Faith Resources

Why Are the Gloria and Creed Said on Sundays only?

Julianne Wallace
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The Gloria and the Creed are reserved for our most solemn holy days, which includes the Sunday Celebration of the Eucharist and any other holy days in the Church (including Solemn Feast Days). The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (nos. 53 and 68) states that the Gloria should always be sung (or said) on Sundays (except during the seasons of Advent and Lent). The Creed should be said or sung at all Sunday celebrations and solemnities. Why is this the case? The Gloria and the Creed are not necessary for a celebration of the Mass, and indeed are ornate ways to express the faith that we believe. Therefore, we reserve these beautiful expressions for our most solemn and festive occasions.

Julianne Wallace
Julianne E. Wallace is the director of campus ministry at Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania. She is currently working on a D.Min. in Educational Leadership from Virginia Theological Seminary. She earned an M.T.S. in Word and Worship from the Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C. and a B.A. in Music Performance from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. Julianne is passionate about sharing the joy of liturgy with others and helping everyone to worship well.
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CreedGloriaQuestions of Faithsunday mass

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