multiplication of loaves, Ascension.