The Four Marks of the Church

What Are the Four Marks of the Church?

In the Nicene Creed, Catholics profess belief in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.”

These are called the Four Marks of the Church. They describe the essential qualities Christ gave to His Church.

The Church is not one, holy, catholic, and apostolic because her members are perfect. She has these marks because she comes from Christ, is guided by the Holy Ghost, and continues the mission entrusted to the Apostles.

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” — Ephesians 4:5

The Church Is One

The Church is one because she has one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, and one source of life in the Holy Trinity.

Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one.

This unity is visible in shared faith, common worship, the sacraments, and communion with the successors of the Apostles.

“That they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee.” — John 17:21

The Church Is Holy

The Church is holy because Christ is holy.

Christ gave Himself for the Church, sanctifies her by His grace, and continues to make saints through her teaching, worship, and sacraments.

The holiness of the Church does not mean every Catholic is morally perfect. Catholics are sinners in need of mercy. Yet the Church remains holy because her source is Christ and her mission is to lead souls to holiness.

“Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it.” — Ephesians 5:25

The Church Is Catholic

The word catholic means universal.

The Church is catholic because Christ is present in her and because she is sent to all peoples, in all nations, in every age.

The Catholic Church does not belong to one race, culture, country, language, or time period. She is for the whole world.

“Going therefore, teach ye all nations.” — Matthew 28:19

The Church Is Apostolic

The Church is apostolic because she is built on the foundation of the Apostles.

Jesus chose the Apostles, gave them authority, and entrusted them with His mission.

Catholics believe that the bishops are successors of the Apostles and that the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, is the successor of Saint Peter.

Through apostolic succession, the Church preserves the faith, sacraments, and authority entrusted by Christ to the Apostles.

“And upon this rock I will build my church.” — Matthew 16:18

Why These Marks Matter

The Four Marks help us understand what kind of Church Jesus established.

Christ did not establish a divided, temporary, purely human community. He established one Church, made holy by His grace, sent to all nations, and founded upon the Apostles.

These marks help Catholics recognize the continuity between the Church today and the Church of the Apostles.

Common Misunderstandings

“One” Does Not Mean Everyone Always Agrees

The Church has faced conflicts and divisions throughout history. Her unity comes from Christ, one faith, the sacraments, and apostolic authority.

“Holy” Does Not Mean Catholics Are Sinless

Catholics are sinners who need grace. The Church is holy because Christ is holy and gives His grace through her.

“Catholic” Does Not Mean Merely Roman

The Church is universal. She includes many peoples, cultures, and liturgical traditions united in one faith.

“Apostolic” Does Not Mean Only Ancient

Apostolic means the Church continues in the faith, mission, and authority given by Christ to the Apostles.

Key Truths About the Four Marks

• The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
• The Church is one because she has one Lord, one faith, and one Baptism.
• The Church is holy because Christ sanctifies her.
• The Church is catholic because she is universal and sent to all nations.
• The Church is apostolic because she is founded on the Apostles.
• The bishops are successors of the Apostles.
• The Pope is the successor of Saint Peter.
• The Four Marks help identify the Church Christ founded.

What Does This Mean For Me?

The Four Marks remind us that the Church is not something we invent for ourselves.

Christ gave His Church unity, holiness, universality, and apostolic foundation.

To enter more deeply into the life of the Church is to enter more deeply into the life Christ established for His people.

Explore More About the Church

Continue Learning

Now that you understand the Four Marks of the Church, the next question is: What is Apostolic Succession?

Learn how the Church today remains connected to the Apostles through the bishops and the Pope.