Just Teach Sheets – In Depth October Week 3

In-Depth Track

October Week 3
Theme: Saints & Holiness
Focus: St. Edward the Confessor — a Catholic king whose life illustrates holiness in governance, public witness, charity, and the duty of rulers to honour God.
Audience: In-depth learners, catechists, apologists

Weekly Goal

To study St. Edward the Confessor (1003–1066) as a theological and apologetic example of Catholic sanctity in public life. His witness challenges the modern idea that faith is “private” and shows the Church’s teaching that holiness belongs in every vocation, even kingship.

What You’ll Need

Bible

Catechism (CCC 2013–2015; 2105; 2447)

Lives of the Saints (esp. Butler’s Lives)

Historical accounts of Edward’s reign

Notebook for study

Opening Prayer (Daily)

Almighty God,
You raised up St. Edward the Confessor as a just and holy king.
May his life remind us that rulers and nations,
no less than individuals,
are called to serve and honour You.
Strengthen me to witness to Your kingdom in public and private life.
Amen.

Day 1 – Public Confession of Faith

Teaching:
Edward is called “the Confessor” because he bore witness to the Catholic faith publicly in life, rather than through martyrdom. His reign embodied Romans 10:9.

�� Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord… you will be saved.”
�� CCC 2105 – Civil authority must recognise and honour God.

Fathers & Tradition:

St. Cyprian: “The Church is one, spread throughout the world, confessed by rulers as by the poor.”

St. Augustine: urged rulers to be servants of Christ for the good of their people (City of God V.24).

Apologetic Note:
Modern secularism claims faith should remain private. Edward’s sainthood demonstrates that holiness and governance are inseparable.

Day 2 – Catholic Kingship and Justice

Teaching:
Edward ruled with humility, justice, and concern for peace. He avoided needless wars and was known for fairness.

�� Micah 6:8 – “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
�� CCC 2237 – Political authority must exercise justice and charity.

Patristic Witness:

St. Gregory the Great taught that rulers are shepherds responsible before God.

St. Ambrose rebuked emperors who abused power, showing the Church’s role in guiding rulers.

Apologetic Note:
Critics say “power corrupts.” Catholic teaching insists power sanctified by grace can serve holiness. Edward proves this.

Day 3 – Works of Mercy and Charity

Teaching:
Edward’s reign was marked by generosity to the poor. He gave alms, defended the weak, and saw kingship as service.

�� Matthew 25:40 – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me.”
�� CCC 2447 – Works of mercy are essential to Christian life.

Historical Note:
Chroniclers record Edward’s reputation for justice and personal holiness, especially his care for the poor.

Apologetic Note:
This rebuts the charge that Catholic rulers only sought wealth or conquest. Saints like Edward show the Church called rulers to serve, not exploit.

Day 4 – Building Westminster Abbey

Teaching:
Edward founded Westminster Abbey, consecrated in 1065, as a house of prayer at the heart of his kingdom. This act symbolises a ruler sanctifying his realm through worship.

�� Psalm 122:1 – “I rejoiced when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”
�� CCC 1197 – Christ is the true temple, but churches make His presence visible in the world.

Fathers:

St. John Chrysostom: “Where Christ is, there is the Church; and where the Church is, there is holiness.”

Apologetic Note:
Westminster Abbey, despite later history, remains a monument to Catholic kingship and a witness to the Catholic shaping of England’s identity.

Day 5 – Holiness in Every Vocation

Teaching:
Edward’s sainthood demonstrates that holiness is universal: for rulers and subjects, clergy and laity, rich and poor. His reign embodies the universal call to holiness proclaimed in Lumen Gentium.

�� Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”
�� CCC 2013 – “All Christians… are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity.”

Theological Insight:
Holiness is not limited to withdrawal from the world. Edward shows it is possible in governance, politics, and public service.

Apologetic Note:
In an age that denies religion’s role in politics, Edward proves faith strengthens justice and true peace.

Weekend Wrap-Up – Lessons from St. Edward

Public confession of faith is part of holiness.

Authority, sanctified, serves justice and peace.

Works of mercy belong in every vocation.

Building churches strengthens faith in society.

Holiness is the call of every Christian, regardless of state in life.

Study Task:
Write a 1-page apologetic response: “Why does the Catholic Church honour rulers as saints?” Use Edward’s example, Scripture (Rom 10:9; Matt 25:40), Catechism (2013, 2105, 2447), and patristic witnesses (Augustine, Gregory, Ambrose).

Journal Prompts

“Edward teaches me that holiness in public life means…”

“The way I can confess my faith more openly is…”

“If sainthood is possible in rulers, then it is possible for me when…”

Apologetics Corner

Objection: “Faith should be private.”
→ Catholic teaching (CCC 2105) insists faith has a public dimension. Edward lived it as king.

Objection: “Power always corrupts.”
→ Grace sanctifies authority. Saints like Edward show rulers can serve God faithfully.

Objection: “Catholicism only sanctifies clergy.”
→ Edward, a married king, proves holiness is universal.

Catechism Deep Dive

CCC 2013–2015 – The universal call to holiness.

CCC 2105 – Duty of rulers and society to honour God.

CCC 2447 – Works of mercy.

CCC 2237 – Duties of political authority.

Recommended Reading:

Augustine, City of God V (on Christian rulers).

Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule (on shepherding leaders).