Which Sundays?

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Gwyn
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Which Sundays?

Post by Gwyn »

Can anyone tell me on which Sundays of the liturgical year may the Apostles' Creed replace the Nicene Creed at Mass? If you could also tell me why, then that'd be a double whammy.

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presbyter
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Post by presbyter »

Firstly


Rubric 19 in the Order of Mass Missale Romanum - editio typica tertia A.D. MMII

Loco symboli nicaeno-constantinopolitani, praesertim tempore Quadragesimae et tempore paschali, adhiberi potest symbolum baptismale Ecclesiae Romanae sic dictum Apostolorum

In suggesting the use of the Apostles' Creed in place of that of the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople especially during Lent and Eastertide (an expansion here on the rubric in the 1975 Missal, English edition) - this is surely connected with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The Elect are presented with the Creed during the third week of Lent, following the first scrutiny on the third Sunday of the season. The celebrant "explains in the homily the meaning and importance of the Creed in relation to the teaching that the elect have already received and to the profession of faith that they must make at their baptism and uphold throughout their lives." (RCIA 146)

The Elect then listen to the Creed, receiving it but not yet professing it themselves. But which Creed do they receive? RCIA allows for either the Apostles' or the Nicene Creed.

During the preparation rites on Holy Saturday, the Elect recite the Creed themselves in preparation for the profession of faith they will make immediately before their baptism during the Easter Vigil. (RCIA 180)

Afterwards as neophytes, they will, as it were, 'grow into' reciting the Creed together with all the faithful throughout the Easter Season. In this time of mystagogical catechesis, it would seem to be common sense and good pastoral practice to continue to use whichever Creed was presented to these new Christians during Lent. See RCIA 234 to 241 on the importance of this time.


Secondly

During Masses with Children in which only a few adults participate, the Apostles' Creed can be used. Directory on Masses with Children 49.
A school Mass on a Holyday of Obligation, for example.

Will that do?
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musicus
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Post by musicus »

That's a very comprehensive and helpful answer, presbyter - thanks!
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Gwyn
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Post by Gwyn »

It certainly will. Thanks very much indeed.
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