Questions on Vatican II renewed cooperation, appreciation of Christian traditions

by Father John Ludwig | February 20, 2025

Q. I know that Vatican II was an ecumenical council. I’m wondering what the goal of ecumenism is. Can you help me understand this?

A. I’ll try. It’s a hard word to pronounce, and it’s not in our everyday conversation, is it?

The goal or purpose of ecumenism is to bring people together. There have been Twenty-one ecumenical councils in the history of the Church, beginning with the First Council of Nicaea (325), and ending with the Second Vatican Council (1962-65).

When Pope John XXIII convened Vatican II, he wanted to gather Church leaders from around the world to discuss the important issues of the day. Over four years, bishops and scholars prayed and studied those concerns, and they isssued four constitutions, nine decrees and three declarations.

The four constitutions are: (1) the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church; (2) the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation; (3) the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy; and (4) the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.

In addition to the bishops present, there were also observers from religious congregations and other religions. The goal of such gatherings is to search for the best ways to live the faith of the gospel and to share insights and procedures that address the needs of the age.

Pope Francis often calls for us to be “synodal” – to listen to and share with one another how we can best follow the Lord.

On the local level we see that same kind of sharing with the formation of diocesan synods and councils and parish councils. It’s a way of sharing the love of God and the work of the Church. One especially significant blessing of the council was the renewed cooperation and appreciation of the many Christian denominations.

 

Q. When do you call for a priest for the sacrament of the sick?

A. Yes, when? Well, it usedto be that when sick people saw the priest coming, they thought to themselves, “I’m a goner!”

We needn’t wait until someone is practically drawing his or her last breath. To be seriously ill doesn’t necessarily mean to be on death’s doorstep.

Before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the sacrament of the sick (then referred to as extreme unction) was conferred ONLY ONCE in a person’s lifetime. 

In fact, that’s why some referred to the sacrament as the “Last Rites.” The faithful may now be anointed more than just one time. Many parishes celebrate the anointing of the sick at weekend Masses at different times throughout the year. When in doubt, make the request to your pastor.

Have a question you want answered? Send them to communications@dmdiocese.org.