Code of Canon Law: text (original) (raw)
PART I :CHRIST'S FAITHFUL (Cann. 204 - 207)
Can.204 §1 Christ's faithful are those who, since they are incorporated into Christthrough baptism, are constituted the people of God. For this reason theyparticipate in their own way in the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ. They are called, each according to his or her particular condition, to exercisethe mission which God entrusted to the Church to fulfil in the world.
§2 ThisChurch, established and ordered in this world as a society, subsists in thecatholic Church, governed by the successor of Peter and the Bishops incommunion with him.
Can.205 Those baptised are in full communion with the catholic Church here on earthwho are joined with Christ in his visible body, through the bonds of professionof faith, the sacraments and ecclesiastical governance.
Can.206 §1 Catechumens are linked with the Church in a special way since, moved by the Holy Spirit, they are expressing an explicit desire to be incorporated in the Church. By this very desire, as well as by the life of faith, hope andcharity which they lead, they are joined to the Church which already cherishesthem as its own.
§2 TheChurch has a special care for catechumens. While it invites them to lead anevangelical life, and introduces them to the celebration of the sacred rites, it already accords them various prerogatives which are proper to christians.
Can.207 §1 By divine institution, among Christ's faithful there are in the Church sacred ministers, who in law are also called clerics - the others are called lay people.
§2 Drawnfrom both groups are those of Christ's faithful who, professing the evangelical counsels through vows or other sacred bonds recognised and approved by theChurch, are consecrated to God in their own special way and promote thesalvific mission of the Church. Their state, although it does not belong to thehierarchical structure of the Church, does pertain to its life and holiness.