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Family Learning Program: The Creed

Each family session includes a teaching plan and family handouts. Additional parent session below.

Churches and schools have permission to download, print, and adapt the materials for their use. 
Permission is given to use these materials in print and digital formats (websites, newsletters, social media) for educational purposes only.

We Believe in God

This session explores our belief in God: “I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible” (Nicene Creed). It engages the participants in examining how they think of God—their concept of God—and their images of God. The way people think of God and their images of God shape their relationship with God and their understanding of the Christian life. Participants will consider a variety of images of God from the Old Testament and reflect on the implications of believing in and completely loving the One God with all their being—hearts, minds, and souls.

We Believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God

This session explores our belief in Jesus, the Son of God and Second Person of the Blessed Trinity: “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man” (Nicene Creed).The session engages the participants in discovering what it means to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

We Believe in Jesus' Death and Resurrection

This session explores the paschal mystery, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ: “For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the righthand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. And his kingdom will have no end” (Nicene Creed)

We Believe in the Holy Spirit

This session explores our belief in the Holy Spirit: “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.” (Nicene Creed). It engages the participants in examining the traditional symbols of the Holy Spirit from the Scriptures and life of the Church, and how the Holy Spirit is active and alive in their lives, the Church, and the world. This session guides people in reflection on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in their lives and how they can utilize those gifts in
their families, church, and community.

We Believe in the Church

This session explores images of the Church—People of God, Sacrament, and Body of Christ—and the mission and ministries of the Church—what the Church does (ministries) and why the Church acts in these ways (mission). It engages the participants in understanding how the mission of Jesus and the Early Church is being lived by the Church today. This session presents the Church as a living community through the lens of six fundamental ministries: prayer and liturgy, service to those in need, community life, teaching, care and healing, and proclaiming the Good News(evangelization).

We Believe in the Communion of Saints

This session explores our belief in the communion of saints: “We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church” (Credo of the People of God). The session presents the Church’s understanding of the communion of saints and its relevance for Catholics today. It examines the lives of the saints and the Scriptures to discover insights and guidance for living a saintly life today. Participants will discover the “saints” among their family members, both dead and living.

The Creed and the Family: Living What We Believe

The parent session recognizes the values that shape our families and explores our call to pass on faith not only in words, but in the ways that we live and love each day.