CATECHISMS:

A catECHism is a book of echoes, ECHoes of the faith. It helps the faith to ECHO in the minds and memories of disciples. Its Questions & Answers and Bible text as help to unite home, parish and school in "the faith once delivered to the saints".

A catechism is a SKELETON:
Therefore a catechism is a necessity. But a catechism is not sufficient on its own it depends on:

• a believing teacher
• other texts
• a community adoring God at Holy Mass

The Vatican:
"The greatest concern of the Second Vatican Council is that the Sacred Deposit of Christian Doctrine should be more effectively guarded and taught," said Blessed Pope John XXIII. Opening speech, 11 October 1962, Documents of Vatican II, Abbott, p. 713, and quoted by Pope John Paul II, Catechism of the Catholic Church, p. 2.

St Paul:
The only purpose of our instruction is that there should be love coming from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5.

Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman:
"Three friends of mine, [Anglican] clergymen, making a tour through Ireland, pedestrians for the day, took a boy of thirteen to be their guide. They amused themselves with putting questions to him on the subject of his religion; and one of them confessed to me on his return that the poor child had put them all to silence. How? Not of course, by any train of arguments, or refined theological disquisition, but by merely knowing and understanding the answers in his catechism." The Idea of a University, Image Books 1959, p. 350.

Church Discipline:
"Parents should be provided with catechisms written for families;" Rite for Baptism for Children, E.J. Dwyer, 1971, pp. 10-11.

"A suitable catechism for families - clear, brief and easily assimilated by all;" Pope John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio no. 39.

Major and Minor Catechisms:
The Catholic Family Catechism Disciples' Edition is a MINOR CATECHISM faithful to the Church's MAJOR CATECHISM, the Catechism of the Catholic Church - refer Catechism Handouts nos. 11,22 (DOWNLOADS)

   Top

Revised 27 September 2005