The Apostles' Creed - a short Catechism

I believe in God,

I’m not an atheist. I believe that God exists, that He is good and worthy of my trust and love.

the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;

I believe that God is the Father of all people and the Creator of all which we see and don’t see. He created the material universe where men and animals live and the spiritual heavens, where angels dwell.

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,

I believe that Jesus Christ is God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. The eternal Word of God, the reflection of the Father.

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

I believe He was conceived in the womb of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit.

born of the Virgin Mary,

And that Mary was a virgin before and after His birth until the day she was assumed into heaven.

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

I believe that He suffered and died for the sins of mankind.

He descended into Hell;

I believe that He went into the Bosom of Abraham, which is also called the place of the dead, to bring the faithful Jews into heaven.

the third day He rose again from the dead;

Then rose again on the third day in order that those who live may turn to Him and be saved.

He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty;

Then He went back into Heaven to take His place at the Throne of God, the Father.

from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

But He will return on the last day to judge the sins of all men.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

I believe that the Holy Spirit is God, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity.

the holy Catholic Church,

I believe that the Catholic Church is the instrument which God placed on this earth to communicate to mankind all His saving power.

the communion of saints,

I believe that we are united to the Body of Christ and that we can pray to and communicate with the saints on earth and in the next life, in heaven and in purgatory.

the forgiveness of sins,

I believe that God is merciful and forgiving. I believe that I can approach His Throne in the Catholic Church and He will wash away my sins in the waters of everlasting life.

the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

I hope that, by God’s grace, I will rise to eternal life, on the Last Day.

Amen.

So be it! I believe, profess and live according to all that I have just recited.