THE APOSTLES CREED- OLD VERSION

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father almighty, 
Creator of heaven and earth. 
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, 
our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, 
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell; the third day 
He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and sits at 
the right hand of God the Father 
almighty, from thence He shall come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints, 
the forgiveness of sins, 
the resurrection of the body 
and life everlasting.
Amen.

The Apostles' Creed – A timeless profession of faith that summarizes the essential beliefs of the Christian faith.

The Apostles' Creed (New English Translation): Full Prayer, Meaning, and How Catholics Pray It

By Catholic Prayers & Inspirations

The Apostles' Creed: A Timeless Profession of Christian Faith

The Apostles' Creed is one of the oldest and most beloved professions of faith in Christianity. For nearly two thousand years, Catholics have recited this Creed to proclaim the essential truths revealed by God through Jesus Christ.

Although it was not written directly by the Twelve Apostles, it faithfully summarizes the teachings they handed down to the early Church. Every line reflects the heart of the Gospel—from God's creation of the world to Christ's saving death and resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Church, forgiveness of sins, and the promise of everlasting life.

Today, Catholics pray the Apostles' Creed during the Holy Rosary, at the beginning of many personal prayers, during Baptism, and whenever they wish to renew their faith in God.

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The Full Apostles' Creed (New English Translation)

I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting.

Amen.

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What Is the Apostles' Creed?

The Apostles' Creed is a concise summary of the Christian faith. It teaches what Catholics believe about:

• God the Father

• Jesus Christ

• The Holy Spirit

• The Catholic Church

• Salvation

• Eternal life

Rather than simply being words to memorize, the Creed is a declaration of trust in God's plan of salvation.

Whenever Catholics pray it, they renew the promises made at Baptism and publicly affirm their faith in Jesus Christ.

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The Meaning of Each Part of the Apostles' Creed

"I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth."

Everything begins with God. He is our loving Father who created the universe and every human person out of love. We are not accidents—we were created with purpose and dignity.

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"And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord."

Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet. He is the eternal Son of God who became man for our salvation.

Calling Jesus "Lord" means recognizing Him as the King of our lives.

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"Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary."

This proclaims the mystery of the Incarnation.

Jesus is fully God and fully man. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary conceived the Savior while remaining ever Virgin.

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"Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried."

These words remind us that Jesus willingly accepted suffering to redeem humanity from sin.

His death on the Cross is the greatest sign of God's love.

"Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13)

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"He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead."

The phrase "descended into hell" refers to Christ's descent to the realm of the dead, where He proclaimed victory and opened heaven to the righteous who had died before His Resurrection.

On Easter Sunday, Jesus conquered sin and death forever.

The Resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope.

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"He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father."

Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven.

He now reigns with the Father and continually intercedes for us.

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"He will come again to judge the living and the dead."

Catholics believe that Jesus will return in glory.

His Second Coming will bring justice, mercy, and the fulfillment of God's Kingdom.

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"I believe in the Holy Spirit."

The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity.

He guides the Church, strengthens believers, inspires holiness, and gives spiritual gifts.

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"The holy Catholic Church."

Jesus established one universal Church to continue His mission on earth.

The Church preserves the teachings of Christ, celebrates the Sacraments, and leads souls toward heaven.

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"The communion of saints."

The Church is one family.

This includes:

• The faithful on earth

• The souls being purified

• The saints in heaven

Together we remain united in Christ.

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"The forgiveness of sins."

Through Jesus Christ, every sinner can receive mercy.

God forgives those who sincerely repent and return to Him, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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"The resurrection of the body."

At the end of time, our bodies will rise again and be reunited with our souls.

This is one of Christianity's greatest hopes.

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"Life everlasting."

Heaven is our true home.

Those who remain faithful to Christ will enjoy eternal happiness with God forever.

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Why Catholics Pray the Apostles' Creed

Catholics pray the Apostles' Creed because it helps us:

• Renew our Baptismal faith.

• Strengthen our trust in God.

• Remember the central truths of Christianity.

• Prepare our hearts before praying the Rosary.

• Profess our faith with confidence.

• Grow closer to Jesus Christ.

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When Do Catholics Pray the Apostles' Creed?

Catholics commonly pray the Apostles' Creed:

• At the beginning of the Holy Rosary

• During Baptism

• During personal prayer

• During family prayer

• During retreats and missions

• Whenever renewing their faith

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Biblical Foundations of the Apostles' Creed

Although the Creed itself is not found as one passage in Scripture, every article is rooted in the Bible.

