If you’ve ever wondered where the word Catholic came from, you’re not alone. Many Christians today use the term, but few know its origins—or how early it was used to describe Christ’s one, true Church.
The first recorded use of Catholic to describe the Church comes from St. Ignatius of Antioch, a bishop, martyr, and disciple of the Apostle John. Around the year 107 A.D., while being transported to Rome for execution, St. Ignatius wrote several letters to Christian communities. In his letter to the Smyrnaeans, he wrote:
“Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be; as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”
This was just a few decades after the death of the last Apostle. The early Christians didn’t invent new denominations or start separate churches—they were part of one, visible, united Church, led by bishops and rooted in the teachings of the Apostles.
The word catholic itself comes from the Greek katholikos, meaning “universal” or “according to the whole.” From the beginning, this Church wasn’t local or tribal—it was for everyone, everywhere, offering the fullness of truth handed down by Christ Himself.
St. Ignatius’ use of the word shows us something powerful: from the earliest days, the Church understood itself as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. That’s not just a line in the Creed—it’s a historical reality.
So the next time you say you’re Catholic, remember: you’re part of a Church that’s been called by that name since the first century—a Church founded by Christ, spread by the Apostles, and still proclaiming the truth to the whole world.
Looking for a screen-free way to share the faith with your kids?
The Catholic Card Game is a wholesome, laugh-out-loud game that’s easy to learn and full of faith-filled fun. It’s a great way to bring Catholic culture to family game night.
