Age / Books & Bibles / Books & Media
The Catechism Explained

The Catechism Explained

Sale price$69.95
Low stock: Less than 10 remaining

"The Catechism Explained" by Fr. Francis Spirago, updated with modern references, serves as an essential resource for clergy, catechists, and parents. This thorough text, first published in 1899, provides in-depth explanations of Catholic teachings, supported by scripture and Church authorities. Designed for easy understanding, it guides readers seeking a complete knowledge of the Catholic Faith with relevant footnotes to modern catechism. See more...

Product information
  • Incredibly thorough reference text
  • Look up any Catholic subject for in-depth explanation
  • Priest's resource for homilies, catechists & parents for statements of the Faith
  • Classic reference text first published in 1899 and updated 
  • Authoritative resource for every Catholic home

The Catechism Explained by Fr. Francis Spirago, edited by Fr. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., is such a well-known Catholic classic that it hardly needs any introduction. The book was written for three specific uses—to serve the preacher as a source book for sermons, the catechist as a thorough explanation of the catechism, and parents as a complete statement of the entire Faith, to assist them in instructing their children. Written to achieve these objectives, the book specifically does not contain technical language so that it is not difficult to understand. But it is large, it is thorough, and it is interesting! Plus, there is no other book quite like it.

A person has only to think of a Catholic subject he wants information on, look it up in The Catechism Explained, and there he will find a number of pages explaining this or that aspect of the Faith with a thoroughness that is truly enlightening—the more so because the treatment is always supported by pertinent quotations from Scripture and/or the Fathers and Doctors of the Church to reinforce what is being said. Although first published in 1899, the writing style and truths transcend their era so that they are still beneficial to all Catholics now, and the result is an amazing picture of the Catholic Faith, showing its reasonableness, comprehensiveness, beauty and charm—not to mention the challenge it presents to Catholics to live up to its teachings.

To make this 19th century text more accessible to the 21st century reader, miniscule changes have been made throughout the text, most having to do with style: the titles of the Books of Scripture have been updated to reflect current usage (e.g., 1 Chronicles in place of 1 Paralipomenon) and the spelling of common biblical names were revised to their more familiar Hebrew  (e.g., Noah in place of Noe; Joshua in place of Josue). The most important editorial addition to Fr. Spirago’s text is the inclusion of footnotes directing readers to the appropriate paragraphs of the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, where readers will find the most recent, magisterial articulation of the Church’s faith.

Additional footnotes have also been provided to indicate where, since Fr. Spirago’s writing in 1899, the Church has further clarified elements of Divine Revelation, such as the solemn definition of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Assumption into Heaven, or made changes to Church discipline such as the necessity to fast from  midnight before receiving Holy Communion or the absolute prohibition of cremation. At all times the editor has sought to maintain the integrity of Fr. Spirago’s original text. In a handful of instances, however, substitutions for antiquated terminology were necessary to successfully convey his meaning to today’s reader. 
  It is with great pleasure, therefore, that we are reissuing The Catechism Explained and have added footnotes directing readers to the appropriate paragraphs of the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church. We are convinced that every Catholic adult should own a copy—whether he be a priest, for his sermon writing; or a catechist, to help him know and teach the Catechism better; or a parent, to help with the instruction of his or her children; or any other Catholic, simply to enable him to know his faith more fully. For this book fulfills a unique role in Catholic literature.

It is a book, therefore, that should always be ready at hand in every Catholic home and office, because only through steady use and reference will it achieve the tremendous results it was designed to achieve—and which it most certainly will achieve if used on a continuing basis.


SKU: 1011197

  • Author: Fr. Francis Spirago
  • Imprint: TAN Books
  • Format: Hardcover
  • Pages: 1040

Satisfaction Guaranteed

The Catholic Company is committed to your complete satisfaction. For over 27 years, we have proudly served our customers by offering meaningful, high-quality Catholic products that inspire and support your faith journey.

Our Promise to You:

  • We stand behind every product we sell with a commitment to your happiness. If you are not satisfied, we’ll work with you to make it right.
  • 30-Day Return Policy: Most items can be returned within 30 days of purchase. Simply reach out to our dedicated customer service team to initiate your return.
  • Guardian Angel Protection: Choose this optional coverage at checkout, and if your item is lost, damaged, or stolen, we’ve got you covered.

Your satisfaction and trust are important to us. Contact us by email, phone, or live chat for assistance with any order, and rest assured—we’re here to help. Thank you for choosing The Catholic Company to be part of your faith journey.

Questions?

For more details on returns, exchanges, or to start a return, our friendly customer service team is ready to assist.
Guided by Tradition
No Hassle Returns
Packaged with Prayer
Delivers by: Jun 28 - Jul 1

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 2 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [].

Review highlights

Reviews

This text is a true

"This text is a true blessing and help. It gives explanation of and further insight into the Catechism. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to deepen not only their understanding of the faith but their faith as well. Additionally, it is important to note that the references to the Catechism align with the 1992 version of the Catechism so if you have a more recent version the references may not line up. However, it is still a great resource!"

— CODY L. (5/5)

Great Tool for review when reading the Catechism

"My overall experience with the book is great. I noticed on the back cover that this book may be for someone else as I see the Initials ‘TAN’. I was sent a personalized with the wrong initials. My initials are MBP"

— Michael P. (5/5)

Q&A