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The Catechism of the Catholic Church and Catechism Resources

In 1985 the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops expressed a desire for increased catechesis and recommended the creation of a universal catechism to Pope John Paul II. The Pope then appointed a Commission which worked on the project for three years. In 1989 the Commission sent a draft of the text to all the Bishops of the world for review. In response the Bishops replied with over 24,000 suggested amendments! The Commission continued to work and sent a final draft for review in 1989. Pope John Paul II officially approved the Catechism of the Catholic Church on June 25, 1992. He followed this approval with the apostolic letter Laetamur magnopere (We rejoice greatly) on December 8, 1992. The Pope encouraged churches, catechists, and even families to use the Catechism as a reference to deepen our understanding of the Faith. (Information from the USCCB website.)

Catechism of the Catholic ChurchCatechism of the Catholic Church
Softcover - Compact Size
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$8.99

The word catechesis describes the work of the Catholic Church “to make disciples, to help men believe that Jesus is the Son of God so that believing they might have life in His name, and to educate and instruct them in this life, thus building up the body of Christ” (from the Prologue). The word catechism means “instruction”. The Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs us on the teachings of the Church. It is a great reference book which contains a complete summary of what Catholics throughout the world believe.

The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of the saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments) and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is, as Pope John Paul II calls it, "a special gift."

This English version of the Catechism is a handy compact size measuring 7" x 4.5". It is a complete and updated edition which contains modifications from the Editio Typica - the official Latin version of the Catechism.

See also: The Catechism of the Catholic Church - Spanish Edition

Catechism of the Catholic Church - Second EditionCatechism of the Catholic Church - Second Edition
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Available in Softcover or Hardcover

The word catechism means “instruction”. The Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs us on the teachings of the Church. It presents “an organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental contents of Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the whole of the Church’s Tradition. Its principal sources are the Sacred Scriptures, the Fathers of the Church, the liturgy, and the Church’s Magesterium” (from the Prologue).

This enhanced Second Edition version of the Catechism is an excellent reference book. Revised to conform completely with the official Latin text (the Editio Typica) promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1997, the book now also includes an extensive glossary and analytical index to make it even more "user friendly." Unlike the catechism you may have used as a child, the official Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, doesn't have a question-and-answer format. Designed for lay use, it can be read from cover-to-cover or, with its handy index, used as a resource to find a specific teaching on a specific topic. A "must" for every Catholic household; it is a great addition to your own library to help you learn even more about the Church and be better able to explain its beliefs to others! It's also the perfect gift for graduation, Confirmation, birthdays, or Christmas. Measures 9" x 6".

Also available in Spanish.

United States Catholic Catechism for Adults United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
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Available in book or CD format.

"The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is an adaptation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and it is presented to Catholics of the United States who are members of both Latin and Eastern Churches...This text follows the Catechism's arrangement of content: "The Creed"; "The Sacraments"; "Moral Life"; and "Prayer". It emphasizes the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Sacraments, moral principles, and the heritage of the Doctors and saints of the Church. It is an organic and systematic expression of the Apostolic Tradition, expressed in an inspired way in Sacred Scripture and authoritatively interpreted by the Magesterium of the Church. This text also reflects the sacramental language, practice, and discipline of the Eastern Churches to the degree necessary to provide basic information to Latin Catholics about the Eastern Churches" (from the Introduction).

The presence of the Catholic Church in the United States reaches back to the founding days of our country through the leadership of Archbishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in the United States. His story, like the stories at the start of each chapter in the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, give us a glimpse into the lives of Catholics who lived out their faith throughout our country's history. Each chapter in the Catechism for Adults includes stories, doctrine, reflection, quotations, discussion questions, and prayer to lead the reader to a deepening faith. The Catechism for Adults is an excellent resource for preparation of catechumens in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and for ongoing catechesis of adults.

Each chapter is structured in the following way:

1. Story or Lesson of Faith
2. Teaching: Its Foundation and Application
3. Sidebars
4. Relationship of Catholic Teaching to the Culture
5. Questions for Discussion
6. Doctrinal Statements
7. Meditation and Prayer

The audio CD version of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is an excellent resource for parish faith formation libraries and audio resource centers. This presentation would be extremely useful for commuters, those who are visually impaired, or those who prefer to listen rather than read. The lessons, stories, doctrinal summaries, sidebars and prayers are all presented in self-contained tracks as short as a minute and usually no longer than four or five minutes, which will also prove useful for RCIA groups, study groups, and other gatherings of believers. Run time for the 14 Compact discs is approximately 14 hours.

