Marks of the Church

One

The Church is One because she was founded by Christ.  Saint Paul described the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ, made up of diverse members, bonded in charity (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:27).  In her intrinsic unity, she is thus an image of the Blessed Trinity, which is her very source.

The Church also possesses visible signs of her unity: the one faith received from the Apostles; the Sacraments; and the bishops, who are the direct successors of the Apostles. (Cf. CCC813-815)

Marks of the Church

Holy

The Church is Holy because she is sanctified by Christ, who is the "Holy One of God" (Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34; John6:69; cf. 1 John 2:20;Acts of the Apostles 2:27; 13:35) and loves her as his Bride; she in turn is empowered to sanctify people by the power of Christ and his Holy Spirit working through her, especially in her Sacraments. (Cf. CCC 823-829) 

Marks of the Church

Catholic

The Church is Catholic for two reasons:



First, she is the one true Church founded by Christ and is intended for everybody throughout the world in every age.

Second, she in turn is commissioned with preaching the Gospel to all peoples, drawing every human person to the Church for the sake of his or her salvation. Everyone is called to become part of the one Church in Christ. (Cf. CCC 830-856)

Marks of the Church

Apostolic

The Church is Apostolic because she was founded upon the Apostles, whom Christ established as her leaders and first pastors, with Saint Peter as their head. The teachings of the Apostles were handed on to their successors from generation to generation.

Even today, the bishops in union with the Pope, who are the inheritors of this line of Apostolic Succession, guide the Church by a chain of authority that leads back to the very institution of the Church by Christ. (Cf. CCC 857-864)