St. Bede the Venerable, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

Baltimore track

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Lesson 12 — On the Attributes and Marks of the Church

Q. 565.How do you show that the Catholic Church is universal in time, in place, and in doctrine?

A.(1) The Catholic Church is universal in time, for from the time of the Apostles to the present it has existed, taught and labored in every age; (2) It is universal in place, for it has taught throughout the whole world; (3) It is universal in doctrine, for it teaches the same everywhere, and its doctrines are suited to all classes of persons. It has converted all the pagan nations that have ever been converted.

Q. 566.Why does the Church use the Latin language instead of the national language of its children?

A.The Church uses the Latin language instead of the national language of its children: (1) To avoid the danger of changing any part of its teaching in using different languages; (2) That all its rulers may be perfectly united and understood in their communications; (3) To show that the Church is not an institute of any particular nation, but the guide of all nations.

Q. 567.How is the Church Apostolic?

A.The Church is Apostolic because it was founded by Christ on His Apostles, and is governed by their lawful successors, and because it has never ceased, and never will cease, to teach their doctrine.