The Holy Catholic Church

(Plain Text Version)

The Church: The Faithful of the Whole World

Jesus Christ founded the Church to carry out His saving mission until the end of time.  The Church began when Christ died on Good Friday.  This is when He won for us the graces to be saved and to be made holy.  The Church was publicly revealed when the Apostles preached to a large group of believers on Pentecost Sunday.

How Do I Find the True Church?

God shows us how to have true happiness, both in this life and after we die.  He has given us four signs to the true path: the true Church is One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.

The Church is One

When we say that the Church is One we mean that it is unified.  All members of the Church believe the same true teachings and follow the directions of the bishops united to the Holy Father. 

Those who have been baptized and accept some of the Church’s teachings are rightly called Christians, but do not have full union with the Church.

The Church is Holy

The Church is holy for three reasons:

1. Christ founded the Church to be holy.  He preached and practiced holiness and told His followers to follow His example.

2. The Church helps its members to become holy, especially through the Holy Mass and the sacraments.  

3. So many of its members have lived holy lives, giving a good example to others.

The Church is Catholic

The word “Catholic” means “universal”.  It is for everyone, regardless of race, nationality, or social status.  It holds the same true teachings throughout the ages.

The Church is Apostolic

The Church is Apostolic because she is governed by the Pope and the Bishops united to the Pope.  They are the successors of the Apostles, who were ordained by Christ at the Last Supper.

In addition, the Church is Apostolic because she teaches the same true doctrines which Christ sent the Apostles to teach.        

Many thanks to:

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Pocket Catholic Catechism, 1989, Doubleday