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35. Why is the Roman Church evidently ' Catholic ' or 'Universal'?

1. Because from the time of Christ she has continually existed with the same Teaching, the same Priestly, and the same Pastoral Office as at the present time; 2. Because she is spread over the whole universe; and 3. Because she is constantly spreading, in accordance with the Divine commission, ' Go ye into the whole world, and preach the Gospel to every creature ' (Mark xvi. 15).

36. Why is the Roman Catholic Church evidently ' Apostolic '?

1. Because her origin is unquestionably traced back to the Apostles; 2. Because her doctrine is grounded on Apostolic Tradition;1 and 3. Because her rulers, the Pope and the Bishops, are lawful successors of the Apostles (p. 136, quest. 20).

37. But are not non-Catholic Religious Societies also one?

No; they are not, and cannot be, one, 1. Because they have no common Head; and 2. Because every one of their members has a right to interpret and believe the Holy Scriptures as he likes.

38. And why can none of them be called holy?

1. Because their founders were not holy; 2. Because they have rejected many articles of faith and means of sanctification, as; for example, the Sacrifice of the Mass