Some examples include:

• Genesis 1:1 — God created heaven and earth.

• Matthew 1:18–25 — Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

• Luke 1:26–38 — The Annunciation to Mary.

• John 19 — The Crucifixion.

• Luke 24 — The Resurrection.

• Acts 1:9–11 — The Ascension.

• Matthew 28:19 — The Holy Trinity.

• Acts 2 — The coming of the Holy Spirit.

• 1 Corinthians 15 — The resurrection of the body.

• Revelation 21 — Eternal life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Twelve Apostles write the Apostles' Creed?

No. Tradition once connected each Apostle with a line of the Creed, but historians agree it developed gradually in the early Church as a summary of apostolic teaching.

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Is the Apostles' Creed different from the Nicene Creed?

Yes.

The Apostles' Creed is shorter and is often prayed during the Rosary and Baptism.

The Nicene Creed is longer and is ordinarily recited during Sunday Mass and solemnities.

Both express the same Catholic faith.

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Why do Catholics say "I believe" instead of "We believe"?

The Creed is a personal profession of faith.

Each believer individually declares his or her trust in God while remaining united with the whole Church.

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Living the Apostles' Creed Every Day

Praying the Apostles' Creed should transform how we live.

When we profess our faith, we are called to:

• Trust God in every circumstance.

• Follow Jesus faithfully.

• Love our neighbors.

• Forgive others.

• Pray often.

• Participate in the Sacraments.

• Live with hope of eternal life.

Faith is not merely spoken—it is lived through love, obedience, and holiness.

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Related Catholic Prayers

You may also enjoy praying:

• The Nicene Creed

• The Sign of the Cross

• The Holy Rosary

• The Our Father

• The Hail Mary

• The Glory Be

• The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

• The Divine Mercy Chaplet

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Final Reflection

The Apostles' Creed is much more than an ancient prayer. It is the heartbeat of Christian belief and a beautiful summary of God's plan of salvation.

Every time we pray it, we proclaim our faith in the Father who created us, the Son who redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us. We also express our hope in the Church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the promise of eternal life.

May this sacred profession of faith strengthen your trust in God, deepen your love for Jesus Christ, and inspire you to live as a faithful disciple each day.

Amen.

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Learn More:  Cathechism of the Catholic Church: The Profession of the Christian Faith

THE OUR FATHER PRAYER

THE LORD'S PRAYER
(THE OUR FATHER)

The Lord's Prayer, also known as the Our Father, was composed by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. This magnificent prayer beautifully reflects the wishes of its Divine Author. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (pictured above) where it first appears in the Gospels (Matt 6:9-13): “When praying do not choose many words” (Matthew 6:7).

Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

In the final line Jesus echoes His own petition to His Heavenly Father in John’s Gospel: “I am not praying that you would take them out of the world, but that you would preserve them from evil.” (John 17:15). Evil in the case refers both to the Evil One, Satan, and to the evils he brings about in this world. With the help of the Lord's Prayer we can better resist evil and prepare for Eternal Life with God in the world to come, in Heaven.

THE HAIL MARY PRAYER

A prayer for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ.
The Hail Mary is based on these passages from the Bible:

Luke 1:28-35, 42-48.
Traditional version:

Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

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Newer version:

Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

PRAYER TO TAKE AUTHORITY

Prayer to Take Authority (Binding Prayer)

In the name of Jesus, I take authority and I bind all powers and forces in the air, in the ground, in the water, in the underground, in the netherworld, in nature, and in fire. You are the Lord over the entire universe, and I give You the Glory of Your creation. In Your Name, Jesus, I bind all demonic forces that have come against us and our families and I seal all of us in the protection of Your Precious Blood that washed for us on the Cross. Mary, our Mother, we seek your protection and intercession with the Sacred Heart of Jesus for us and our families, and surround us with your mantle of love to discourage the enemy. St. Michael and our guardian angels, come defend us and our families in battle against the evil ones that roam the earth.In the name of Jesus, I bind and command all the powers and forces of evil to depart right now away from us, our homes, and our lands, and I send you to the foot of the Cross. And we thank you, Lord Jesus, for You are a faithful and compassionate God. Amen. (Hail Mary...)

