The Nicene Creed describes four important characteristics of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. Catholics often refer to these as the four marks of the Church.
These four marks help explain how Catholics understand the Church established by Jesus Christ — united in faith, guided by holiness, universal in mission, and connected to the apostles throughout history.
One
The Church is called One because Catholics believe Jesus founded one Church, not many separate churches. This unity is expressed through shared beliefs, the sacraments, and apostolic succession, which refers to the passing down of leadership from the apostles to bishops through the centuries.
Catholics also connect this belief to Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers.
Holy
The Church is called Holy because it is dedicated to God and has the mission of helping people grow in faith and holiness.
This does not mean every member of the Church is perfect. Catholics believe the Church remains holy because of its connection to Christ, even though its members are still human and capable of sin.
Catholic
The word "Catholic" means "universal." Catholics believe the Church is meant for all people, regardless of nationality, language, or culture.
Even though Catholics around the world may have different traditions, languages, or styles of worship, they remain united through the same core beliefs and sacraments.
Apostolic
The Church is called Apostolic because its teachings trace back to the apostles chosen by Jesus.
Catholics believe apostolic succession has continued through bishops who preserve and pass on the teachings of the early Church. The Pope is also seen as an important symbol of unity within the Church.
Final Thoughts
The four marks of the Church — One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic — summarize important Catholic beliefs about the identity and mission of the Church.
They reflect the Catholic belief that the Church remains united, rooted in the teachings of the apostles, dedicated to God, and open to people throughout the world.
- 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
