Which section of the Ordinary of the Mass is a confession of faith?
the Credo
the Gloria
the Kyrie
the Sanctus
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is the Credo.
The Credo, also known as the Nicene Creed, is the section of the Ordinary of the Mass that serves as a confession of faith. It is recited or sung during the Mass, typically after the homily and before the offertory. The Credo is a declaration of the core beliefs of the Catholic Church, affirming belief in the Holy Trinity, the incarnation of Jesus Christ, his suffering, death, and resurrection, as well as the life of the Church and the final judgment.
The origins of the Credo date back to the early Christian Church, with its most recognized form established at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This council aimed to address various theological disputes about the nature of Christ and the Trinity, and the Nicene Creed was formulated to unify the beliefs of Christians regarding these essential matters of faith. Over time, the Creed was refined, and the form that is used in the Mass today includes additional phrases, such as the acknowledgment of the Holy Spirit and the Church.
The Credo is not only a statement of belief but also a communal expression of faith. By reciting the Creed together, the congregation reaffirms its connection to the broader Christian community and its shared commitment to the teachings of the Church. It functions as a reminder of the central truths of Christianity, providing both a personal and collective act of worship. In this way, the Credo serves as a confession of faith, central to the worship experience within the Mass.