17. One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic

17. ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, APOSTOLIC
The four marks of the Catholic Church are essential to understanding the Body of Christ.
Compendium 161-176 Matthew 28:19-20
Christ founded only one Church, and entrusted it to Peter and his successors in communion with the bishops. In spite of the problems and divisions due to human frailty and sinfulness, there exists a fullness of Truth, sacramental life and communion. We believe in One God, we share one faith, one sacramental life, one hope in Jesus Christ, one apostolic succession, one in charity. Oneness in Christ is our mission and our destiny. We must all pray and work for unity in Christ.

The Church is first of all the body of Christ, which is all Holy. The Church provides all that we need to respond to the call to holiness. Mary and the saints show us how to participate in God's truth, goodness and  love and assist us with their prayers. Holiness is our goal.

The Church is Catholic because her mission is to all nations and to bring the totality of the Christian Faith. We must work and pray to bring non practicing Catholics back to church and also promote unity with non Catholic Christians by our Faith and witness. We have a special affinity to those of the Jewish faith as the first to receive the Word of God. Many non Christian faiths reflect God's truth and goodness. We must foster understanding with other religions for the common good. Non Christians can be saved if they sincerely seek God and follow their conscience. Those who know the truth of the Church and reject it imperil their salvation.
Christ founded the Church upon the Apostles. The Church adheres to and hands on the teachings of the Apostles. The bishops are the successors of the Apostles in communion with the Successor of Peter. By the Sacrament of Holy Orders the mission and power of the Apostles  are transmitted to their successors, the bishops, thereby maintaining the link to the Church's Apostolic mission, faith and origins. To be One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic is a reality in the Church which we must individually strive to realize in our personal and community life