The Apostles Creed

In the second edition of the Roman Missal, whenever we said/sung the Creed it was the Nicene Creed.There was also the exceptional use of the Apostles’ Creed allowed at Masses with Children.  Now, with RM3, the Apostles Creed may be used at any time as well. RM3 at #19 states: “Instead of the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, especially during Lent and Easter Time, the baptismal Symbol of the Roman Church, known as the Apostles’ Creed, may be used.”

Notice that the only caveat given at RM3 #19 points to encouraged use in the Lent and Easter seasons of the Apostles' Creed. The fact that RM3 especially encourages its use in those two seasons, makes it clear that the Apostles' Creed may also be used any time the Creed is required.

Both versions of the Creed (cf. GIRM#137) ask us to add the ritual gesture of a BOW FROM THE WAIST when the mystery of the Incarnation—the truth that the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity took on our human condition out of love for us. We bow as we come face-to-face with this awesome reality, far beyond our grasp. cf. John 3:16.

++ Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary (Apostles’ Creed).

++ And by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. (Nicene Creed)

The Apostles’ Creed in RM3 has fewer changes in the translation than the Nicene Creed presents.

These changes affect only a few conjunctions, prepositional phrases, and adjectives.  Though few in number, they can still trip you up unless you use the worship aid to follow along and not try to mumble your way through it.  


Picking up the red worship-aid and finding the page  are essential steps to fulfilling the opportunity to be very intentional about what you are doing, that is, letting your lips, your vocal chords  and your inner  most soul burst forth with the others in the Assembly in PROFESSING your faith.