One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church

Every day, all over the world at mass as the creed is proclaimed, people say this phrase. Did you ever wonder what that actually means? According to the Encarta dictionary, the definitions of these words are as follows:

Holy- consecrated, saintly, sacred, and awe inspiring.

Catholic -all inclusive, belonging to the community of all Christian churches, belonging to the united Christian church that existed before its separation into different churches. [Editor's Note - According to Oxford Dictionary catholic is derived from " Greek katholikos 'universal', from kata 'with respect to' + holos 'whole'." Catholic Answers denotes that Ignatius' letters from the 2nd Century reference the Church by the term "Catholic. "At that time, or shortly thereafter, it was used to refer to a single, visible communion, separate from others." ¹ Pope Francis described the work catholic as signifying " that she is universal. This means that the Church is found everywhere and teaches the whole truth regarding the heavens and the earth."^2]

Apostolic – relating to the Pope or Apostles. [Editor's Note - Pope Francis discusses apostolic as "The Church then is of her nature missionary, given to evangelization and encounter; that is, she is apostolic. Founded on the Apostles and in continuity with them, the Church is called to proclaim the Gospel to everyone, and to show the tenderness and power of God." ² ]

Many, if not all, of you have encountered holy places and people. Who hasn’t walked into a cathedral and felt awed by the beauty of the structure and stained glass. Knowing that hundreds of people over the years have come to this site to pray and worship creates an atmosphere of holiness. One can feel the presence of God and His saints. The lingering scent of incense mingles with the scent of flowers at the alter creating a blessedness that reaches out to believers.

Catholic means so much more than what religion a person is. Catholic means belonging to a Church that is universal and is connected to all the other churches based on belief. Catholicism was the first Christian church and its traditions and beliefs are still continued today. Our faith brings us all together to this place, at this time to worship God. People in every corner of the world come to Mass which is basically the same throughout the Church. Whether you are attending Mass at a little stone church in New England, a cathedral in Germany or a church in the Caribbean, it is all basically the same. Parishioners around the world have the same experience; readings and homily, profession of faith, consecration, and holy communion. Songs and prayers may vary, but the Mass is the same.

Our faith is based on apostolic writings. We read from the New Testament and hear the words of Jesus through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Pope Francis shepherds his flock. We are to continue in the footsteps of the first apostles; to spread the faith by word and deed. We are a part of the bigger picture.

The next time you are reciting the Creed, stop and think about what you are saying. You are part of a 2000 year old tradition that is being celebrated in every corner of the world. May God Bless you.

^₁ http://www.catholic.com/tracts/what-catholic-means

²http://www.romereports.com/pg158350-pope-explains-the-meaning-behind-catholic-and-apostolic-church-en