The Aposltes Creed

Throughout the Middle Ages, it was generally believed and accepted that this Apostles’ Creed was composed jointly by the twelve Apostles in Jerusalem, with each of the twelve contributing one clause of the Creed before embarking on their respective missions. This legend dates back to the 4th century. Today, this is a point of argument and debate, especially within the ranks of the Protestant scholars. Nevertheless, many continue to think of this creed as apostolic in nature because its basic teachings are agreeable to the theological formulations of the Apostolic Age. The Catholic Church does not hold a position one way or the other on this subject; however, it does hold that all of the points of the Creed are part of the Catholic Faith. Most of the western Christian faiths today profess the Apostles’ Creed as their core tenants of faith of Christianity.

• Over history, the Apostles’ Creed functioned in many ways in the life of the Catholic Church:In the early Church, it was a confession of faith necessary for those to be baptized. 
• Catechetical instruction was based on the major tenets of the creed. This was necessary, because many of the new Christians were not able to read and write; this, almost poetic, Creed was easy to memorize and make part of everyday life. 
• In time, the Apostles’ Creed became a “rule of faith” to clearly separate the true faith from heretical deviations. 
• By the 6th or 7th century the Creed had come to be accepted as a part of the official liturgy of the Church. 
• Finally, it was used, along with the Lord’s Prayer, by devout individuals as a part of their morning and evening devotions.

During the 8am Mass on Saturday, March 13, the Creed will be presented to our Elect - those members of the RCIA who are preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil.  This is a special rite of the RCIA process which occurs sometime during the 3rd week of Lent.  During the rite, the Church officially entrusts the words of the Creed to those seeking to enter the Catholic Church. Nearly seventeen centuries old, the Creed is recited by the faithful at every Mass, and summarizes what we believe as Catholics. 

For those coming into the Church this Easter, this Rite symbolizes that our parish community is passing on and sharing the beliefs of our Catholic faith with them, so that those about to join our Catholic family embrace and treasure these venerable words as we do.  I invite you to join us as we "hand on the Faith" to our parish Elect.