Session 8: Marks of the Church

In this lesson we will learn that our church is ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC and APOSTOLIC. We call these four characteristics The Marks of the Church, which we recite in the Nicene Creed. We will explore what these four words mean. We will think about how our Catholic Faith began, and who began it. We will learn about some of the leadership positions in our Church, and how they started. Finally, we will learn about the friendship between Jesus and St. Peter the Apostle through a Lectio Divina reading of Holy Scripture.

At Mass we recite the The Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed teaches us about our faith. Listen to the following story that breaks down and explains all the parts of the Nicene Creed.

 

Lectio Divina is a way of reading and reflecting on holy Scripture. In this lesson we will practice Lectio Divina.

Let's read about one of Jesus' closest friends: Peter the Apostle. Jesus entrusted the Church to Peter, as a leader of the Apostles. After Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended into Heaven, Peter and the other Apostles spread the Good News about Jesus throughout the world. 

In the following video, Mrs. Christie explains the leadership role of bishop, and leads a Lectio Divina reading of Scripture about St. Peter, who is counted as the first Bishop of Rome and Pope. **This video will be replaced soon. The successor to Pope Francis is Pope Leo the XIV (14th). 

 

Parents: For your reference, the following Scripture passages were read and discussed in the 

video: 

Matthew 16:15-19 (Peter’s belief), Matthew 26:69-75 (Peter Denies Jesus) 

and John 21:15-17 (Jesus asks Peter to lead the disciples)

 

The Marks of the Church

Our Catholic Church has four unique characteristics. We call these characteristics The Marks of the Church. Watch the video below for more information:

Let's review some of the vocabulary discussed in this lesson:

Pope: the successor of Peter, the bishop of Rome, and the head of the entire Catholic Church. 

Apostolic Succession: the term used to describe how authority and power to lead and teach 

the Church is passed down from the Apostles to their successors, the bishops. 

Bishop: an ordained man who works together with other bishops and the Pope in teaching, 

leading and making the Church holy. The bishops are the successors of the Apostles. 

Magisterium: the teaching office of the Church, which is all of the bishops in union with the 

Pope. 

Marks of the Church: the four characteristics that identify Christ’s Church.

One: the church is one because the power of the Holy Spirit unites all the members through 

one faith and one Baptism. 

Holy: the church is holy because she is set apart for God and his purposes. 

Catholic: the Church is meant for all people in all times and all places. 

Apostolic: the teaching authority of the Church comes directly from Jesus and his chosen 

Apostles because the bishops of the Church are direct successors of the Apostles. 

 

Closing Activity: 

Attached to this lesson in your Level 3 Google Classroom is a worksheet and reading on 

St. Peter. Please print out the worksheet and reading, complete the worksheet about St. 

Peter's life and take a picture of your completed work. Attach the image to this lesson in your 

Level 3 Google Classroom.