Elise Ainsworth, who presented the topic What did we just say? A Closer Look at the Creed, says:

Every week at Sunday Mass we stand together and profess our faith.  But where do these words come from and what do they mean?  Why have these words been the source of division over the history of the Church?  What do they have to do with our everyday lives?

Together we will explore why we say what we say in the creed every Sunday.  We will cover a  little of the history of why certain words and phrases were chosen and others were not, as well as what significance these ancient words have for Catholics living out their faith today.

Santiago Cortes-Sjoberg, who presented the talk Our Faith, the Faith of the Church: the Creed, says:

We are called to profess and share our faith. This workshop will focus on Creed, the first of the four “pillars,” or sets of foundational core beliefs of Catholics, presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Brief reference will be made to the recently approved changes by the Holy See to the wording of the Nicene Creed.

Jason Renken, who gave the talk The Christian Churches in your Neighborhood, says:

Who are the Christians (and their churches) in your neighborhood?  Did you know that Catholics are encouraged to pray, learn and share with our sisters and brothers in Christ?  This is a mandate from Jesus Christ himself, in John 17.  Who are the Orthodox and Protestant Christians and how can we get to know them in our many neighborhoods?

Sandy Downes, who presented the talk Finding God’s Grace in the Violent Streets of Chicago, says:

Sandy Downes will share her story of a life of control, frustration, fear, hopelessness and anger, to one of peace and joy. Do you find yourself frustrated by your circumstances and tired of “trying and trying and trying?” Do you spend a lot of time “reasoning” and “determined” to figure things? Join us, as we look at practical and simplistic steps to transform our lives through, in and with God’s “Grace” to a life of peace and joy, regardless of our circumstances.

Suggested questions for reflection and response:

1)      How do you feel when reciting the creed in unison with the whole congregation?  Who do you think of?

2)      How does the Creed influence your understanding of: Who God is?  How we relate to God? What we are called to do?

3)      What sentence from the Creed is my favorite? Why?

4)      How do I feel the presence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit active in my life?

5)      Who are the (non-Catholic) Christians that you know through family, friends, work or school?  How have they expressed their Christian faith?

6)      Have you paid attention to the many churches in your neighborhood?  Have you visited any?

7)      What are the areas of frustration, worry, anxiety, strife, etc. in your life?

8)      Our “reasoning” blocks discernment. How can you get out of your “mind” and into the depths of your heart?