Why Is the Church One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic?

During Mass each Sunday we proclaim in the Creed, “I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.” Those four words are called the marks of the Church. They describe what Christ has given His Church and what He calls her to be. The Church does not make herself one, holy, catholic and apostolic; by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ makes her so.

The Church is one because she has one Lord, professes one faith, shares one Baptism, and is one Body given life by the Holy Spirit. We worship in many languages and in different rites, and we are still one Church. That unity is visible in the faith we profess, the sacraments we celebrate, and our communion with the Pope and the bishops throughout the world. Whenever Christians are divided, this unity is wounded, and so we pray and work for unity.

The Church is holy because Christ is holy and gave Himself up for her. The Holy Spirit dwells in her and works through her, particularly through the Word of God and the sacraments. This does not mean that every Catholic always lives in a holy way. The Church has sinners among her members, and we all need to repent and receive God’s forgiveness. Her holiness comes from Christ, who never stops calling us back and offering us His mercy.

Catholic comes from a word that means “universal.” The Church is sent to every nation and can take root in every culture while remaining faithful to the Gospel. The word also means that she possesses the fullness of faith and all the means of salvation Christ wanted for His people. Our parish in Cayucos is united with our bishop and with the Pope, and we belong to the same Church as Catholics around the world and throughout the ages.

The Church is apostolic because Jesus founded her upon the Apostles. She preserves and teaches the faith they received from Christ, and the bishops are their successors, teaching in communion with the Pope, the successor of Saint Peter. She also continues the mission Jesus gave the Apostles: to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.

Next Sunday, when we come to this line in the Creed, do not rush past it. Say each word slowly and mean it. Thank Jesus for the Church He has given us, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us live as faithful members of it.

Catechism Connection: Ephesians 4:1–6; Matthew 28:18–20; Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 811–870.

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