Part 7: Profession of Faith (The Creed)

As it Appears in St. Bede Sunday Bulletin, February 3, 2002

This ancient profession dates back 15 centuries to 325 A.D (dating system promulgated by St Bede!) from the Council of Nicea as well as the Council of Constantinople. This creed was to counteract the erroneous teachings of a 4th century Egyptian priest, Arius, who promulgated the inequality of Jesus with the Father.  The Nicene Creed (used at Sunday liturgies) was formally accepted by the papacy in the 11th century.  It was originally used during the Rite of Baptism (adults) rather than in the Liturgy of the  Eucharist

The recitation of the creed is far more than a mere recitation of beliefs like we did as children.  Rather it is to be more like the hearty singing of our national anthem, eliciting a feeling of solidarity with those who have gone before us; a feeling of thanksgiving and pride in belonging to this great church.  (The Art of Praying the Liturgy, Manly and Reinhard)

General Intercessions is a prayer of the assembly.  They serve to link the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The intercessions, especially on a Sunday liturgy, reflect the readings from the Liturgy of the Word or from a special mass, such as a wedding or a funeral but still using the images from the readings.  The usual sequence (General Instructions of the Roman Missal 46) is: an opening prayer by the presider;

The needs of the Church; public authorities and world salvation; for those oppressed by any need; for the local community.  Many times a final petition, "For those intentions that we hold deep within our hearts" Following each intention an invitation from the lector (or deacon or priest) to "Pray to the Lord".  A short pause of silence for that prayer and then the spoken response from the assembly, usually, "We pray to the Lord". The presider brings the General Intercessions to a close with a prayer "…. through Christ our Lord".