THE CREED “Creed” comes from the Latin credo which means “I believe.”

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen To whom is this prayer directed? Can we really grasp who God is?

The New Testament refers to the Spirit as Paraclete or Advocate. The Greek word “paraclete” sometimes inaccurately interpreted as “comforter or consoler,” is more correctly translated as “mediator, intercessor, or helper.”

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1. Wisdom 2. Understanding 3. Counsel [Right Judgment] * 4. Fortitude [Courage] 5. Knowledge 6. Piety [Reverence] 7. Fear of the Lord [Wonder and Awe in God’s Presence] * Alternate names for the gifts as used in the Confirmation Rite

Questions for Reflection Describe the way in which the Holy Spirit is active in your life. What evidence is there that the Holy Spirit has been working in your life-all your life? What gifts of the Spirit do you recognize in yourself? See handout What have you recognized in other Christians you know? What is one action of the Spirit in your life for which you are most grateful?

The Four Marks of the Church One Holy Catholic [universal] Apostolic

Questions for Reflection What does it mean to you that even though the Church is one--it enjoys a certain unity-­it is nevertheless diverse? What could that ever have to do with you? What are the implications for you as one of Christ's disciples? When the Church teaches that that the church of Christ on earth is most fully experienced and encountered in the Catholic Church, how does that make you feel? How does it make you feel that other Christian communities are in some way united to the Catholic Church and that the Church seeks the reconciliation of all Christians?

Questions for Reflection In what way have you encountered the holiness of the Church? Describe your own holiness.

Amen means “so be it,” or “it is true.” In Hebrew amen comes from the same root as the word believe. To believe is to say “amen” to God’s words, promises and commandments, to entrust oneself completely to him.