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Liturgy of the Word: Profession of Faith Part 1
In early Christianity the Profession
of Faith (the Nicene Creed) was primarily associated with
Baptism. The candidate went down into the water, and was required to
confess personal belief by responding to a series of questions dealing with the
Trinity. After each question and answer the person was immersed. As
Christianity developed, the candidates finished their preparation for the
sacrament by memorizing a credal formula and reciting it back to the bishop
prior to the baptismal celebration. We as a community continue this
tradition each Easter when we renew our Baptismal promises.
The Creed that we profess during the
Liturgy of the Word is a summary of the faith expressed by the Councils of
Nicea (325) and of Constantinople (381) ratified by the Council of Chalcedon
(451), but it was not until 11th century that Pope Benedict V11
included it in the Roman Mass.
The Profession of faith serves as a
way for us to respond and to give our assent to the Word of God heard in the
readings and through the homily, and for us to recall the truths of faith
before we continue with the celebration of the Eucharist- the great mystery of
faith.
Since that time, the recitation of
the Nicene Creed by the priest and congregation is obligatory on
Sundays and Solemnities. If you should attend a Mass, and it is
either omitted or a version of a creed is said, (however literary or poetic),
be aware that you are being liturgically short-changed!
After Vatican 11, the English
translation has returned to the plural ‘We believe’ since it a response of
faith on the part of the whole community of believers. It is also a reminder of
the universality of the church and provides us with the opportunity to be union
with our brothers and sisters all over the world.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church (1994) is an excellent reference for our faith, and Part One is
devoted to a detailed discussion on the Creed. The companion to the
Catechism, Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is
also an excellent resource.
Why not nurture and nourish your
faith and read Part One of the Catechism of the Catholic
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