What if your Catechisis instructor is wrong?

[Cimachol]

I’m taking a class required for certification as a catechist in my diocese. Last night at the first class, the instructor, an elderly nun from the Sisters of St. Joseph, passed out a list of terms so we could see which ones we knew and ask questions about those we didn’t. One student wasn’t sure what “infallibility” meant. She gave a brief definition then asked the old question, “Who knows how many times in the Church’s history infallibility has been invoked?”

I knew the wrong answer was going to come – twice; the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption. I have read enough Catholic Answers articles and other materials to know that, properly understood, infallibility has been invoked many times, even before infallibility itself was formally defined as such.

I didn’t say anything, though, because the nun seemed so certain in her answer that I figured disagreeing would only start an argument. I’m there to learn what I can, not argue. But then I think about the other students in the class, some of whom must have very basic (if that) knowledge of Church teaching to not even know about infallibility. They are going to walk out of this class thinking that infallibility is just some obscure teaching that’s only been used twice on matters that don’t directly relate to our daily lives much.

I’m wondering if A) I should speak up next time I’m doubtful of something the instructor says, and B) if I should have some counterarguments ready the next time infallibility comes up in class, as she mentioned that we’ll get into it more later.

What would you do?

 

[TARRAT]

Maybe the confusion is with infallibility and ex-cathedra. The church always teaches correctly when it comes to faith and morals whether it comes from the pope or the magesterium. But I think pronouncements have only been done twice. Maybe somebody will enlighten us further.

I would not hesitate to charitably question the nun in charge then she could correct or further add to her explanation. You would do yourself and her a great service.

 

[AnneElizabeth]

I’m taking a class required for certification as a catechist in my diocese. Last night at the first class, the instructor, an elderly nun from the Sisters of St. Joseph, passed out a list of terms so we could see which ones we knew and ask questions about those we didn’t. One student wasn’t sure what “infallibility” meant. She gave a brief definition then asked the old question, “Who knows how many times in the Church’s history infallibility has been invoked?”

I knew the wrong answer was going to come – twice; the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption. I have read enough Catholic Answers articles and other materials to know that, properly understood, infallibility has been invoked many times, even before infallibility itself was formally defined as such.

I didn’t say anything, though, because the nun seemed so certain in her answer that I figured disagreeing would only start an argument. I’m there to learn what I can, not argue. But then I think about the other students in the class, some of whom must have very basic (if that) knowledge of Church teaching to not even know about infallibility. They are going to walk out of this class thinking that infallibility is just some obscure teaching that’s only been used twice on matters that don’t directly relate to our daily lives much.

I’m wondering if A) I should speak up next time I’m doubtful of something the instructor says, and B) if I should have some counterarguments ready the next time infallibility comes up in class, as she mentioned that we’ll get into it more later.

What would you do?

Just speak with the nun privately sometime and ask further questions on the matter citing what you know and ask for clarity. Be kind about it and that’s all about you can do. She might have just mistaken something. Happens to all of us and therefore, it would be good for you to have brought it up, that way, she could make a correction if she is in error.

 

[CB_Catholic]

Really, I think most Catholics would give the answer the Sister did. The Pope has only spoken infallibly ex-cathedra twice, they just don’t distinguish between the two. Perhaps you could, on the side, start a discussion with her, although this is a subject that is very confusing to most Catholics, even those who are well versed in the faith.

And if the Sister doesn’t understand it, she’s not going to be able to correct the class on it.

 

[Cimachol]

This is good stuff. I hadn’t really thought about the difference between “ex cathedra” and infallible. I’m realizing that while I am pretty sure I understand what infallible means, it’s less clear to me when a statement would be considered “ex cathedra.” (In last night’s class, only the word “infallible” was used, so I stand by my conviction that Sister was mistaken about the number of infallible statements that have been made. When searching out how man ex cathedra statements have been made, some say two, some say seven or nine, and I am unclear how one determines whether a statement was ex cathedra or not.

The statement in Ordinatio Sacerdotalis,

Wherefore, in order that all doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great importance, a matter which pertains to the Church’s divine constitution itself, in virtue of Our ministry of confirming the brethren.[3] We declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church’s faithful (Declaramus Ecclesiam facultatem nullatenus habere ordinationem sacerdotalem mulieribus conferendi, hancque sententiam ab omnibus Ecclesiae fidelibus esse definitive tenendam)

seems pretty clearly intended as an infallible statement to me. Yet, from what I’ve read, some states that it falls under the “ordinary magisterium.” I’m not clear on the difference.

Probably good that I didn’t speak up, since I apparently have to look into this further.