Understanding the Catholic Church's Four Marks
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The Nicene Creed, a statement of faith widely used in Christian liturgy, tells us that the Church has four essential characteristics. These are often called the "marks" of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. These aren't just labels; they're core features that show what the Church is meant to do.
Let's explore what each of these important marks means:
One
The Church is One because Jesus Christ started a single body to carry on His work here on Earth. He didn't create many different churches. Instead, He set up one Church, built on the idea of apostolic succession (a continuous line of authority from the apostles) and the sacraments (like baptism and communion) to keep it united. This fulfills Jesus' prayer in John 17: "Father, may they be one, as you and I are one." It's these foundations—apostolic succession and the sacraments—that ensure the Church's unity.
Holy
When we say the Church is Holy, it doesn't mean that everyone in it is perfect and without sin. Instead, it means the Church is "set apart." Its purpose is to be "salt and light," guiding people to Jesus as the Savior of the world. While the Church itself is holy in its mission, its members are called to live holy lives, which helps fulfill this important purpose.
Catholic
The word "Catholic" simply means "universal." This mark highlights that the Church is for everyone, no matter where they live or what their background is. It goes beyond different cultures and places. Because it's universal, the Church can have many different ways of worship and traditions, but all of them are united by the same core faith. To be Catholic means to embrace this mission for all humanity.
Apostolic
The Church is Apostolic because its very beginning is found in the apostles—the people Jesus chose to make sure His teachings would continue. Apostolic succession, carried out through the work of bishops, makes sure that Jesus' message is passed down faithfully through the generations. The Pope also plays a key role in making sure the bishops stay united, further guaranteeing the Church's connection to its apostolic roots.
In short, the Church is a single, holy body, universal in its reach, and directly connected to its beginnings with the apostles. It's a living continuation of Christ's work, guiding humanity toward salvation.
- Ayre, H. (2022, September 12). The creed: One holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.simplycatholic.com/the-creed-one-holy-catholic-and-apostolic-church/
- Saunders, W. (n.d.). The four marks of the Church [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-four-marks-of-the-church.html
- Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. (n.d.). Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART 1 section 2 Chapter 3 article 9 paragraph 3 [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm
- Four marks of the Church. (2024, February 28). In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Marks_of_the_Church
