The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed is the heart of Catholic belief - a powerful declaration of faith that has united Christians for over 1,600 years. When we recite it at Mass, we're joining our voices with countless believers throughout history who have proclaimed these same truths.

What Is the Nicene Creed?

The Nicene Creed is a statement of faith that Catholics say at Mass, summarizing what we believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. It was written by Church leaders at two important councils - in Nicaea in 325 AD and Constantinople in 381 AD - to ensure everyone understood the truth about God.

Think of it as the "mission statement" of Christianity. Just as a school might have a mission statement explaining its purpose and values, the Nicene Creed explains what Catholics believe and why.

The Text of the Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Breaking It Down: What We Believe

About God the Father

• One God: We believe in only one God, not many gods
• Creator: God made everything that exists - both what we can see (like stars, animals, people) and what we can't see (like angels)
• Father: God loves us like a perfect parent

About Jesus Christ

• God's Son: Jesus is God's only Son, equal to the Father
• Became Human: Jesus became a real person like us while staying God
• Saved Us: He died on the cross and rose from the dead to save us from sin
• Will Return: Jesus will come back at the end of time

About the Holy Spirit

• Third Person of Trinity: The Holy Spirit is fully God, equal to the Father and Son
• Gives Life: The Spirit brings spiritual life to our souls
• Guides the Church: Helps the Church teach truth through the ages

About the Church

• One: United under Christ
• Holy: Set apart for God
• Catholic: Universal, for all people
• Apostolic: Founded by Jesus' apostles

Why the Nicene Creed Matters

When we say the Creed, we're:

1. Declaring our faith publicly with the whole Church
2. Remembering what Christians have always believed
3. Teaching the next generation these essential truths
4. Uniting ourselves with Catholics worldwide

The Creed isn't just words - it's a promise. When we say "I believe," we're committing our hearts to these truths and to living them out every day.

Living the Creed

The Nicene Creed should shape how we live:

• If God is our Father, we should trust Him and live as His children
• If Jesus died for us, we should love Him and follow His teachings
• If the Holy Spirit lives in us, we should listen to His guidance
• If we're part of Christ's Church, we should love our fellow Catholics

A Prayer to Understand

Lord, help me not just to say the Creed, but to believe it with all my heart. Give me the grace to understand these mysteries of faith and to live them out each day. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 185-197