Essential Characteristics of The Church

BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE CHURCH
ESSENTIAL
CHARACTERISTICS
OF THE CHURCH
ECCLESIOLOGY
Ecclesiology is the Greek word ekklesia.

When this word is translated into our
own language we get the word “church”.
Ecclesiology is the branch of theology

that deals with the study of the church.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH
 1390. To distinguish itself from all other religious sects, the early
Church used four criteria proclaimed in the Creed: One, Holy,
Catholic and Apostolic (cf. LG 8; CCC 811). These are really dynamic
endowments with which the Church is graced by the Holy Spirit, and
perceived only in Faith. Moreover, they are so closely linked with
one another that an advance in any one means an advance in the
other three. Traditionally in apologetic works, the marks were
presented as qualities appearing in the history of the visible Church.
Today they are usually related directly to Christ, starting with unity
which leads to holiness and catholicity. “Apostolic” is explained as
the origin and means for realizing the other three.
A brief study of each mark can help toward a deeper understanding
and love of the Church.
 THE CHURCH IS ONE

The first mark of the church is that it is one. One is more than
just a number, it also conveys unity. This unity comes from her
source which is the eternal Godhead itself. This is seen clearly in
the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states, “the highest
exemplar and source of this mystery is the unity, in the Trinity of
Persons, of one God, the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit
(Catechism 233).” This does not mean that disagreements do not
exist, but it does mean that doctrinally we have a united front.
 THE CHURCH IS HOLY
The second mark of the church is that it is holy. The church is holy based on Jesus Christ
who is its founder. This can be seen in the salutation of Saint Paul to the Corinthians where he
writes, “to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints (1 Corinthians, 1:2, RSV).”
The church is sanctified, or made holy, by virtue of its call and mission. The church is made up of
sinners who, by the grace of God, carry out the great commission of teaching and baptizing.
The church is the bride of Christ, and just as a husband and wife are one flesh, so is the
church holy because of the bridegroom. This is seen in paragraph 824 of the Catechism which
states, “United with Christ, the church is sanctified by him; through him and with him she
becomes sanctifying (Catechism 237).” The church acknowledges that the people within are not
perfect, but are in need of God’s saving grace. Like a loving mother, the church holds those souls
closely and provides them the means of which to be saved. The church, through its liturgy and
sacraments, provides the means of grace which Christ instituted fully and perfectly.
 THE CHURCH IS CATHOLIC
The third mark of the church is that it is catholic, but this means so much more
than the name of the Roman Catholic Church. The word first came into use by St.
Ignatius of Antioch in the second century. Saint Ignatius writes in his epistle to the
Smyrneans, “Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the
people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church
(Alexander Roberts 701).”
In using this word, St. Ignatius tells his readers that the church is universal. It is
a church not just for the Jews and gentiles, but for all people. It is for the rich, the
poor, slave, or free because we are all children of God and his message is to be
taught to everyone. The church is also Catholic because the full deposit of faith,
sacred scripture and sacred tradition, have been given to her.
 THE CHURCH IS APOSTOLIC
The church is apostolic because the apostles were given the authority from Christ to
establish it. As stated, the Catholic church is made up of bishops along with the Pope. This
group of men have the great honor of carrying on the teaching of the apostles. This is known as
the teaching office of the Magisterium. Contrary to what some think, scripture is not self-
interpreting and interpretation can change based on one’s presupposition. The church is
apostolic because the teaching office of the church, the Magisterium, was given the divine task
to interpret scripture (Hitchcock 79).
The apostolicity of the church is seen clearly in sacred scripture. In particular is Acts 1:24-
25 which states, ““And they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know the hearts of all men, show
which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from
which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place (New American Bible).” Since the apostles
replaced Judas, it is only natural that this was meant to continue. History shows that the
apostles appointed men who would take over their ministry (LG 20).
CONCLUSION
In Ecclesiology, we study the church and its doctrines. The four marks
of the church make u the theological foundation that differentiate it
from other religions. In John 17 Christ prayed for unity, and in
Christianity this is hardly the case. We have the promise of Christ that
the powers of evil will not overcome what he has established. We
should take great joy and courage in that as we participate with the
church in its mission to the world. The Catholic church can trace its
lineage and doctrine to the very foundations of Christendom. AS a
result, the church is not only the body of believers as Protestants
believe, but is a visible entity in which the faithful can go for comfort
and guidance.
MISSION AND
MINISTRY OF THE
CHURCH
 Mission is God’s Mission: The Ministry, on the other
redemption of the world by hand, is the work of the
spreading the Gospel to all parts church – the activities that
of the Earth. We were created to keep us going. Ministries
be in perfect relationship with provide a very important
him, but we do fall short. The function within the church,
Church is to be God’s partners in but more for those who are
that Mission by proclaiming the already there or visiting.
Kingdom of God in both word and
These are very necessary
deed. We are to follow Jesus’
for the church to function
example of healing, feeding,
teaching and preaching,
through worship,
especially to those who are not administration,
already within the church. programming, maintenance,
teaching and more.
The PLENARY COUNCIL
OF THE PHILIPPINES II
(PCP II)
In response to the call of Vatican
Council II for the local churches to
actively participate in the renewal of
the church, the local church in the
Philippines convoked the Second
Plenary Council (PCPII), the first in
Asia.
-MAIN GOAL-
“To actualize the result of Vatican II at the local
level.”
They envisioned a renewed church in the

Philippines, focusing on Christ, with pastoral
orientation and evangelization, in the context of
the Filipino culture.

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What are the four marks of the Church?

What does it mean for the Church to be holy?

BRIEF HISTORY OF

Ecclesiology is the Greek word ekklesia.

Ecclesiology is the branch of theology

 THE CHURCH IS ONE

They envisioned a renewed church in the

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