One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church
Christ did not leave behind merely a book or a collection of teachings. He founded a visible Church to proclaim the Gospel, administer the sacraments, preserve the truth, and lead souls to salvation until the end of time.
What Is the Church?
The Church is the community founded by Jesus Christ and entrusted with continuing His saving mission in the world.
Sacred Scripture describes the Church as the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, the Family of God, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit.
Now you are the body of Christ, and members of member. — 1 Corinthians 12:27
The Church is both visible and spiritual.
- She worships God.
- She proclaims the Gospel.
- She administers the Sacraments.
- She forms disciples.
- She leads souls to salvation.
Founded by Jesus Christ
Catholics believe the Church was founded directly by Jesus Christ.
Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. — Matthew 16:18
After His Resurrection, Christ entrusted the Apostles with the mission of teaching all nations and baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Going therefore, teach ye all nations. — Matthew 28:19
The Four Marks of the Church
In the Nicene Creed, Christians profess belief in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
One
That they all may be one. — John 17:21
The Church possesses one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one sacramental life, and one apostolic authority.
Holy
The Church is holy because Christ is holy.
Though her members are sinners, her founder, doctrine, sacraments, and mission are holy.
Catholic
Catholic means universal.
The Church exists for every nation, language, culture, and people throughout the world.
Apostolic
The Church is apostolic because she was founded upon the Apostles and continues in their teaching and authority.
Apostolic Succession
Christ intended His Church to continue throughout history.
Through Apostolic Succession, bishops today remain connected to the Apostles through an unbroken line of ordination.
- Authentic doctrine is preserved.
- The Sacraments remain validly administered.
- Christ’s authority continues throughout history.
The Papacy
Among the Apostles, Peter held a unique role.
Catholics believe this office continues in the bishops of Rome, the successors of Saint Peter.
Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep. — John 21:15–17
The Pope serves as a visible source of unity for the universal Church.
The Eucharist
At the center of Catholic life stands the Holy Eucharist.
This is my body. — Matthew 26:26
This is my blood. — Matthew 26:28
The Church teaches that Christ becomes truly present: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
The Eucharist is rightly called the source and summit of the Christian life.
Mary and the Saints
The Church honors Mary as Mother of God and Mother of the Church.
The saints are faithful followers of Christ who now share eternal life with God and intercede for the Church on earth.
Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition
Divine revelation comes to us through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
Both originate from the same divine source and together form the Deposit of Faith entrusted to the Church.
The Seven Sacraments
Christ established seven Sacraments as effective signs of grace.
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist
- Penance
- Anointing of the Sick
- Holy Orders
- Matrimony
Through the Sacraments, Christ continues His saving work.
The Authority of the Church
Jesus did not leave His followers to determine doctrine independently.
He established a teaching authority known as the Magisterium to faithfully preserve and interpret divine revelation.
Why Be Catholic?
The Catholic Church offers historical continuity with the Apostles, the fullness of Christian doctrine, the seven Sacraments, and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Catholicism claims not merely to be one denomination among many, but the Church established by Jesus Christ and preserved by the Holy Spirit throughout history.
Conclusion
The Church is not simply a human institution.
She is the Body of Christ, founded by the Son of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, and entrusted with the mission of bringing salvation to the world.
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
For two thousand years she has proclaimed the Gospel, celebrated the Sacraments, preserved the faith, and guided countless souls toward God.
To know the Church is to know more deeply the mission of Jesus Christ Himself.
Sources:
Sacred Scripture: Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:19; John 17:21;
John 21:15–17; 1 Corinthians 12:27.
Catechism of the Catholic Church §§748–975.
Vatican II, Lumen Gentium.
St. Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrnaeans.
St. Cyprian of Carthage, On the Unity of the Catholic Church.
St. Augustine, Sermons on the Church.