FATIMA MORNING OFFERING

Fatima Morning Offering

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings, all that this day may bring, be they good or bad: for the love of God, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for all the sins committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

POWERFUL MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Prayer to St Jude Dear Most Holy Apostle Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus Christ, I honour and invoke you universally, as the patron of all people and of all animals. Please pray for all of us. Pray for me please, Dear Saint Jude. Please make use of that particular privilege accorded to you, to bring visible and immediate help to me now in all areas of my life. Please help me consistently. Dear Saint Jude please come to my assistance now that I may receive the abundance of prosperity and support of Heaven in all my necessities, and in particular help me to feel happiness and love within my heart consistently. Help my thoughts to be filled with goodness, kindness, love, compassion, and clarity, happiness and joy. Assist me Dear St Jude to praise God and to promote you, and to emanate Goodness, happiness, and peace, so that I may unobtrusively inspire people. I promise you, Dear Blessed Saint Jude, to be ever mindful of this huge favour, and to always honour You as my special and powerful Patron Saint, and to publically unobtrusively to promote you and encourage devotion to you. Dear Saint Jude, Please pray for all people and all animals to think and feel with kindness, peacefulness, happiness, joy, and love. Dear gentle, genuine, compassionate St. Jude, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy and love, I ask you and Jesus Christ, that I may happily receive the abundance of prosperity and wealth consistently, abundance of personal success, abundance of confidence, abundance of high self esteem, abundance of career success, and in particular help me to feel happiness and love within my heart consistently. Help my thoughts to be filled with goodness, kindness, happiness, love, compassion, clarity, and joy. Assist me Dear Saint Jude to praise God and to promote you, and to emanate goodness, happiness, and peace every day and every night, consistently, so that I may unobtrusively inspire people. As a thank you Dear Saint June, I promise to promote you, appropriately with sincerity, gratitude, and love. Thank you Amen

PRAYER FOR THE SICK

Physical Healing

Lord, I come before you trusting in your mercy and love.

I come before you with faith in your promise that you shall
grant whatever we ask for in prayer if it will be what is best for our soul.
Lord, heal me of my (kind of sickness).
Touch me now in the areas of my body that need most of your healing love.
Let the warmth of your healing love penetrate every cell,
every nerve and tissue in my sick body.
Replace these sick cells with new and healthy cells.
Cast out anything that should not be in me.
Cleanse all infections, remove all inflammations, open any blocked arteries
or veins and rebuild all damaged areas.
Strengthen my body, my mind, emotions and spirit and with that
same power by which you created me, heal me and recreate me, Lord.
Restore me to full health in body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Give me the grace to accept this pain and suffering with patient resignation
to your most Holy will and plan for my life.
Have mercy on me and forgive my sins.
Let me find peace amidst my suffering and offer it for the salvation of souls,
especially those of my family and loved ones.
With eyes of faith, let me see the blessings out of this physical sickness.
And after I have been healed, may I be a witness of your healing
love and power and serve you for the rest of my life.
In Jesus’ name I pray, through Mary and all the angels and saints.
Amen.

ROSARY MEDITATIONS- GLORIOUS MYSTERIES

Meditations for the 5 Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

A thought is suggested for each of the 10 Hail Marys in each decade. Some people find it helpful simply to gaze at a picture depicting the mystery. The Glorious Mysteries are usually prayed on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The 1st Glorious Mystery

I. Resurrection

1. Christ rises from the dead.
2. The women go to the tomb.
3. An Angel descends to roll back the stone.
4. The tomb is found empty.
5. The Angels announce the Resurrection.
6. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalen.
7. The Apostles doubt the women's word.
8. Peter and John find the cloths in the tomb.
9. Jesus joins the disciples going to Emmaus.
10. Jesus appears to the Apostles.

II. The Ascension

1. He shows Himself for forty days to the apostles and disciples, at one time to more than 500 brethren.
2. Jesus sends the Apostles to preach the Gospel.
3. He commands them not to leave Jerusalem, but to await the coming of the Holy Ghost.
4. In the presence of the apostles and disciples, a cloud receives Jesus out of their sight.
5. The Angels reassure the them and promise Christ's return.
6. Mary is filled with joy.
7. Jesus leads the Saints into Heaven.
8. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father.
9. He intercedes for us to the Father.
10. The disciples return to the Upper Room to pray and await the Holy Ghost.

