Theo

Church Unity

The church is one, numerically singular, and unique, founded by Christ for redemption, with solidarity and unity among believers.

Mystical Body of Christ

The Church is united into one body through the virtue of the Holy Spirit, forming a mystical union with Christ as the head.

Visible Bonds of Unity

Faith, worship (including Mass and sacraments), and government/ministry are the visible elements that assure the oneness of the Church.

Major Wounds

Apostasy, heresy, schism, and sin have historically caused divisions and challenges within the Church.

Counter-Reformation

The Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, including the Council of Trent and the emergence of new orders and saints.

Church Holiness

The Church is holy through Christ and the Holy Spirit, with sanctifying grace and the sacraments as means of holiness.

General Resurrection

The belief in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come, based on Christ's resurrection and the hope of eternal communion with God.

Church Catholicity

The Church is whole, universal, and present in every parish, fulfilling its mission to all humanity and existing beyond geographical boundaries.

Eastern Catholic Churches

Autonomous Catholic Churches with distinct rites, expressing the Catholic faith in culturally diverse ways while in full communion with the pope.

Rite

Collection of practices expressing faith, not a community of people

Church

Community of people that can break from Rome

Eastern Catholic Churches

Multiple churches may use the same rite

Universal Catholic Church

All 21 particular Catholic Churches in communion with the pope

Main Rites

Roman, Alexandrian, Antiochene, Armenian, Byzantine, Chaldean

Differences

Liturgical, languages, clergy discipline, sacramental practices, architecture

Equal Dignity

Each rite has equal value, different expressions of Catholic Faith

Apostolic

Church built on Apostles, safeguarding and transmitting Christ's revelation

Apostolic Succession

Transmission of revelation and authority from Apostles to bishops

Apostolic Mission

Church continues Christ's redemptive work, ministering sacraments