The first thing most people will notice is the shift from "we" to "I" in professing the faith. While this is the faith of the Church as a whole, the profession is made one person at a time, as an individual. "I believe" is the literal translation of the Latin "Credo," and now English-speakers will profess the same words that Catholic Christians around the world already use.
The multiple usages of "we believe" are being dropped in favor of a single "I believe" and the words "and" link the paragraphs of the Creed. This seemingly minor change actually unifies the prayer as a whole, rather than the perception of having four sections.
"I believe" allows each baptized Christian to "own" the profession of faith in a personal entrusting of one's belief in God. This reflects the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (par. 167) regarding "the faith of the Church professed personally by each believer." Just as Christians renew their profession of faith every Easter season, this use of the words "I believe" will remind us to renew our devotion each time we pray the Creed.
The next change affects the words "all that is seen and unseen," changing them to "all things visible and invisible." This is simply more precise language.
Worth noting, once again, are the capitalized words "Only Begotten," as previously mentioned in the Gloria. Again, it is a better translation of the Latin text, but it also echoes the unifying truth found in both prayers.
"Born of the Father before all ages" alludes to Sacred Scripture. When you open up John'sGospel, you'll see the connection.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made(Jn. 1:1-3a).
Understanding Jesus is key for any believer.
Jesus' remarkable identity is further explained in the next syntax change, where again, the Church seeks more precise theological and ontological language regarding Jesus as being "of the same substance" as the Father. "One in being with the Father" is now replaced by "consubstantial with the Father." This new word—"consubstantial"—has been used by scholars for years, and has a rich tradition as being applied uniquely to Jesus. Now we will pray with it as well. Consubstantial means that Jesus and the Father share the same nature. It describes their "being" more exactly than the previous phrasing.
Another word change deep with meaning is the word "incarnate." Again, it is rarely used in common language. In the Creed, it denotes that God takes on flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Jesus is "the Word made flesh." (See Jn. 1:14.) The Incarnation of Jesus is one of the central tenets of the Creed.
The three language updates of "suffered death," "in accordance with the Scriptures," and "adored" were selected because they more precisely reflect the Latin text that is the universal standard for worship.
"I confess" replaces "we acknowledge," and like "I believe," it is a more powerful declaration from the heart of the believer.
Finally, "I look forward to the resurrection" is a clearer translation of the Latin translation. But, at the same time, it lifts the hearts of believers keeping the eternal perspective ever in mind. It lays out the big picture, reminding the Christian professing the faith of the stake that they have in the resurrection—a destiny that is to be, one day, found with the Blessed Trinity in heaven.
Previous articles in this series:
Missal Changes, Part One: Defined By Prayer
The Translation: A Renewed Understanding of Love
Resources available for free:
USCCB: Welcoming the Roman Missal
Changes in the People's Parts
Catholic TV's series: "Preparing for the New Roman Missal"—video recordings of a symposium for priests
OSV's Roman Mission revision readiness plan—helpful suggestions on how to prepare for the new translation
Resources available for purchase:
A New Translation for a New Roman Missal—DVD set featuring talks by Msgr. James Moroney of Vox Clara
The Church's Common Treasure—A booklet produced by the USCCB containing eleven essays exploring the history and purpose of the new translation.
NOTE: Pat Gohn welcomes Pauline Books and Media Associate Editor, Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, to the Among Women podcast. Together they talk about Jaymie's story of faith, and introduce an inexpensive children's resource for learning the New Roman Missal, The Mass Explained for Kids (Pauline Books and Media, 2011)
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