Catholic Church in the Middle Ages - Worksheet Packet and Lesson

This 10 page packet/lesson teaches students about the role of the Roman Catholic Church in Medieval Europe - using primary source excerpts, images, and notes sections. This lesson either takes two class days or can be partly given as homework. A complete 5 page teacher guide and answer key is included (see product preview).

The packet begins by examining the structure of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. First, students complete a Do Now activity to get them thinking about the role of the Church, followed by a fun competition that helps them learn the hierarchy of Church offices. Then, students learn about the religious, political, and economic powers of the Church by analyzing an excerpt from "The Act of Papal Supremacy" and reading about important aspects such as the sacraments, mass, excommunication, the interdict, and tithing.

The packet goes on to teach the cultural power of the Church as students examine images and read primary source excerpts about the Benedictine monastic system, illuminated manuscripts, Romanesque architecture, and monasteries' role as the intellectual center of the early medieval world. Students then learn about the social power of the Church as they read about the "Truce of God" and the Church's prohibition of feudal warfare during holy days, and examine a primary source excerpt portraying the Church's early doctrine on women's roles and gender relations.

The packet finishes with an activity in which students try to solve problems that occurred in the Church during the 11th and 12th centuries, such as simony, lay investiture, and priest corruption, before learning actual Church responses to these issues. The last few pages has students examine the growing conflict between religious and secular power as students analyze primary source letters between Pope Gregory and King Henry over the Investiture Controversy. They conclude with a writing exercise that has them apply what they've learned to discuss the role and power of the Church in the Middle Ages.

The packet is left in Word so you may edit it according to the needs of your class.

This lesson covers all the key points students must know about this subject for state assessments, and is completely Common Core aligned.

For huge savings, check out these bundles:
Mega Middle Ages Unit Bundle
Early Middle Ages Bundle


You may be interested in the following related resources:
Impact of the Fall of Rome and Beginning of the Dark Ages: Worksheets and Lesson
Charlemagne and the Medieval Frankish Kings: Worksheets and Lesson
Feudalism in the Middle Ages: Worksheets, Readings, and Fun Simulation!
Manorialism Simulation
The Agricultural Revolution in the Middle Ages: Worksheets, Readings, and Fun Simulation!
The Commercial Revolution in the Middle Ages: Lesson, Readings, and Worksheet Packet



https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Living-History

GET FREE TPT CREDITS:
If you use this product, please leave a review! Not only is it helpful for me, you can get feedback credits on future purchases! Simply go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TPT gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

All new products are discounted at least 50% for the first 48 hours - become a follower to catch these deals!