On the Apostles' Creed

COMPENDIUM

The Apostles' Creed is so called because it is a summary of the truths of the faith taught by the Apostles. It consists of Twelve Articles, and is divided as follows:

1. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
2. and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord;
3. who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary;
4. suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;
5. He descended into hell, the third day He rose again from the dead;
6. He ascended into heaven; sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
7. from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost;
9. the Holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints;
10. the forgiveness of sins;
11. the resurrection of the body;
12. and life everlasting. Amen.

The words I believe (credo) mean: "I hold for most true everything contained in these twelve articles; and I believe these things more firmly than if I saw them with my eyes, because God, who cannot be deceived nor deceive, has revealed them to the Holy Catholic Church, and through her has also revealed them to me." The Creed contains all that is most important for us to believe about God and Jesus Christ, and His spouse, the Church.

CATECHISM

15. What is the first part of Christian Doctrine?

The first part of Christian Doctrine is the Symbol of the Apostles, commonly called the Creed.

16. Why do you call the Creed the Symbol of the Apostles?

The Creed is called the Symbol of the Apostles because it is a summary of the truths of faith taught by the Apostles.

17. How many articles are there in the Creed?

There are twelve articles in the Creed.

18. Recite them.

1. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
2. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary;
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate: was crucified, dead, and buried;
5. He descended into hell: the third day He rose again from the dead;
6. He ascended into Heaven: sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
7. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost;
9. The Holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints;
10. The forgiveness of sins;
11. The resurrection of the body;
12. And life everlasting. Amen.

19. What is meant by the words I believe, which you say at the beginning of the Symbol?

The words I believe means: I hold everything that is contained in these twelve articles to be perfectly true; and I believe these truths more firmly than if I saw them with my eyes, because God, who can neither deceive nor be deceived, has revealed them to the Holy Catholic Church and through this Church to us.

20. What do the articles of the Creed contain?

The articles of the Creed contain the principal truths to be believed concerning God, Jesus Christ, and the Church, His Spouse.

21. Is it useful to recite the Creed frequently?

It is most useful to recite the Creed frequently, so as to impress the truths of faith more and more deeply on our hearts.