What does the word Catholic mean?

The word Catholic means “universal” or “according to the whole.” It describes the Church founded by Christ because she possesses the fullness of the means of salvation and is sent to every people and nation.

Where the word comes from. Catholic comes from the Greek katholikos, meaning universal or according to the totality. St. Ignatius of Antioch used the expression “Catholic Church” around the beginning of the second century, showing that the term was already familiar to early Christians. It distinguished the whole Church, united in faith and episcopal leadership, from local breakaway groups.

Why the Church is catholic. The Church is catholic first because Christ is present in her. Where Christ is, there is the fullness of His Body and the means of grace He entrusted to it. She possesses the complete profession of faith, the seven sacraments, and ordained ministry in apostolic succession (CCC 830). This fullness is a gift from Christ, not a claim that every Catholic lives the faith perfectly.

Sent to everyone. The Church is also catholic because her mission embraces the whole human race. Jesus commanded the apostles to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19-20). No race, language, social class, or culture owns the Gospel. The Church can take root in every people while purifying what is sinful and preserving what is true and good (CCC 831, 849-856).

The Catholic Church and other Christians. The fullness of Christ’s Church subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the successor of Peter and the bishops in communion with him (CCC 816). Other baptized Christians can possess many genuine gifts from Christ, including Scripture, faith, hope, charity, and valid Baptism. These gifts belong by their nature to the one Church and draw Christians toward full unity (CCC 819). Calling the Church Catholic therefore does not deny that God works outside her visible boundaries.

Roman and Eastern Catholics. “Roman Catholic” commonly refers to Catholics in communion with the Bishop of Rome, especially members of the Latin Church. The Catholic Church also includes Eastern Catholic Churches with their own ancient liturgies, spirituality, and disciplines. They are fully Catholic and united in the same faith and sacraments.

When you say “Catholic,” remember both meanings: Christ gives His Church the whole faith, and He sends her to the whole world. A Catholic should therefore know the faith clearly, receive the sacraments faithfully, and welcome every person as someone called to communion with Christ.