The Nicene Creed is more than just a statement of faith; it outlines the four essential characteristics that define the Church. These are often called the "marks" of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. Rather than being just labels, they are the core features that show us what the Church is and what it is meant to do.
One
The Church is One because it is a single body started by Jesus Christ to continue His work. Instead of many different churches, He established one unified community. This unity is held together by "apostolic succession"—a continuous line of authority from the first apostles—and the sacraments, like baptism and communion. This fulfills Jesus' own prayer that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one.
Holy
When we call the Church Holy, it doesn’t mean that every person in the pews is perfect or sinless. Instead, it means the Church is "set apart" for a special purpose. Its mission is to be "salt and light," guiding people toward Jesus. While the members are still growing and learning, the Church itself remains holy because of its mission to bring God’s grace to the world.
Catholic
In this context, the word "Catholic" simply means "universal." This mark reminds us that the Church is for everyone, regardless of where they live or what their background is. It reaches across different cultures and languages. Because it is universal, the Church can have many different traditions and styles of worship while still being united by the same core faith.
Apostolic
The Church is Apostolic because its roots go directly back to the apostles—the original group Jesus chose to spread His message. Through bishops, that original teaching is passed down faithfully from one generation to the next. The Pope plays a vital role here as well, helping to keep the bishops united and ensuring the Church stays true to its apostolic beginnings.
In short, the Church is a single, holy, and universal body that is still directly connected to the followers Jesus first called. It is a living continuation of His work, helping to guide people home.
- 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
