Many have expressed interested in joining our parish family in taking time during this Year of Faith to study the Catechism, presented at last weekend’s liturgies. Here are some of the most frequent questions we’ve heard:

1 Where did this Catechism come from?

In 1985, the twentieth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council, a synod of bishops met in Rome and expressed the desire for a universal “catechism”, or systematic presentation of Catholic teachings, reflecting the development in our thought and theology since the Council. The proposal was accepted, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church was published in 1992; then revised in 1997. Many have copies of this Catechism, and some have studied it deeply
.
When the Catechism was published, the idea was that different regions of the world would use it as a reference to develop their own catechisms, suited to the culture and needs of their people, without any alterations to Church teaching. The U.S. Bishops set to work, and on Nov. 22, 2005 the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults was approved by Rome, and its use was encouraged throughout our country for all the faithful who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith and exactly what it teaches.

2. What’s in it?

Like the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the U.S. Catechism is structured in four parts:

A. Creed: the Faith Professed
B. Sacraments: the Faith Celebrated
C. Christian Morality: The Faith Lived
D. Prayer: The Faith Prayed.

Each of the 36 chapters follows a similar structure. It begins with a story or lesson of faith, usually taken from the life of a “Saint or Beatified of America”, usually from the United States. The teaching follows; then the application of the teaching to our American culture. There are questions for discussion; statements of doctrine, and finally, a meditation and prayer. “Sidebars” conveniently summarize the teaching, and offer quotes from the Catechism for the Catholic Church. The book was composed not only to give “black-and-white answers” but to inspire; not only to appeal to the mind, but also to the heart and soul. There are hundreds of references to the Bible as well.

3. How will we study it together?

First, we hope the book is well used in every Catholic household, for private reading and study, and family discussion. Secondly, we hope that wherever people gather, the chapter of the week will be discussed and prayed over. Check our website for weekly chapters, as this information becomes available.

4. How do I get one?

The order for the catechisms has been placed. However, extra copies will be available, in both English and Spanish, in our church office. We ask a $15 donation to offset the cost. The Catechisms will be blessed and distributed at masses Oct. 13-14.
-- Fr. Paul