What is the Catechism?
The word ‘catechism’ comes from the Greek word ‘catecho’ which simply means to teach or inform.
Originally ‘catechism’ just meant the teaching given to candidates preparing for baptism but later it took on a wider meaning and included the more general instruction of everyone in the Church.
From the Early Church to the present day, many local churches have produced catechisms for their own use. The Church Council, Vatican II, which ended in 1965, called for a new catechism to be made available to the whole Church. The purpose of this catechism would be not so much to correct errors in belief as to give a positive and comprehensive presentation of the Church’s teaching.
The new Catechism of the Catholic Church was published in English in 1994. It was the fruit of extensive worldwide collaboration between cardinals, bishops, theologians and catechists. In line with traditional catechisms, the new Catechism was built on four pillars: the Creed, the Sacraments, the Ten Commandments and The Lord’s Prayer. Its whole aim and purpose is reflected in this passage from the earlier Roman Catechism: “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”. (C.C.C. 25)
Published in many languages, YouCat, short for Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church, has been developed with the help of young Catholics and written for secondary-school-age students and young adults. YouCat is an accessible, contemporary expression of the Catholic Faith. The appealing graphic format includes questions and answers, highly-readable commentary, summary definitions of key terms, Bible citations and inspiring and thought-provoking quotes from saints, reliable teachers of the faith, and many others. Whats more, YouCat deals with the entire Catholic Faith, as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and is cross-referenced to it so people can go deeper.
It explains:
– What Catholics believe and why (doctrine)
– How Catholics celebrate the mysteries of the faith (sacraments)
– How Catholics are to live (moral life)
– How Catholics should pray (prayer and spirituality)
The questions are direct and honest, even at times tough; the answers straightforward, relevant, and compelling. YouCat is certainly the “go-to” place for young people to learn the truth about the Catholic faith.
A 20 week session has been devised for young people to enable them to learn the Catechism in a structure and enjoyable way. The programme takes people on a journey through the Catholic Faith, in a way that is energising and challenging. The study programme is suitable as an introduction for anyone who would like to know their faith better on a personal basis so they can share it more confidently with family, friends and your parish community. The programme can be purchased from the following source. Just click on the publication titles.
YOUCAT Companion Leaders Manual
Inspired by Pope Benedict XVI who asks us to grow in our faith by forming study groups, this is a 20 session study programme, giving people confidence in their own understanding of the Gospel.
YOUCAT Companion – Participant’s Book
Inspired by Pope Benedict XVI who asks us to grow in our faith by forming study groups, this is a 20 session study programme, giving people confidence in their own understanding of the Gospel.