What are the four marks of the Church?
In the Nicene Creed, Catholics profess that the Church is 'one, holy, catholic and apostolic'. These four marks are inseparable characteristics that point to the true nature and mission of the Church.
The Church is One because her source and founder is the one God in Trinity, and she possesses one faith, one sacramental life, and one apostolic governance. She is Holy because Christ her Head is holy and gave himself up to sanctify her, giving her the sacraments as instruments of grace, even though her members on earth are sinners.
She is Catholic (meaning 'universal' and 'whole') because Christ is present in her, commissioning her to bring the full truth of the Gospel to every nation and culture. Finally, she is Apostolic because she is built on the foundation of the apostles, handing on their teaching and continuing to be guided by their successors, the bishops in union with the Pope.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 811
- Ephesians 4:4-6
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.