Should I Re-Read the Catechism?

[Rolypoly]

I finished reading the Catechism a few years back. I probably understood/retained about 80-85% of it. I am wondering if I should read it again or if my time would be better spent reading something else in order to learn more about the faith. And if I should read something else, what should I read?

 

[puzzleannie]

I finished reading the Catechism a few years back. I probably understood/retained about 80-85% of it.

wow I have been through it at least 5 times through different courses and my work, and probably retain less than 25%, I am impressed.
Learn the doctrines by living them. Obey Christ’s commands as a sign of your love for him, and grow in knowledge of him through contact with him in the sacraments, prayer, and service, where you look for his face in those whom you serve. Stop reading, start serving and loving.

 

[OJD]

Why not? It’s the deposit of the Apostolic Faith.

 

[Little_One0307]

Hi,

I never cease gaining much joy and knowledge from studying it. I would suggest you re-read it. I am actually going through it using Lectio Divino [hopefully that is spelled right]. It is actually going slow this time around and much blessings have come from it.

Little One0307

 

[Soldier_Of_God]

It doesn’t hurt to refamiliarize yourself with Church teachings.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I don’t think reading the Catechism is as important as how you live. You can read the Catechism daily, but loving God and neighbor is far more important.

If you’re so familiar with the Catechism, why not put that to practical use by volunteering to be a catechist in your parish.

 

[Rolypoly]

wow I have been through it at least 5 times through different courses and my work, and probably retain less than 25%, I am impressed.

Well, to be honest most of that 80-85% I already knew from other Catholic media. So the percentage of the Catechism that I retained that I had not already learned from other sources is probably quite low.

 

[DesDiamondS]

I think rereading it is always a great idea. I personally learn something new every time or am reminded of something that may have slipped my mind.

 

[trials]

I see other posters are advising the OP to go out and serve the Lord as opposed to continue reading. Well the OP never suggested they were just going to wait at home reading spiritual works without actually serving the Lord - this is obviously free time the OP has and like any good Catholic is looking for advice on good spiritual works.

Anyway, the Catechism is a spiritual masterpiece, when I read it that stunned me because beforehand I had the impression it would be a list of do’s and don’t’s and instead it is wonderfully alive with the Holy Spirit. I was thinking of re-reading it in a few years time again myself, but in the meantime, other works I would recommend are: “The Imitation of Christ” attributed to Thomas a Kempis, or how about a work on prayer, anything by Ruth Burrows OCD or Elizabeth Ruth Obbard OCD are very worthwhile.

 

[Little_One0307]

Hi,

I wanted to say that I am just studying the Catechism of Trent or the Roman Catechism. It greatly augments the new CCC. And the Catechism is written in such a inspiring and engaging way for me.

I am reading both of them side by side. Ahhh such richness and an infinite amount of treasures that are in the Church.

Any one else familiar with this catechism?

Little One0307

 

[thistle]

Re-read it? I would be willing to bet that the majority of Catholics in the world have never read the CCC even once.

 

[puzzleannie]

yes by all means read the CCC, and of course the bible, often and continuously, and PP’s suggestion of doing it through lectio divina is excellent. But all the reading in the world is vain if not put into practice. the purpose of all the reading is to hear and know Christ. When we hear and know him the response is love, and love leads inevitable to service. If it does not, all is in vain. There is no reason to believe me, but take the testimony of the saints, start with Mother Teresa.