One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.
Why it comes before the Eucharistic prayers
The Creed is said after the readings and before the Eucharistic offering. The Church hears the Word of God, confesses the apostolic faith, and then continues toward the altar. This order teaches that Communion is joined to doctrine. The faithful approach the Eucharist by confessing the faith the Church has received.
The Creed also protects the unity of worship. The people speak together because the Church is one Body confessing one Lord. The words belong to the movement toward the altar.
What to know about the Creed
The Creed is a map of what the Church believes about God, salvation, and the life of the world to come. It names the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; confesses the Incarnation, Cross, Resurrection, Ascension, and Second Coming of Christ; and proclaims one holy catholic and apostolic Church, one baptism, the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the coming age.
Saying the Creed together teaches the faithful to receive the faith whole. It is the confession of the Church at prayer.