Catechisms

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The "Four Marks" of the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church claims that before Jesus died, he made his disciple Peter head of a church. Years later, a Nicene Creed was formalized which stated that the "true church" is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. Those are the four "marks" of the Catholic Church.

To say that the Catholic Church is "One" is to say that the Catholic Church is the only Christian Church. It is to say that that Church is undivided in faith, in worship, and in apostolic succession. That means that the current Pope is the head of that church, having received his authority in a direct line from the apostolic Peter.

Any separation or division in that Catholic Church (for example, the entire Protestant branch of Christianity) is viewed as unpleasing to God since it works against the Catholic dogma that only they represent the true church.

The Catholic Church views itself as being holy -- without spot and blemish, the perfect bride for Christ. To be "holy" means that the Church is infused with the holy spirit. How can the church be holy when it is filled with sinners? To the Catholics, this is a great mystery or paradox which speaks of God's grace and mercy.

The term "catholic" means universal. By that is meant that the Catholic Church is a global institution. It does not just exist in Rome, but has spread itself to the four corners of the globe. Therefore, a Catholic is to view his faith, not as part of a local church, but as part of a global or universal movement. His local parish is merely one little piece of a grand scheme of things. This is to help him appreciate the big scheme of things and to give him a sense of vision.

And of course, the fourth mark is that the Catholic Church is the only apostolic institution. The Catholic Church claims that they have a direct and unbroken line of succession from Jesus' own disciples, one after the other starting with Peter himself. This idea is to lend credibility to Popish authority, both in doctrine and in issues of faith.

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Question: If you are not Catholic find out how your Church defines the Church and describe the nature of the sacraments?

Response: As I am not a member of a Church, you'll have to answer this part yourself -- if it ...