The Catholic Faith

The Catholic Faith can be traced back to the Apostles, handed down to them from the mouth of Jesus, in an unbroken succession for nearly 2,000 years. The Nicene Creed was written centuries ago to help Christians remember the important beliefs of the faith. 

In the Nicene Creed, we identify the four marks of the Church; not characteristics that the Church creates or develops. They are qualities that Jesus Christ shares with his Church through the Holy Spirit:

One
Just as God is one in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so also is the Church one. The founder of the Church is Jesus Christ, who brought us back to God and made us into the family of God. The Church is one in the Holy Spirit, who dwells in those who believe.

Holy
The Church is holy because the Church lives in union with Jesus Christ, the source of holiness. Through the Holy Spirit, the Church leads others to holiness as seen in the love that the faithful have toward one another and the many sacrifices they make for the sake of the world.

Catholic
Catholic means “universal.”  First, the Church is catholic because all baptized people are part of the Church and the Church possesses the means of salvation. Second, the mission of the Church is universal because the Church has been sent to proclaim Christ to the entire human race.

Apostolic
The Church traces its tradition directly from the apostles; therefore, the Church is considered apostolic. With the Holy Spirit the Church preserves and continues the teaching of the apostles. The pope and bishops are the successors of the apostles.

Learn more about what Catholics believe and how we pray at your local parish.