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| 153. How do we know that the Catholic Church is the one true Church established by Christ? | We know that the Catholic Church is the one true Church established by Christ because it alone has the marks of the true Church. |
| 154. What do we mean by the marks of the Church? | By the marks of the Church we mean certain clear signs by which all men can recognize it as the true Church founded by Jesus Christ. |
| 155. What are the chief marks of the Church? | The chief marks of the Church are four: It is one; holy; catholic or universal; and apostolic. |
| 156. Why is the Catholic Church one? | The Catholic Church is one because all its members; according to the will of Christ; profess the same faith; have the same sacrifice and sacraments; and are united under one and the same visible head; the Pope. |
| 157. Why is the Catholic Church holy? | The Catholic Church is holy because it was founded by Jesus Christ; who is all-holy; and because it teaches; according to the will of Christ; holy doctrines; and provides the means of leading a holy life; thereby giving holy members to every age. |
| 158. Why is the Catholic Church catholic or universal? | The Catholic Church is catholic or universal because; destined to last for all time; it never fails to fulfill the divine commandment to teach all nations all the truths revealed by God. |
| 159. Why is the Catholic Church apostolic? | The Catholic Church is apostolic because it was founded by Christ on the apostles and; according to His divine will; has always been governed by their lawful successors. |
| 160. How do we know that no other church but the Catholic church is the true Church of Christ? | We know that no other church but the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ because no other church has these four marks. |
| 161. What are the chief attributes of the Catholic Church? | The chief attributes of the Catholic Church are authority; infallibility; and indefectibility. They are called attributes because they are qualities perfecting the nature of the Church. |
| 162. What is meant by the authority of the Catholic Church? | By the authority of the Catholic Church is meant that the Pope and the bishops; as the lawful successors of the apostles; have power from Christ Himself to teach; to sanctify; and to govern the faithful in spiritual matters. |
| 163. What is meant by the infallibility of the Catholic Church? | By the infallibility of the Catholic Church is meant that the Church; by the special assistance of the Holy Ghost; cannot err when it teaches or believes a doctrine of faith and morals. |
| 164. When does the Church teach infallibly? | The Church teaches infallibly when it defines; through the Pope alone; as the teacher of all Christians; or through the Pope and the bishops a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by all the faithful. |
| 165. What is meant by the indefectibility of the Catholic Church? | By the indefectibility of the Catholic Church is meant that the Church; as Christ founded it; will last until the end of time. |
| 166. Are all obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved? | All are obliged to belong to the Catholic Church in order to be saved. |
| 167. What do we mean when we say; Outside the Church there is no salvation.'? | When we say; Outside the Church there is no salvation;' we mean that Christ made the Catholic Church a necessary means of salvation and commanded all to enter it; so that a person must be connected with the Church in some way to be saved. |
| 168. How can persons who are not members of the Catholic Church be saved? | Persons who are not members of the Catholic Church can be saved if; through no fault of their own they do not know that the Catholic Church is the true Church; but they love God and try to do His will; for in this way they are connected with the Church by desire. |
| 169. Why is the Catholic Church called the Mystical Body of Christ? | The Catholic Church is called the Mystical Body of Christ because its members are united by supernatural bonds with one another and with Christ; their Head; thus resembling the members and head of the living human body. |
| 169 A. What conditions are necessary in order that a person be a member of the Mystical Body in the full sense? | In order that a person be a member of the Mystical Body in the full sense; it is necessary that he be baptized; that he profess the Catholic faith; and that he neither separate himself from the Mystical Body nor be excluded by lawful authority. |
| 169 B. How does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body? | A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by open and deliberate heresy; apostasy or schism. |
| 169C. How does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by heresy? | A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by heresy when he openly rejects or doubts some doctrine proposed by the Catholic Church as a truth of divine-Catholic faith; though still professing himself a Christian. |
| 169D. When does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by apostasy? | A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by apostasy when he openly rejects the entire Christian faith. |
| 169E. When does a baptized person separate himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by schism? | A baptized person separates himself from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by schism when he openly refuses obedience to the lawful authorities of the Church; particularly to the Pope. |
| 169F. When is a baptized separated from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by lawful authority? | A baptized person is separated from full incorporation in the Mystical Body by lawful authority when he incurs one of the more severe forms of excommunication. |
| 170. What is meant by the communion of saints' in the Apostles Creed? | By the communion of saints' is meant the union of the faithful on earth; the blessed in heaven; and the souls in purgatory; with Christ as their Head. |
