Here’s another question I’ve been wondering about. Why is it only during certain times i.e. Lent, is there a choice between saying the Apostle’s Creed or the Nicene Creed. Why isn’t either used at anytime. In other words why is the Nicene Creed favored over the apostle’s creed?
CREEDS:
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CATHOLICISM
Creeds also called “symbols of faith” creeds are concise, authorized statements of the tenets of our beliefs. The Greek name symbol serves as the basic purpose of creeds, they serve as tokens, names that identify God, the believer, and the community of belief.
There are many Christian Creeds. These include the many formulations of our faith such as: the rules of our faith (Jesus is the Christ, man and divine), and the Trinitarian formula. There is the old Roman creed, and in use today are the Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, the Doctrine of Chalcedon, the Athanasian Creed and the Third Council of Constantinople.
Creeds function in a variety of specific contexts. Nicene Creed used during a liturgy as a communal confession of belief. The Apostles’ Creed used at Baptism as a declaration of a new person’s identity as a Christian Believer. The Apostles’ Creed is used during religious instruction and/or as a private prayer in confession. The Apostle’s creed is used at ordinations and the reciting of the Divine Office. The Nicene is most often used during Eucharistic Celebrations. Both creeds the Apostles’ and the Nicene serve their purpose and can be used at any Liturgical celebration. The Canon does not dictate one over the over.
More Information:
Creed
Nicene Creed
Apostles’ Creed