Catechism

We already have so many catechisms, what do we need of another? We indeed have in abundance, catechisms and religious manuals which appeal only to the intellect; books that do not aim at the warmth of expression and the fervent, persuasive eloquence which appeal to the heart, the force and vivifying power which affect the will through the influence of the Holy Spirit.

This Catechism aims at cultivating all the three powers of the soul: the intellect, the emotions, and the will. It does not therefore content itself with mere definitions. The idea in it is not to teach men to philosophize about religion, but to make them good Christians who will delight in their faith. Consequently questions of scholastic theology, doctrines debated among theologians, are either omitted altogether or merely receive a passing mention.

In this catechism, Fr. Spirago has endeavored to divest religious teaching of the appearance of learning, and to present it in a popular and simple form. Technical terms, in which almost all religious manuals abound, even those intended for children, are carefully eliminated from his pages since, while useful and necessary for seminarians and theologians, they are out of place in a book intended for the laity. Popular manuals of religion ought to be couched in plain and simple language, like that used by Our Lord and the apostles, easy to understand. What we need is something that will touch the heart and influence the will, not merely cram the mind with knowledge.

Attention may also be called to the fact that the teaching of the Church is not presented in a dry, abstract form, but is rendered attractive and interesting by illustrations, comparisons, and quotations from well-known writers. It also has many extracts from the writings of the Father which are quoted mainly to elucidate and illustrate, not to prove the truths that are enunciated.

"The Catechism Explained by Spirago embodies the Catechism of the Council of Trent, yet contains fuller discussions for each point in the language that was developed by the Church, saints and theologians throughout time. Rather than being locked into a specific age or decade, this catechism is an explication of the faith in an almost timeless manner. It is a catechism that any subsequent generation could read and learn the essence of the Catholic faith."

-Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD

While the Catechism of the Catholic Church is considered "useful reading" for all the faithful, it is often necessary to turn to bishops, pastors, catechists, and scholars for assistance in understanding its meaning and purpose in our lives.

Perfect for priests, deacons, catechetical leaders, teachers, seminarians, and anyone who wants to dive deeply into the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith.

The official Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly spells out the Church's beliefs on:

This volume is intended to meet a widely felt need for an up-to-date and concise source book on the principal teachings of the Catholic Church. Since the close of the Second Vatican Council, there has been such an accumulation of ecclesiastical constitutions and decrees and so many changes they introduced in Catholic practice that few people have been able to keep up with all that has happened... A parallel purpose of this volume is to offer those who use it a handy guidebook of the Catholic tradition, whether formally documented in ecclesiastical sources or implicitly accepted by the faithful under the aegis of the Church's hierarchial leaders.

The method followed in presenting the Church's doctrine is a combination of history and logic. Doctrines are placed into a historical framework by tracing their origins to the Old and New Testaments and placing their development within the context of persons, places, and times. The doctrine thus becomes more intelligible because it is viewed in the setting of its vital growth over the centuries.

The intended reading audience of this Catholic catechism are all those priests, religious and laity, and above all parents and teachers, who are looking for a concise statement of the faith they profess, the conduct they practice, and the worship they give to the Lord.

--From The Catholic Catechism by John A. Hardon, S.J.

The newest title in the internationally best-selling "YOUCAT" series for youth and young adults, DOCAT is an outstanding social justice resource for today's young people.

Catholic Social Teaching has been called by some the Church's "best-kept secret." DOCAT is "revealing the secret" to young people around the world with the Church's beautiful social teachings.

Lavishly illustrated, DOCAT helps young people to know and to live Catholic Social Teaching. It's an inspiring, practical follow up to YOUCAT, the hugely popular Youth Catechism, based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Drawing on Scripture, YOUCAT, the Catechism, and the Compendium of Catholic Social Teaching, DOCAT shows young people how to work toward building a "civilization of love."

Special Features include:

A superb book for high school classes, for regular faith-formation, for youth ministry and for young adult discussion.

