Prologue:
Every person has a list of beliefs, or things that they hold to be true. Some of our beliefs are subjective and personal and can change over time. For instance: we may believe that we will be friends with a person forever, but then years later, wonder how we ever lost touch with them. We may believe that a teacher or relative hates us and later find out that was never true. In the moment, and at that particular point in time, a personal subjective belief may seem unmovable, but eventually, personal beliefs and our understanding of the world around us can change. However, some of our beliefs are objective and foundational, and can have a lasting impact on our lives. Beliefs such as: “I believe in God, I believe there is a difference between right and wrong, I believe I am loved.”
All beliefs are important because they allow us to define what is true and what is false. They help us to understand what is good in the world around us. For example: our belief in God helps us understand our purpose and meaning. Our belief that a friend is there for us can help us not feel alone when life is hard. Every belief we hold can have a profound impact on our lives.
This is why the Creeds, what we profess to believe in as Catholics, are so important.
We have two Creeds. The first creed is ancient and is called “The Apostles Creed”. It dates back to the time of the Apostles (hence the name). It is a simple but basic summary of our belief system that was created when the Catholic Church was very young. The second creed is called “The Nicene creed”. It was created more recently and is longer. It is considered a more detailed and precise summary of what we believe and profess through the Apostles Creed.
It is important to understand what these creeds are and what they are trying to say. That is what this Journey event is all about. We need to understand our creeds because they define what we believe as Catholics.
When we profess the Nicene Creed during the mass, we are doing more than just reciting lines and words. We are affirming and confessing beliefs and realities that have an eternal impact on our lives. Therefore, our Creeds are more than a statement of beliefs that can change; they are the foundation and truth of our faith. They define the reality of our existence and the existence of the world around us. Through the Creeds we profess the same faith that was given to the Apostles by Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago. It is important to realize that, as Catholics, we are called to defend this faith and this belief system at all costs.
Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, you will have a deeper responsibility to understand, uphold, and defend the beliefs we profess with in our two creeds. Throughout the centuries countless men and women (Saints and Martyrs) have died defending and protecting our beliefs. It is because our creeds are that important! Our personal beliefs may change over time, but our Catholic profession of faith (the Creeds) will not. That is why it is important to understand them and profess what we believe through them, at all times, in word and in deed.
Let’s get started!
To continue watch the following video by our guest speaker this month:
Next click on the following link and read the material to review both creeds :
The Apostles Creed & the Nicene Creed (CLICK HERE)
You will need to access the link above to answer some of the detailed response sections in the form below.
Watch this last educational video before filling out the form below:
The time frame allowed to complete this online event has expired. You will need to look for a make opportunity if you would like to get credit for an additional Journey event.