Each particular eastern church uses the CCC and whatever catechism their hierarchy has produced. The Maronite Church uses a book called “Captivated by your Teachings”.
Abouna Salim’s book
Captivated by Your Teachings was discontinued after the Latin Catholic publisher–who already had slaughtered it because of the editor’s disagreement over it’s Catholicity–decided that it indeed was not emblematic of the Catholic Faith. Controversy still exists on why the St. Maron Publications did not sponsor Abouna’s work, but rumor tends to fall on the account of our less than traditional bishops; believe what you will.
Furthermore, it never gained official approval by either eparchy as a formal catechism. There is no comprehensive Maronite Catechism, though as Abouna explains in his book, in accordance with the wishes of HH Pope John Paull II and the need in general, Eastern Christians should embark on creating their own Cathecisms.
Some priests continue to use their personal copies of Abouna’s Salim’s book for catechism, as unsurprisingly the book was raved among the clergy searching for Maronite renewal. Sebastian Brock, the leading individual in Syriac Studies, listed Salim’s book on his list of Syriac publications for 2001, an annual release that normally lacks anything Maronite.
In my opinion, Abouna’s work will serve as one of many efforts to speak the truth about who Maronites are and what they believe. I would encourage every Maronite to try and get their hands on a copy, bearing in mind it’s Latin editing. I would also suggest asking your priests about Chorbishop Seely Beggiani’s very out of print book
Early Syriac Theology: With Special Reference to the Maronite Tradition for he might have a photocopy from seminary if he was trained in the United States. Both of these resources would not necessarily fill our lack of catechism for Maronites in the United States but it certainly would be more than most.
I want further recommendations on working towards a Maronite Cathecism, PM me.
Peace and God Bless.