See also:
Catechist's Companion to the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults
Study Guide for the U.S. Adult Catholic Catechism

Baltimore Catechism No. 1

Baltimore Catechism No. 1 (grades 4-7)
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$4.95

 

Baltimore Catechism No. 2

Baltimore Catechism No. 2 (grades 6-9)
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$6.95

 

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Baltimore Catechism No. 3 (grades 10-12)
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$10.95

On November 6, 1789, Pope Pius VI named Baltimore, Maryland as the first diocese of the United States. On the Feast of the Assumption in 1790, Father John Carroll was ordained as the first bishop. In the beginning, this diocese included all thirteen states, the Northwest Territories, and the land gained in the Louisiana Purchase. In an effort to organize and improve efforts to teach the Catholic Faith in America, the third Bishop's council created a catechism in 1885. The catechism, known as "The Baltimore Catechism" has been used as a central text for teaching the faith ever since.

These beautiful editions of the Baltimore Catechism are part of the Saint Benedict Press Classic series. Since the Baltimore Catechism was first launched in 1885, it has proved an incomparable tool for passing on the faith to the next generation. The revival of this Catechism in recent times reflects the growing realization among Catholics, that to accept, practice and defend the holy faith, we must first understand and learn its truths. The Baltimore Catechism clearly and concisely explains what Catholics believe.

The question and answer format is useful for anyone who wants to grow in his or her knowledge of the faith of the Catholic Church. It is also perfect for parents who want to instruct their children in the fundamentals of Catholicism.

Father McBride's Teen CatechismFather McBride's Teen Catechism
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The purpose of Father McBride's Teen Catechism is to open up the Catechism to our teen-age members. This book is not a substitute for the Catechism, but is an introduction. It will help young readers acquire a sense of the meaning, the inner coherence, and the direction the Catechism offers for becoming a knowledgeable, practicing and faith-filled young Catholic.

This book assumes that young people are only at the beginning of a lifelong faith journey, that they have many stages of faith growth ahead of them and that this is but one step in that enriching process. It also assumes that the readers will be led to explore the Catechism on their own, keep it at their bedsides and study desks for the rest of their lives, drawing from it the consoling and challenging message of Christ for their spiritual lives

Along with the Holy Scripture and the celebration of the Sacraments, this Catechism should provide young people with a tool of Catholic learning as well as a guide to morality, prayer and the outline of a Catholic lifestyle.

Every lesson follows this outline:
1. Story
2. Question
3. Wrong or inadequate answer
4. The right answer from the Catechism, along with some explanation
5. A further clarification of the teaching
6. A reflection on the truth taken from a saint, theologian, or other outstanding Catholic
7. "In My Life" - Questions to help teens apply truth to their lives
8. Prayer starter
9. Glossary

See also: Father McBride's Teen Catechism - Teaching Guide.

More Catechism Resources

Compendium - Catechism of the Catholic Church

Compendium - Catechism of the Catholic Church
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Available in Softcover or Hardcover

Also available: the Catechism and Compendium Set.

Catholic Christianity

Catholic Christianity
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$17.95

Catechism of the Catholic Church, CD-ROM (Ref. Ed.)

Catechism of the Catholic Church, CD-ROM (Ref. Ed.)
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$39.95

Opening the Scriptures - Guide to the Catechism w/ Sunday Readings

Opening the Scriptures - Guide to the Catechism w/ Sunday Readings
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$14.95

What Catholics Believe - A Pocket Catechism

What Catholics Believe - A Pocket Catechism
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$5.95

Catholic Way - Faith for Living Today

Catholic Way - Faith for
Living Today
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$16.95

The Essential Catholic Catechism

The Essential Catholic Catechism
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$19.99

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These items are currently available for preorder. They will ship as soon as they arrive in stock.

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Catholic Spotlight

This week on Catholic Spotlight hear an interview with Catholic apologist Tim Staples !

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