III. The Descent of the Holy Ghost

1. The disciples persevere in prayer with Mary.
2. Matthias is chosen to take the place of Judas.
3. The sound of a mighty wind fills the Cenacle.
4. Tongues of fire rest on the disciples.
5. The disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit.
6. The Apostles preach to the people about Christ.
7. The people are filled with wonder because each hears the Apostles speaking in his own tongue.
8. Peter preaches that Christ is the Messias and that He rose from the dead.
9. About three thousand souls accepted the Apostles' word and were baptized that day.
10. Through the Apostles we receive the Holy Ghost.

IV. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

1. Mary longs to see her Son.
2. Soon she is to be reunited with Him in Heaven.
3. The Apostles come to see Mary before she dies.
4. They are heartbroken that she is to leave them.
5. Mary consoles and strengthens each of the Apostles.
6. Her love for her Son is so great that her body can no longer contain her soul.
7. She dies in peace and great joy.
8. Mary is laid to rest.
9. Mary is assumed into Heaven and is received joyously in Heaven.
10. The Apostles find the tomb empty.

V. The Coronation of Our Blessed Mother

1. Jesus crowns Mary Queen of Heaven.
2. She is enthroned at the right hand of Jesus.
3. Mary is seen crowned with twelve stars.
4. The Angels and Saints praise her.
5. The faithful on earth praise her.
6. Mary intercedes for us with her Son.
7. Jesus cannot refuse the prayers of His Holy Mother.
8. St. Joseph reigns with Jesus and Mary.
9. The day of Judgment approaches.
10. The Church longs for heaven.

ROSARY MEDITATIONS- SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

Meditations for the 5 Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

A thought is suggested for each of the 10 Hail Marys in each decade. Some people find it helpful simply to gaze at a picture depicting the mystery. The Sorrowful Mysteries are usually prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays, and also on Sundays during Lent.

The Sorrowful Mysteries

I. The Agony in the Garden

1. After the Last Supper Jesus and the Apostles go to the Garden of Olives.
2. Jesus asks the Apostles to watch with Him.
3. Jesus withdraws and prays.
4. As He thinks of what He is to suffer and of our ingratitude, He is bathed in a sweat of blood.
5. Jesus awakens the Apostles, who have fallen asleep from weariness.
6. He returns to His prayer, and asks His Father that this chalice to pass away.
7. Jesus again finds the Apostles sleeping.
8. He returns to His prayer; an Angel comes to comfort Him.
9. Mary keeps an agonizing vigil.
10. Jesus goes to meet His betrayer.

II. The Scourging

1. The people cry for Christ’s crucifixion.
2. Pilate orders Jesus to be scourged even though He is innocent.
3. Jesus is stripped and bound to the pillar.
4. He is scourged by the soldiers.
5. Jesus suffers without complaint.
6. Jesus atones for our sins of the flesh.
7. Mary suffers in compassion.
8. Jesus is scourged above measure.
9. The prophecy of Isaias is fulfilled (53:5).
10. The Holy Shroud bears witness to the lashes.

III. The Crowning with Thorns

1. The soldiers surround Christ and mock Him.
2. Jesus is clothed in royal purple.
3. The soldiers form a crown of thorns and place it on His head.
4. They crush it down so that the thorns pierce His sacred head.
5. The soldiers place a reed in Jesus’ hand and mock Him.
6. They spit upon Him and strike His face.
7. Jesus is beaten with the reed.
8. He suffers meekly.
9. Mary suffers in compassion.
10. Pilate shows Jesus to the people: “Ecce Homo!”

IV. The Carrying of the Cross

1. Pilate, washing his hands, condemns Jesus to death.
2. The Apostles flee in fear.
3. Jesus takes up His cross.
4. He is so weak from the scourging that soon He falls beneath it.
5. The people jeer at Christ.
6. Jesus meets his afflicted Mother.
7. Simon is made to help Jesus carry the cross.
8. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
9. Jesus speaks to the weeping women.
10. Jesus climbs Calvary.

V. The Crucifixion

1. Jesus is stripped of His garments.
2. He is nailed to the cross and it is raised.
3. The soldiers cast lots for Christ’s robe.
4. The people mock Jesus: “If thou art the Christ, come down from the cross!”
5. Jesus prays for His enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!”
6. He promises paradise to the thief.
7. He leaves us His mother: “Son, behold thy mother!”
8. Jesus gives up His spirit: “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.”
9. Jesus is taken down from the cross and laid in His Mother’s arms.
10. Jesus is laid in the tomb.