Pope Benedict XVI to youth about the YOUCAT project:
"Study this Catechism with passion and perseverance. Make a sacrifice of your time for it! Study it in the quiet of your room; read it with a friend; form study groups and networks; share with each other on the Internet. By all means continue to talk with each other about your faith."

This is a valuable introduction to the Catechism by the general editor of the Catechism (Schonborn) and the head of the Bishops Commission for the implementation of the Catechism (Ratzinger). Providing helpful insights on how to read and study the Catechism, this book includes a prehistory of the Catechism, an overview of its structure and contents, the major themes and methods in it, a special introduction to the four parts of the Catechism, and specific advice on how to use the Catechism. Ratzinger and Schonborn illuminate the Catechism's teaching on faith, morals, prayer and sacraments, and how a Catholic lives those teachings in today's world.

Learn more about Pope Benedict! Visit the

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (No. 1) from Catholic Book Publishing contains the revised text of the official Baltimore Catechism (No. 1) in a user-friendly format and design. Written for children in Grades 3, 4, and 5, this book explains Catholic doctrine with the aid of many exclusive features, including many pictures to help children understand each lesson. Extensive use of Sacred Scripture demonstrates the basis of Catholic doctrine and brings it to life. This book combines a contemporary viewpoint and language with a solid time-tested exposition of Catholic Church teachings.

Do you want to learn more about Catholicism? Are you returning to the faith after a long absence? Do you want to know what role the Catholic faith plays in your life? The Seeker's Catechism answers your questions in an easy-to-read Q&A format to help you feel more at home with what the Church believes and practices.

This updated edition of The Seeker's Catechism by veteran teacher Michael Pennock offers concise answers to questions about the riches of Catholic faith based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You will learn about what the Church teaches about the sacraments, annulment, the purpose of prayer, the Virgin Mary, salvation, the Paschal Mystery, and much more.

New features include:

This book is perfect for adults or teens interested in becoming Catholic through RCIA, those preparing for Confirmation, former Catholics returning to the Church, or anyone wanting to begin a closer examination of the faith. It makes an ideal gift for seekers as they begin to explore or enhance their understanding of Catholicism and deepen their relationships with God.

It is our hope that this United States Catholic Catechism for Adults will be an aid and a guide for deepening faith. It may serve as a resource for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and for the ongoing catechesis of adults. It will also be of interest for those who wish to become acquainted with Catholicism. Finally, it can serve as an invitation for all the faithful to continue growing in the understanding of Jesus Christ and his saving love for all people.

Includes the 2018 revision of no. 2267 promulgated by Pope Francis.

What Catholics believe and why (doctrine)
How Catholics celebrate the mysteries of the faith (sacraments)
How Catholics are to live (moral life)
How they should pray (prayer and spirituality)

The questions are direct and honest, even at times tough; the answers straightforward, relevant, and compelling. YOUCAT will likely become the "go-to" place for young people to learn the truth about the Catholic faith.

Pope Benedict XVI on the YOUCAT project:

"Dear young friends!
Today I recommend for your reading an unusual book....Should we not attempt to translate the Catechism of the Catholic Church into the language of young people? Should we not bring its great riches into the world of today's youth? Of course, there are many differences even among the youth of today's world. And so now, under the capable direction of the Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Cardinal Schoenborn, YOUCAT has been produced for young people. I hope that many young people will let themselves be fascinated by this book.

Many people say to me: The youth of today are not interested in this. I disagree, and I am certain that I am right. The youth of today are not as superficial as some think. They want to know what life is all about....This book is exciting because it speaks of our own destiny and so deeply engages every one of use.

So I invite you: Study this Catechism! That is my heartfelt desire. This catechism was not written to please you. It will not make life easy for you, because it demands of you a new life. It places before you the Gospel message as the "pearl of great value" (Mt 13:45) for which you must give everything. So I beg you: Study this Catechism with passion and perseverance. Make a sacrifice of your time for it! Study it in the quiet of your room; read it with a friend; form study groups and networks; share with each other on the Internet. By all means continue to talk with each other about your faith...."