MODULE 2: ESSENTIAL MARKS OF THE CHURCH
CCC 881 “This is the sole Church of Christ, which in the
Creed we profess to be ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, and
APOSTOLIC.”
- The Church does not possess them of herself, it
is Christ who, through the Holy Spirit, makes
his church one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
(1) THE CHURCH IS ONE because:
 Its source, which is the Holy Trinity
 Its founder, Jesus Christ
 Its ”soul”, the Holy Spirit
 Supporting Biblical Passages:
- Ephesians 4: 4-6
- 1 Corinthians 12: 13
- John 17: 20-25
 The oneness of Church is manifested in (CFC 1392):
o Confession of one faith f
o The Common Celebration of Divine Worship-
are bound together to a social unity
o Fraternal Harmony of God’s Family- under the
authority or shepherding
 The Church throughout History, experiences threats
to her unity by different groups (CFC 1384)
1. Heresy- denial or doubt by a baptized person
2. Apostasy- total abandonment of the faith
3. Schism- refuses to submit or obey to Church
authority and forms another sects.
(2) THE CHURCH IS HOLY because:
 Jesus Christ, the founder, is the source of all
holiness.
 Jesus Sanctifies the Church
 Through its teachings, prayer and worship, and
good works, the Church is visible sign of
HOLINESS.
 Supporting Biblical Passages:
- Ephesians 5: 27
- Acts 9: 13; 1 Corinthians 6:1
- 1 Peter 1: 15-16
(3) THE CHURCH IS CATHOLIC
- Church is Catholic because she is UNIVERSAL
 Supporting Biblical Passages:
- Mathew 24: 14
- Mark 16: 15
- Acts 1: 8
Church is indeed catholic in that Christ is universally
present in Church and that He has commissioned the
Church to evangelize the world “Go therefore a make
disciples of all nations” (Mathew 28: 19)
(4) THE CHURCH IS APOSTOLIC
Apostolic - “derived from the apostles.”
 3 basic ways that point the apostolicity of the
Church (CFC 1407)
1. “Foundation of the Apostles”
2. Guards and transmits their teachings and witness
3. Continues to be instructed, sanctified, and guided by
the apostles through their successors.
 Supporting Biblical Passages:
- Mathew 16: 18
- Ephesians 2: 20
- Revelations 21: 14
DISCUSSION ON THE CHURCH TEACHINGS
Lumen, Gentium – explains the intrinsic unity of the
earthly, hierarchical Church, Invisible Mystical Body of
the Church that transcends both space and time.
 3 visible bonds of unity in the Church :
1. Profession of faith received from the apostles;
2. Common celebration of divine worship, especially of
the sacraments; and
3. Apostolic succession through the sacrament of Holy
Orders, maintaining the fraternal concord of God’s
family (CCC 815)
Colossians 3: 14 -

Peter wrote “binds everything together in perfect

harmony”

Oneness –

- because of this we find diversity.

- We bear witness to many different gifts and
vocation, but we work together to continue the
mission of our Lord.

Most Concrete Threat to Church Unity

Is found in the members who cannot go beyond

resentments, jealousy, selfishness and rivalries, and
other similar negative sentiments that pose serious
impediments to build up unity.

Holiness of the Church – is our struggle against sin

The Church is :

- church of sinners, not of self-righteous and self-

assured members.
- Church continues to be visible instrument of
sanctification

The Prayer of the Mass express it clearly:

“Lord, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your

Church”

Repent and Avail ourselves of the Sacrament of

Reconciliation

- In order to continue walking in the path of

holiness and in friendship of God

These Catholic characteristics of the Church challenges

us to reach out to others, even those who belong to
other faith, to be open to them in the true Spirit of
ECUMENISM.

APOSTOLATE – the work of all the faithful who carry on

the original mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles