DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – DASMARIÑAS
A.Y. 2018 – 2019
MIDTERM EXAM
D-REED122
APRIL 12, 2019
SIÑO, FERL DIANE S.
BSA15
Number 2 Question
State / discuss/ give the essential characteristics of the church as well its
mission.
1. Provide an outline of your chosen question
I. Introduction
II. Four essential characteristics of the church as well its mission
a. Church as One
b. Church as Holy
c. Church as Catholic
d. Church as Apostolic
III. Conclusion
2. Explain/discuss briefly your provided outline
I. INTRODUCTION
The four marks of the Church are that it is one, holy, catholic, and
apostolic. They are inseparable and intrinsically linked to each other. Our Lord
Himself in founding the Church marked it with these characteristics, which reflect
its essential features and mission. Through the continued guidance of the Holy
Spirit, the Church fulfills these marks. The four marks of the Church are not
characteristics that the Church creates or develops or learns. They are qualities
that Jesus Christ shares with his Church through the Holy Spirit.
II. FOUR ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH AS WELL ITS
MISSION
a. Church as ONE
Just as God is one in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so also is the
Church one. The church is one body, from different members, visible and
invisible. The founder of the Church is Jesus Christ, who brought us back to God
and made us into the family of God. The Church is one in the Holy Spirit, who
dwells in those who believe. The "oneness" of the Church is likewise visible. As
Catholics, we are united in our Creed and our other teachings, the celebration of
the sacraments, and the hierarchical structure based on the apostolic succession
preserved and handed on through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
b. Church as HOLY
Holiness is of the essence of the Church. The Church, therefore, cannot
cease to be holy without ceasing to exist. As the unity of the Church implies its
indivisibility, so the sanctity of the Church implies its incorruptibility.
The true Church, then, is holy. It is holy because the Third Person of the
Eternal Trinity, who inhabits it, guides it, and controls it, is Holy. Through the Holy
Spirit the Church leads others to holiness. The holiness of the Church is seen in
the love that the members of the Church have toward one another and the many
sacrifices they make for the sake of the world.
Moreover, the Church is holy because the blood of Christ cleanses us
from all sins. By the communication of the merits of Christ, through supernatural
channels of grace, man believing is justified. Of unjust he becomes just, receiving
the justice of God within him, which the Holy Ghost distributes to every one as
He wills, and according to each one’s proper disposition and cooperation. Not
only is the church holy, but also her objective is to make us holy, i.e. to live a holy
life, to be different from the world, conformed to Christ’s will.
c. Church as CATHOLIC
The church is Catholic and Catholic means “universal.” The church is
universal, gathering all believers together in the unity of faith. Christ is universally
present in the Church and that He has commissioned the Church to evangelize
the world. The universal church brought together all the local churches in one
church embracing all, in one Creed, under uniform church laws. This universal
church brings all believers together in communion, in one faith, in the holy
sacraments, and in partaking from one altar.
d. Church as APOSTOLIC
The church is apostolic because we can trace her existence historically
directly back to the Apostles. The term “Apostolic” signifies that the church was
founded by one the Apostles, and followed the teaching of the Apostles without
any deviation till this day. With the Holy Spirit the Church preserves and
continues the teaching of the apostles. The pope and bishops are the successors
of the apostles.
III. CONCLUSION
These four marks of the Church one, holy, catholic, and apostolic — are
fully realized in the Catholic Church. While other Christian Churches accept and
profess the Creed, and possess elements of truth and sanctification, only the
Roman Catholic Church reflects the fullness of these marks.
3. Receipt/ proof of your participation in ANIMOSAIC
