The Creed contains the core beliefs of the Catholic Faith. We profess the Creed each week at Eucharist and also when we begin praying the Rosary. We recite the Creed, but do we really understand what we are professing and the responsibility that goes with this profession?

During this Year of Faith and as we strengthen our Catholic Culture and Identity, the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office has set out to help all Catholics understand the concepts captured in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). The CCC is divided into four parts as follows:- a) The Profession of Faith, b) The Celebration of the Christian Mystery – The Sacraments, c) Life in Christ – Christian Morality, and d) Prayer.

In 2013 we began focusing on the first two parts, i.e. the Creed and the Sacraments. To assist us we used Dr Macellino D’Ambrosio’s DVD presentation on The Creed. Dr D’Ambrosio is a world renowned Catholic theologian who is specially known for his teachings on aspects of faith. We have also chosen another DVD presentation, together with a booklet of questions and answers, for The Sacraments. In 2014 we will focus on Life in Christ – Christian Morality and Prayer.

The teachings on the Creed and the Sacraments are available at parish and vicariate level. It is important that adult Catholics take the teachings of the Church seriously and seek to understand the various aspects of the faith. By proper understanding of the basic tenets of our faith we will understand what we do and the significance of the practice in developing and sustaining our relationship with Christ and the Church.

The Creed

The Creed is a four-part series of talks by Dr D’Ambrosio. The talks are as follows:- What it means to believe In this talk Dr D’Ambrosio helps us to understand the fundamental difference between believing that there is a God and believing in God. He helps us to understand that belief in God leads to a relationship with God so that we move beyond conviction to commitment. The Creed then becomes our profession of this faith that we are committed to. It is similar to a wedding band which speaks of the commitment made by a man and woman to each other. So too, we profess our commitment to God in the Creed.

Belief in God the Father

In this talk he explains the relationship of The Father, the Godhead, with the rest of the Trinity and also with us. We worship and believe in a Triune God and it is important to understand the fundamental differences among the three and the great love they share. This is important because we are created in the image and likeness of this Triune God and so we too must live in relationship like our God.

Belief in God the Son

It is important for us to understand that Jesus is a mystery, a mystery that unites us with the Holy Trinity and restores us to the grace we had originally as creations of God in the Garden of Eden.

Belief in the Holy Spirit

The Spirit was given to us to help us live a life in Christ. It is important for us to believe in the Holy Spirit and to develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who comes to us bringing gifts that enable us to bring about God’s Reign. Growing in faith is our responsibility. As we pursue other areas of interest in life we must remember to seek out avenues where we can learn more about our faith. By knowing our faith and practising our faith with commitment and sincerity we grow closer to Christ.

It is an exciting journey for those who embark upon it. Let us, therefore, during this Year of Faith make a commitment to attend Faith Formation Courses in our Parishes and Vicariate. For further information please contact the following Catechetical Vicariate Coordinators:

North/Suburban – Sr Marie Young 686-4077

South/Central – Bernadette Gopaul-Ramkhalawan 685-8859

East – Rhonda Earle 729-7950

May all of us seek to strengthen our relationship with Christ during this Year of Faith.

– Bernadette Gopaul-Ramkhalawan