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

"The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. Whether something is proposed for belief, for hope or for action, the love of our Lord must always be made accessible, so that anyone can see that all the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love." -- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 25

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.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church with Theological Commentary, forty-two of those experts illuminate the four parts of the Catechism, each using a variety of Church documents, Scripture, and writings of the saints to dive deeply into each article of our Catholic Faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church with Theological Commentary includes the full text of the Catechism, followed by the commentary.

Authors include:

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

Here it is: the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe.

The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction"--this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms.

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 a positive, coherent, and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

The DOCAT Study Guide is an aid for using the DOCAT in any study group situation, whether in a classroom, at home or in small groups. Laid out in a youthful and modern style with lots of graphics, this study tool is sure to foster reflection and discussion on the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church.

TAN is proud to bring this book that has cultivated the hearts and souls of so many back into print. This new edition features an introduction by TAN publisher Conor Gallagher, student and friend of Dr. Schreck at Franciscan University of Steubenville. It is a new edition, but the questions and answers remain for they are perennial ones, that each new generation must ask and answer for themselves.

Who is God? How does the Church help me to know God better? What is the connection between faith and reason, between the spiritual life and "real life?" Does it really matter what I believe, so long as I'm a good person?

These questions and many others are answered simply and with clarity by the bestselling author Dr. Schreck. This book will give you a basic introduction to the Catholic faith that is both theologically sound and readily understandable.

A useful resource for anyone interested in learning more about the basic tenets of the Catholic faith. Keyed to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this catechism also helps readers to understand more fully this important document and its relevance to daily life. An excellent tool for anyone who wants to be able to explain the Catholic faith more clearly. Ideal for religious education instructors, pastors, and RCIA directors.

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.

All of us are faced with the daily onslaught of sin and temptation. We are all involved in a spiritual battle to keep our souls united with Christ so we can attain heaven.

The Screwtape Letters and the Catechism brings together two wonderful and significant resources that can help us to grow in spiritual courage. Engaging the Catechism of the Catholic Church from a new perspective, against the backdrop of C. S. Lewis' classic The Screwtape Letters, this book will help you to recognize temptation and engage in the battle against sin. Following Lewis and the Catechism, you will learn how to use the teachings of Christ to outwit the evil one.

In this book, each chapter of The Screwtape Letters is cross-referenced with the Catechism. By examining the dialogue between the demons Wormwood and Screwtape, we can apply Screwtape's lessons on temptation to our daily lives. The Catechism provides sound and reasonable explanations of the Catholic Faith, and these explanations debunk the methods of Screwtape. C.S. Lewis masterfully invites us into the diabolical world of Screwtape and Wormwood and the ever-present battle between good and evil. The Catechism, on the other hand, masterfully reveals the teachings of Jesus Christ as a living gift of the Church that shows us the love of God for his children.

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. The United States Catholic 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.

The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is an aid and a guide for individuals and small groups to deepen their faith.