USCCB Catechism Specialist Offers ‘Five Things Catholics Should Know About The Catechism’

[M-Dent]

“Five Things Catholics Should Know About the Catechism.” Thorell explains:

1. It’s universal in its scope. Promulgated in 1992, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is the first book of its kind in 450 years, an effort by the world’s bishops to convey the content of the Catholic faith to the whole Church. Following the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the bishops recognized the importance of providing a more complete presentation of the Catholic faith and teachings to Catholics living in the modern world.
2. It’s universal in its content. The Catechism compiles the living Tradition of the Catholic Church and divides it into four sections: what Catholics believe (the Creed), how the faith is transmitted (worship and sacraments), how Catholics are called to live (moral life) and prayer. The contents of these four parts are interwoven, providing an organic presentation of the faith.
3. It’s a resource for education. The main goal of the Catechism is to help bishops, pastors, catechists, parents and all who teach the faith. It provides a foundation that encourages bishops’ conferences to develop teaching materials from it.

1. It’s an invitation prayer. The Catechism draws from the richness of the Catholic Church, including Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, the teaching documents of Church and the lives of the saints. This makes it not only useful for learning about the Catholic faith, but for growing in one’s faith through meditation and prayer.
2. It’s for Catholics of all ages. Learning and living the faith is an ongoing process throughout a person’s life, and the Catechism can help Catholics come to know and love Christ. At almost 700 pages, the Catechism can be intimidating, but it contains short summaries at the end of every section for easy reference. Further, the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers an explanation of each section of the Catechism that is accessible for all readers.

usccb.org/news/12-176.cfm

I agree with the first four points…yet not so sure about number five?

 

[Sirach2]

What part of number 5 was a concern to you? Was it the part that the CCC helps people to know and love Christ?

 

[JRKH]

What part of number 5 was a concern to you? Was it the part that the CCC helps people to know and love Christ?

My guess is the concern is rather “general”. When it says the Catechism is “for Catholics of all ages”, does he mean that most 7 year olds can confidently tackle the Catechism? I think that could be tricky…

That said, I do believe that in the introduction to the Catechism it is stated that it is designed to guide others in creating more specific catechisms…Thus, if one were to want to create a Catechism directed at little ones, maybe in question and answer format, or in sort of a “story” form, the CCC would be the resource document.

I haven’t heard of anyone doing this - though it would be a good idea…

Peace
James

 

[coachdennis]

What part of number 5 was a concern to you? Was it the part that the CCC helps people to know and love Christ?

I have heard comments that the catechism is or can be a “difficult read” depending on one’s educational level and not always in pain English. Personally, I do not find this the case. In fact, I think some of its passages are quite beautiful.

There may be people who equate “catechism” with a Q & A format, and therefore may be disappointed they might actual have to READ more than a sentence.

 

[M-Dent]

What part of number 5 was a concern to you?

A point mainly about appropriate material based on age - and in some cases - possible under-development of basic understanding of the faith. Some children’s or local catechisms may be easier to work with for catechesis.

 

[Sirach2]

Thanks for clarifying, M-dent. With regard to age-related cetachesis, I think that the You-Cat would fill the bill. Otherwise, your point in #3 does not give the impression this is a foundational resource for children.

1. It’s a resource for education. The main goal of the Catechism is to help bishops, pastors, catechists, parents and all who teach the faith. It provides a foundation that encourages bishops’ conferences to develop teaching materials from it.

When you mentioned “under-development,” they tried to be concise, but the footnotes are very detailed. Maybe you didn’t recognize the coding, per se, but there is a page behind the index that explains the symbols and abbreviations so that you know where to look up the source and follow the full context. This has been most helpful to me.

 

[Swiss_Guy]

Well if you take 5 literally then he’s wrong. It’s not meant for a 1 year old who can’t read. But I think it’s more of a general statement that it’s a great teaching devise even if you aren’t an adult or clergyman.

 

[boeck249]

I have used the YOUCAT for my confirmation class for the past 2 years because it is much easier to understand.

 

[Joe_5859]

My guess is the concern is rather “general”. When it says the Catechism is “for Catholics of all ages”, does he mean that most 7 year olds can confidently tackle the Catechism? I think that could be tricky…

That said, I do believe that in the introduction to the Catechism it is stated that it is designed to guide others in creating more specific catechisms…Thus, if one were to want to create a Catechism directed at little ones, maybe in question and answer format, or in sort of a “story” form, the CCC would be the resource document.

I haven’t heard of anyone doing this - though it would be a good idea…

Peace
James

I dunno, I’ve read the Catechism with my 5 year old daughter. She likes the pocket-size one because it’s little.

Of course, I did have to stop and define every other word. Then she lost interest and wanted to go back to reading about princesses.

 

[bjmad]

I agree with many comments here. I teach High School Faith Formation and it is from the CCC. I may be able to understand it but to relay that information to the 9th to 12th graders can be difficult. It is so deep and rich, I myself cannot totally grasp it but enjoy teaching it. We use the YOUCAT as well because in my opinion, it helps the high schoolers to understand what is being said. I don’t want to stand there an talk for an hour and a half on something that may be confusing to them and I really try to put myself in their shoes and to explain things they will understand. We have found that for some kids, it is over their heads and other understand. Regardless of their age. If I read too much from the CCC my students eyes would glass over. If I read from the YOUCAT, they seem to grasp it better and discussion begins. I really need to use the YOUCAT more and that’s what we are going to do. It really is an excellent Catechism.

 

[iloveangels]

I agree with the first four points…yet not so sure about number five?

I have no problem with any of them. Perhaps you should explain precisely what your concern is.

If you’re talking about reading comprehension, then the CCC is up there but it has to be. There is a commentary to go with it, and it’s good for kids to have to slow down and examine things carefully. It teaches them to THINK, which is almost a lost art these days.

There are things that you can use WITH it, like Youcat.

 

[DavidWJackson]

When I read " for all ages " I simply thought it ment for those who have lived, within all of time past and for those who live now and for those who will live within all of time to come. One first being mature to the point of reading and understanding a literary work understood.