General Reflections:
The Apostle Creed gives us what we call the four characteristics of our Church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.
Roman Catholics believe the description “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church” to be applicable only to the Roman Catholic Church. They hold that “Christ established here on earth only one Church” and they believe in “the full identity of the Church of Christ with the Catholic Church”.
The Church is One: Christ comes to establish one Church, one body through which to continue His ministry on earth. Jesus did not establish different churches, but one Church, with apostolic succession and sacraments as the guarantee of the Church’s unity. This is the fulfillment of Jesus’ explicit prayer and desire in His priestly prayer: “Father, may they be one, as you and I are one”.
The Church is Holy: This does not mean that all her members are sinless saints! Rather, to be holy is to be “set apart”. Her mission is to be “salt and light” of the earth, a “light to the world” and a communion of Christian love that points to the reality of Jesus as the Saviour of the world. Her members, then, are called to be saints to help this mission become a reality.
The Church is Catholic: The word catholic means “universal”. This is closely tied to her unity and oneness: the Church exists for the whole humanity. This universality allows for her to have a multitude of liturgical expressions and traditions united around the one faith. To be Catholic means to be for the whole humanity.
The Roman Catholic Church is Apostolic: Her existence is rooted in the apostles, upon whom Jesus established His Church. These apostles ensure what Christ hands on to them is handed on continuously through apostolic succession in the ministry of the bishops. The unity of these bishops is further guaranteed by their union with Rome, where the Pope is the principle of unity for the whole Church.
Personal Reflections:
When you recite the Creed during Mass, do you sincerely believe that our Church is a “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church? Do you profess our Creed with conviction and sincere belief?
Do you recite the Creed every day when you pray or do you just recite it during Mass?
When you attend Mass, are you “One’ with those around you or you are there doing your private business and performing your personal responsibility? How often do you pray for our Church and Church leaders?
Despite what’s happening in our parishes today, do you still believe that our Church is a “Holy” church? Are you willing and ready to defend our Church and her leaders?
In what way do you understand the universality of our church? Discuss this topic in your small group.
How are you in communion with Rome? Do you respect the position of the Pope? Do you pray for him and the bishops every day?
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