When I began working as an organist, the Credo was still sung at the “High Mass” every other Sunday in my church -- in Latin. Musically it was the most difficult part of the Mass to learn, even harder than the complex parts of the “Gloria." Accompanying the choir during that huge piece of work meant hours of practice at the organ and with the choir director. I would fidget during the homily and was nervous until after the Credo was finished. Because it took long to sing, the people were prompted to sit rather than stand by Fr. Dominic Olivieri, our pastor. Mostly, the choir sang and the assembly listened and probably prayed the Creed to themselves. I would say that it was performed by the choir rather than prayed by the people. I knew something needed to change, but at the age of 16, I also knew not to complain! Soon, the practice of singing the Credo gave way to reciting it -- in English. (And I was relieved.)
In November we will implement the New Roman Missal changes in the Nicene Creed. A copy of the new text is on the front of the bulletin. We will notice the change in the beginning -- “We believe” is now "I believe" (from the Latin word, “credo” which literally means, “I believe.”) And surely some new words will catch our attention -- "Consubstantial” (from the Latin, “consubstantialem”, meaning “of the same substance”) and “Incarnate" (meaning “Embodied in flesh; in human form”).
Reciting the Creed together at Mass expresses our unity with God and one another. These significant changes help us to do this with greater meaning.
