The Apostles’ Creed is one of the oldest and most treasured professions of faith in the Catholic Church. For centuries, Christians have recited these words as a clear and solemn summary of what we believe. In every generation, the Creed unites the faithful in the same apostolic faith handed down from the earliest days of the Church.
Whether prayed during the Rosary, at Baptism, or in personal devotion, the Apostles’ Creed anchors us in the truth of the Holy Trinity and the saving work of Jesus Christ.
What Is the Apostles’ Creed?
The Apostles’ Creed is a concise summary of the apostolic faith proclaimed in the Gospel. Although it was not written directly by the Twelve Apostles as a single document, it faithfully reflects the teaching they handed on to the Church.
From the earliest centuries, the Creed served as a “rule of faith” — a foundational statement used to instruct catechumens before Baptism. Today, it continues to be professed throughout the world, especially during Baptism and at the beginning of the Holy Rosary.
Each line expresses essential truths about:
- God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth
- Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord
- The Holy Spirit and the life of the Church
- The forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life
When we pray the Creed, we are not merely reciting words — we are publicly affirming the faith of the Church.
When Should You Pray the Apostles’ Creed?
The Apostles’ Creed may be prayed at any time, but it is especially fitting:
During Lent – To renew our profession of faith as we prepare for Easter.
When praying the Holy Rosary – It serves as the traditional opening prayer.
In moments of doubt or trial – To reaffirm the truths of the faith.
During personal prayer – As a daily declaration of trust in God.
Because it summarizes the essentials of Catholic belief, the Creed strengthens us whenever our faith needs renewal.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.
How to Pray the Apostles’ Creed with Greater Attention
Because the Apostles’ Creed is a profession of faith, it should be prayed slowly and thoughtfully. Each line contains a profound truth about God and our salvation.
When you pray, pause briefly at key phrases:
- “Creator of heaven and earth” – Remember that your life is not random; it comes from the loving will of the Father.
- “Born of the Virgin Mary” – Reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation.
- “He descended into hell” – Recall that Christ entered even the depths of death to redeem us.
- “The forgiveness of sins” – Place your trust in God’s mercy.
- “The resurrection of the body” – Renew your hope in eternal life.
Rather than rushing through the words, allow the Creed to shape your mind and heart. It is not only a statement of belief — it is an act of trust.
Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed: What Is the Difference?
Catholics profess two primary creeds in the liturgy: the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.
The Apostles’ Creed is older in structure and simpler in wording. It developed from early baptismal formulas and remains closely connected to the Church’s ancient catechesis.
The Nicene Creed, formulated at the Councils of Nicaea (A.D. 325) and Constantinople (A.D. 381), expresses the same faith with greater theological precision, especially regarding the divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Both creeds proclaim the same essential truths. The Apostles’ Creed is often used during Lent and Easter in place of the Nicene Creed at Mass, highlighting its connection to baptism and renewal of faith.
Why the Apostles’ Creed Matters for Catholics Today
In a world filled with confusion and shifting opinions, the Apostles’ Creed offers clarity and stability. It reminds us that the Catholic faith is not built on personal interpretation, but on truths revealed by God and faithfully preserved by the Church.
The Creed teaches us that:
- God is Father and Creator.
- Jesus Christ truly became man and truly rose from the dead.
- The Holy Spirit guides the Church.
- Sin is forgiven.
- Eternal life is real.
Every time we profess these words, we stand in communion with Christians across centuries and continents. We join our voices to the universal Church.
To pray the Apostles’ Creed is to say:
“I believe what the Church believes.”
