Every Sunday in the Nicene Creed, Catholics profess belief in “one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.” These aren’t just poetic phrases—they are profound truths about the nature and identity of the Church founded by Jesus Christ. Each word is rich in meaning and rooted in Scripture, tradition, and the lived faith of the Church across time.

One

The Church is one because her source is one: the unity of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Christ established one Church (John 17:21), and despite the existence of many denominations, the Catholic Church believes she possesses the fullness of that unity through the Eucharist, common faith, and apostolic succession. This unity is not uniformity but communion—a unity of faith and charity that holds diverse cultures and expressions together in one body.

Holy

The Church is holy because she belongs to God, who is holy. Though made up of sinners, the Church herself is the Body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit. She is holy in her founder, in her sacraments, in the saints who have lived heroic virtue, and in her mission to sanctify the world. Saints like St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. John Paul II show us that holiness is not reserved for the few but is the calling of every Christian.

Catholic

The word “catholic” means “universal.” The Church is catholic because Christ is present in her and because she proclaims the fullness of the faith to all people, in every place, until the end of time. From Rome to rural Africa, from suburban parishes to hidden missions, the Catholic Church speaks every language, embraces every culture, and welcomes all who seek Christ. Her teaching is not partial but whole, passed down through the centuries and safeguarded by the magisterium.

Apostolic

The Church is apostolic because she is founded on the apostles and continues to be taught, sanctified, and governed by their successors—the bishops. Apostolic succession ensures that the same faith taught by the apostles is still taught today, rooted in Scripture and handed down through sacred tradition. As St. Paul said, the Church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20).

Why It Matters

These four marks are not abstract ideas—they tell us who we are and how we’re meant to live. To be Catholic is to belong to a family that spans continents and centuries, held together by God’s grace. In a world often marked by division, confusion, and isolation, the Church offers unity, truth, holiness, and a mission rooted in Christ. Understanding the marks of the Church helps us not only to recognise her identity but to participate more fully in her life.