Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition Hardcover – March 4, 2003

I was instructed to purchase the Catechism of the Catholic Church for my RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes, and I’m so glad I did. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone learning about or deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith. It provides clear, comprehensive explanations of Catholic teachings, beliefs, and practices, making it a great reference for both newcomers and those who wish to explore the faith more deeply.The Catechism is well-organized, allowing for easy navigation and study. Whether you're a beginner or someone who's been in the Church for years, this book offers valuable insights that are both educational and spiritually enriching. It has been a key tool in my RCIA journey, providing clarity on complex topics in a way that is accessible and thorough.If you’re involved in RCIA or simply looking to strengthen your knowledge of Catholicism, this book is an essential guide. Highly recommended!

This is a compact edition 7.2 x 4.5 x 1.7 (825 pages) of the larger, more current and easy to use edition 9 x 6.7 x 2 inches (920 pages) by USCCB Publishing. Yet, this is more suitable when travelling and on the road.Nota Bene: This edition was published in April 1995. Although called the Second Edition, this is not therefore the "Catechism of the Catholic Church: revised in accordance with the official Latin text promulgated by Pope John Paul II" which was published in April 2000. In fact, there is a proviso on the copyright page that says, "This translation is subject to the Latin typico edition (editio typica) when it is published."Anyway, there are a number of different good Catechisms that are in print. To name a few, Father John A. Hardon gave us The Catholic Catechism: A Contemporary Catechism of the Teachings of the Catholic Church and The Question & Answer Catholic Catechism. Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl authored the Teaching of Christ and later The Gift of Faith: A Question and Answer Catechism Version of the Teaching of Christ. Better known as the Roman Catechism (Resources for catechetical teachers), there is the less known version of The Catechism of the Council of Trent, which has a history like no other.Each of these has its unique format. However, examining the Roman Catechism, one finds it is divided into four parts which correspond to the divisions followed by the Church since early Christian times:1. Catholic belief presented in an explanation of the twelve articles of the Apostles' Creed.2. The seven sacraments are explained at length, instituted by Christ as a means for the living of the demands of faith.3. The Ten Commandments in a New Testament setting showing how Christ brought the Old Law to perfection.4. After a detailed treatise on prayer: its nature, its necessity, and the practice of prayer in general, including an exposition of the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer.If we look at the new Catechism of the Catholic Church, we notice an apparent likeness in how it corresponds to the format of the Roman Catechism, having four main and similar divisions:1. The Profession of Faith2. The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (and the Sacraments)3. Life in Christ4. Christian PrayerSo, we can say that the new Catechism in many ways is really update of the Roman Catechism and the teachings and practices that Church has clung to throughout the centuries from early Christian times. This gives much credibility to the permanence, and uninterrupted nature of the Church's beliefs, doctrine, and the Christian Life espoused for 2000 years. We could call the Catechism of the Catholic Church a "Defender of the Faith" for what it does. It could also be called "Defender of Scripture" because it cites Sacred Scripture more than anything else, which certainly takes us back to early Christian times. There are also great references to Vatican II Documents, other Council & Papal documents, plus the writings of the Church Fathers and the Saints. You could say that it "teaches with authority!" It is a great reference book, not something the average person will sit and read from cover to cover.

I had read the book once back when my mind was not so developed and thought I would give it another read. This book is full of valuable information from start to finish, some of which is very hard to find referenced anywhere else as the Vatican guards official records very tightly. It begins appropriately , Speaking of God and man. Our desire to know Him, ways in which he has revealed himself. It speaks of mans ultimate vocation. It speaks of Christ. The scriptures, The Holy Spirit, creation, the fall, heaven and earth. These things it touches on a very general level, yet with truth. It then goes on to elaborate on every word of the creeds of Christendom ( the apostles and the Nicene). It lays out what the individual and the Church believes as a whole.Only after these are put in light to the reader are we informed on the liturgy and brought into the insiders sphere of the church, We touch on the sacraments, baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist , penance and more. Finally we arrive at Life in Christ, this section of the book touches on every subject from man's purpose, to his passions, vices, virtues, sin, social justice, the persons relation to society and government, to the church, to strangers. It then walks us through the 10 commandments in great detail and finally closes with a thorough discussion of Christian prayer.This book is an amazing read and is filled with the insight and wisdom of some of the greatest men in history. The words have more than once brought me to tears.I must admit that I do not believe everything the Roman Catholic Church states nor follow some practices, but if one can tone out the over-admiration and dang near idolatry that for some reason so many Catholics around the world apply to the saints and Mary, almost everything else in this book is spot on and I applaud the Church for putting this fine piece of work together. God Bless all. Praise Jesus!

Pretty much everything I need to know is in this one book