Twelve Drummers Drumming

Merry 12th Day of Christmas – Fri. Jan 5, 2024 

Today’s meaning for the 12th Day of Christmas reminded me again of my days as a catechist for seventh and eighth graders preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation.  

On the first day of class, I often did a study of the Apostles’ Creed with the students. Most times, the children did not realize it is basically summary of our Catholic faith in twelve points. Those were some fantastic discussions! 😊 

 After we went through the Apostles’ Creed, I would take them upstairs to the church (the main part of the church is on the second floor). I would take the students on a tour of everything in the church, starting in the front by having them genuflect in front of the tabernacle. I am thankful that my church kept the tabernacle front and center! I would take them into the Sacristy and show them how we prepare and set up for each Mass. They would explore the old confessionals and check out the Baptismal font.  We would then take a slow walk down the side aisles to view the Stations along with the stain glass windows. At the end of our tour, we would recite the Apostles’ Creed together.  

Why 12 Drummers Drumming on the Twelfth Day of Christmas? 

The 12 drummers represent the twelve articles of the Apostles’ Creed. 

Sacred Heart Mission, Chicago, Illinois; Christmas 2023

Apostles’ Creed
(This version is from the translation for Catholic Church, effective Nov. 2011)  

1. I believe in God,
   the Father almighty,
   Creator of heaven and earth,
2. and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
3. who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
   born of the Virgin Mary,
4. suffered under Pontius Pilate,
   was crucified, died and was buried;
5. he descended into hell;
   on the third day he rose again from the dead;
6. he ascended into heaven,
   and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
7. from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
   
9. the Holy Catholic Church,
   the Communion of Saints,
10. the forgiveness of sins,
11. the resurrection of the body,
12. and life everlasting. Amen. 

As we wrap up the 12 Days of Christmas… 

I like the reminder of the Apostles’ Creed on this 12th Day of Christmas. It calls to mind my Catechist days along with all the times I would say the Creed (the former version) with my maternal grandmother, Lucille. I had forgotten about doing that with her during the times I would stay overnight at her house. She was a dedicated fan of praying the Rosary! Maybe I should start praying the Rosary a time or two each week and carry on that tradition.

Merry Christmas,
Karen 

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