Marks of the Church (for children)

The Church can be both seen on earth and felt in our hearts. This is why we call the Church the Mystical Body of Christ. The Church has four important qualities, or marks:

The Church is one. We have one Lord and we share one faith. We receive one life in the Holy Spirit.

The Church is holy. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are holy. In the sacraments, we receive all we need to make us holy.

The Church is catholic. Catholic means universal. Jesus told the apostles to teach all nations. The Church reaches out to all.

The Church is apostolic. Jesus founded the Church with the apostles. The pope and bishops continue their mission today.

The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. These are the Marks of the Church.