The followers of Jesus Christ are either in heaven, in purgatory, or on earth. Those in heaven are known as saints and are called the Church Triumphant. Those in Purgatory are the souls of those who have died, but are in the state of purification, and are waiting to get to heaven. These souls are called the Church Penitent. The followers of Jesus on earth are called as the Church Militant, as they battle sin and temptations, and strive to live a life pleasing to God. Together, the Church Triumphant, the Church Penitent, and the Church Militant form the communion of saints.

The communion of saints is the spiritual solidarity which binds together the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven in the organic unity of the same mystical body under Christ its head, and in a constant interchange of supernatural offices (Sollier, 1908).

After confessing “the holy catholic Church,” the Apostles’ Creed adds “the communion of saints.” In a certain sense, this article is a further explanation of the preceding: “What is the Church if not the assembly of all the saints?” The communion of saints is the Church (CCC, 946). 

“Since all the faithful form one body, the good of each is communicated to the others. … We must therefore believe that there exists a communion of goods in the Church. But the most important member is Christ, since he is the head. … Therefore, the riches of Christ are communicated to all the members, through the sacraments.” (CCC, 947).

The term “communion of saints” therefore has two closely linked meanings: communion in holy things (sancta)” and “among holy persons (sancti).”Sancta sanctis! (“God’s holy gifts for God’s holy people”) is proclaimed by the celebrant in most Eastern liturgies during the elevation of the holy Gifts before the distribution of communion. The faithful (sancti) are fed by Christ’s holy body and blood (sancta) to grow in the communion of the Holy Spirit (koinonia) and to communicate it to the world (CCC, 948).

It’s our privilege to be members of the communion of saints. This privilege also comes with responsibilities, to share our goods with others, to intercede for others, and to perform corporal and spiritual acts of mercy. Above all, we must proclaim the gospel, so that all may believe and belong to the communion of saints. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (Ephesians 3:6).

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