Why Do We Say Different Creeds At Mass?

Question:  Why do some parishes say the Apostles’ Creed at Mass and others the Nicene? Who decides which version we say?

Answer: The Creed — our profession of the faith — must be said or sung at every Sunday Mass and Solemnity after the homily, but the Roman missal allows the use of either the Nicene or the Apostles’ Creed, at the discretion of the celebrant.

Both creeds are authentic statements of Christian faith, but they differ in their historical origins, development and theological emphasis.

The Nicene Creed has deeper historical roots, its origins dating back to the Church’s very first council, held in Nicaea in 325. It was formulated in response to a theological controversy — the Arian heresy — over the nature of Christ. Some communities may prefer the Nicene Creed as a way of emphasising their adherence to the early ecumenical councils and the doctrinal formulations they produced.

It is the only authoritative ecumenical statement of the Christian faith accepted by the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and much of Protestantism.

The Apostles’ Creed originated in around the 5th century but has been used in the Latin liturgical rites only since the 8th century. It is accepted by most mainline Protestant churches, but not in Eastern traditions of Christianity.

The liturgical season can have an influence on the choice of creed. For example, during the seasons of Lent and Easter, the Nicene Creed is often preferred. It is more detailed, making it particularly suitable for celebrating the central mysteries of our faith, such as the incarnation and the resurrection of the Lord.

Different regions and dioceses have developed their own liturgical traditions over time. Some places may have a historical preference for one creed over the other, and this preference is often reflected in the liturgy.

Pastoral considerations, such as the congregation’s familiarity with a particular text, can also influence the choice. The Apostles’ Creed is simpler and may be preferred for accessibility and ease of understanding.

Both creeds are valid expressions of the Catholic faith, and their use in the Mass is a matter of liturgical diversity rather than doctrinal differences.

Published in the September 2024 issue of The Southern Cross magazine