Catholic

          Today, the term "Catholic" is used to describe the Roman Catholic faith. Just like Baptist or Methodist, Catholic describes someone who is of the Roman Catholic faith. Originally, the term meant "according to the whole" or "in general" and is derived from the Greek phrase katholou. The word catholic today can also mean a wide variety of things (especially a person's tastes) and all-embracing. It is also used to refer to a universal or general interest, inviting, and having strong interests. It makes sense that the Roman Catholic faith is called catholic because it is the largest Christian group. All the other Christian denominations also use the term catholic to refer to the entire Christian group of people. One of the main uses of Catholic today is as one of the four marks of the Church. These marks are One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. These marks distinguish the true Pilgrim Church founded by Christ from all the other Christian denominations.
       The Church is Catholic in two main ways. First, the Church has a duty to fulfill its universal mission with the universal authority from Christ. Second, the Church is whole and complete. The Church universally heals all those who ask and seek repentance and removes then from their sins. The universal Church does not only consist of all the local Churches together in communion with each other, but each local Church contains the fullness of Christ. The Catholic Church not only includes those on Earth, but also those in Purgatory and in Heaven, meaning that the Church also exists outside of time. Since the Church is so widespread, it has many different cultures and traditions which add to its Catholicity.