What does it mean when, in the Nicene Creed, Catholics proclaim “I Believe”?
Dr. Matt Hoven, a professor at St. Joseph’s College, will provide the explanation as the second session of “I Believe” – a catechesis series continuing on March 13 at St. Charles Parish, as part of this Jubilee Year.
“I will teach around two main ideas: that Christians understand that God is one; and that God is the Creator of all,” said Hoven, associate professor of religion and sport and the Kule Chair in religious education at St. Joseph’s College at the University of Alberta.
“Because this is a catechesis about the creed, I plan to make practical connections for people of faith today,” Hoven said. “I will explain the phrase ‘I believe’ at the start of the session. I will also make connections to our understanding of the natural world as described by scientific findings.”
This 2025 Jubilee Year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council in Nicea, which developed the creed. To mark the occasion, the Archdiocese of Edmonton has launched “I Believe”, a catechesis series in partnership with Newman Theological College and St. Joseph’s College at the University of Alberta.
Over 1,200 people participated (in-person at Holy Family parish in St. Albert or by watching online) in the Feb. 13 inaugural session of the series. The “I Believe” series, livestreamed on the Archdiocese YouTube page, stems from the Archdiocese’s Pastoral Priorities focusing on three aspects of formation. One of the priorities is the formation of confident witnesses to the faith.
Each session will reflect on a different aspect of the Nicene Creed.
“At the end of my session,” Hoven said. “attendees will be able to state the vital importance of the statements: ‘I believe’; God is one; and God is creator. They will also be able to explain touchpoints between belief in creation and a scientific understanding of the natural world.
“The creed is a historical faith pledge that is written down and which acts as a sign of unity among all Christians. It is a statement of faith used to deepen and focus our understandings about God and the church. It is a reminder of our past and our promise moving forward.”
At the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, Hoven completed his doctoral thesis that examined how the doctrine of creation is taught in Catholic high schools. Hoven said it’s vital to the work of religious education and it finds its way into his teaching and writing as a professor at SJC.
Hoven said he hopes those who participate in his session on the Nicene Creed walk away with a greater understanding of the Nicene Creed as a testament of faith.
“Attendees will be more confident witnesses, by knowing the implications of creedal belief in the oneness of God and God as creator, and by making connections between our faith and a scientific worldview. My aim is for believers to engage scientific understandings in the light of faith, as Catholics have long done.”
This second session of the series takes place March 13 at St. Charles Parish, 17511 112 St., Edmonton at 7 p.m., following daily Mass at 6:30. Subsequent sessions will each focus on another proposition within the Nicene Creed. No registration required. Everyone is welcome.