MASS OF BLESSING (Credo)

When it comes time to profess our faith during Mass, keeping the congregation engaged through the long text of the Creed can be a challenge. Jude Nnam’s "Mass of Blessing (Credo)" answers this beautifully. By breaking the profession of faith into a lively, recurring refrain and four distinct verses, this setting transforms a lengthy recitation into an uplifting, rhythmic proclamation that the whole church can easily join.

The piece opens with a bold bass solo declaring, "Yes, I believe in God the Father," setting a confident foundation before the rest of the choir enters. Throughout the verses, the choir narrates the life of Christ and the core tenets of the faith, punctuated by the joyful, syncopated response, "O yes, I believe." This recurring affirmation keeps the momentum alive, making the sung Creed feel less like a list of doctrines and more like a personal, joyful conviction.

For choir directors, this Credo is a fantastic choice for festive Sundays and major solemnities. The interplay between the flowing narrative of the verses and the driving, energetic refrain gives the singers plenty of dynamic contrast to work with. It is a wonderful way to lead the congregation in a spirited, unified declaration of what we believe.