Marks of the Church

To help the children remember and understand the four Marks of the Church by illustrating them

The children will explain the Marks of the Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.

• Four large sheets of butcher paper
• Large-print copies of each of the descriptions of the Marks of the Church (text can be found below).

The Church is one. We have one Lord and we share one faith. We receive one life in the Holy Spirit.

The Church is holy. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are holy. In the sacraments, we receive all we need to make us holy.

The Church is catholic. Catholic means universal. Jesus told the apostles to teach all nations. The Chuch reaches out to all.

The Church is Apostolic. Jesus founded the Church with the apostles. The pope and bishops continue their mission today.

The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. These are the Marks of the Church.

• Crayons or markers
• Glue

• Tell the children that they are going to illustrate the Marks of the Church to help them understand and explain what each one means.
• Divide the children into four groups. Give each group a sheet of butcher paper, a copy of the description of one of the marks, crayons or markers, and glue.
• Remind the children that the Marks of the Church are four important words that describe the Church. Have a volunteer from each group read the mark and description they were given.
• Ask the groups to glue the description of their mark on the top of their sheet. Then suggest that they discuss and agree on what they will draw to illustrate the meaning. They may choose to do one scene or work on separate ideas.
• Tape the sheets on the boards around the room, if possible. Have a sharing time so each group can explain their pictures.

Art/Space Smart, People Smart

Encourage the children to work cooperatively.