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What are the 4 marks of the Catholic Church?

NICENE CREED

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Philip Kosloski - published on 09/28/18

Four characteristics of the Church that are intertwined and recited during the Nicene Creed.

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The Catholic Church, as established by Jesus Christ, has developed over the years and since the very beginning has possessed four particular characteristics.

These attributes are often called the “four marks of the Church,” and identify four fundamental characteristics.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “These four characteristics, inseparably linked with each other, indicate essential features of the Church and her mission. The Church does not possess them of herself; it is Christ who, through the Holy Spirit, makes his Church one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, and it is he who calls her to realize each of these qualities” (CCC 811).

Here are the four marks and a brief description of each.


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