Ratzinger, one of the key persons responsible for the compilation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, offers new insights on the catechetical character and Biblical foundation of the worldwide bestselling Catechism that has had such a positive response from ordinary Catholics across the globe. But he acknowledges that the response of many theologians and "professional religionists" has been negative toward the Catechism. He says that if theologians don't want to be "shut out" of this worldwide development of sensus fidei and lose touch with the common Catholic, they will have to engage the Catechism positively. The main purpose of this book is to offer an invitation to this changed approach to the Catechism. He wants people to see, as he shows here, how the Catechism is an excellent teaching tool that responds to man's deepest questions about the meaning of life, how to live a good life, and how to attain happiness in this life and in eternal life. He shows how the Catechism affirms that man's happiness is love, and that the essence of true love has been manifested in the Person of Jesus Christ. Learn more about Pope Benedict! Visit the

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

Foreword by Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn The theme of this book is that the Catechism of the Catholic Church, perhaps the most important work on catechesis since the Apostolic Age, offers not only a new, definitive account for our times of the full teaching of the Catholic faith, but also that it is a superbly crafted work from which to learn and to teach the faith. This book reveals the pedagogy embedded in the Catechism, showing every teacher, parent, catechist or student how to discover the key principles that enable one to learn from, and teach from, the Catechism. The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of the "wisdom of the presentation" of the Catechism and of "the depth of its spirituality". These points have rarely been explained in any sustained way and have never before been systematically treated. The unique point about this book is that it focuses on these points, rather than a simple explanation of the content of the Catechism. This book offers a pedagogical approach to the Catechism for handing on the faith of the Catholic Church in any setting, whether home, school and parish. It offers perennially valid teaching points drawn from a perennial text, and an explanation of the 'pedagogy of God' which underpins all authentic teaching methods in the Church. In this way, the book offers a twelve step ‘path to recovery' out of unhealthy catechetical addictions and obsessions which have bedeviled the catechetical world. It is unique in its origin, emerging from a 'catechetical friendship', encouraged by Cardinal Schönborn, between three institutions working in an authentic Catholic catechetical tradition. The three authors display a deep trust and love for the words of the Catechism of the Catholic Church – words that hold a rich heritage and can be pondered lovingly and searchingly, since they are for our good, for everyone's good.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 540-542) and indexes.

This is a resource that blends the lectionary approach to religious education or adult faith formation with an objectively comprehensive catechesis. The Gospel Truth is for any adult who wants to know what the Church teaches and wished to benefit from the beautiful pattern of Sunday Gospel readings. If you enjoy reflecting on the Scriptures and would like to know more about the teachings of the Catholic Church, The Gospel Truth provides an overview of the faith in an easily-digestible form.

As hunger for the faith continues to grow, Pope Benedict XVI gives the Catholic Church the food it seeks with 598 questions and answers in the

Catechesis is a unique form of teaching that intends not merely to pass along facts but to hand on the faith received from Christ, the apostles, and the living magesterium of the Church. The Mystery We Proclaim, Second Edition, is an invitation to all involved in this God-ordained work to reflect and examine the importance of their ministry in light of the revealed mystery of faith we all profess. Reflecting both the spirit and the content of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as the vision of the General Directory for Catechesis, The Mystery We Proclaim, Second Edition, uses the riches of these resources to guide catechists into the third millennium with greater clarity, confidence, and effectiveness. Today is, as Monsignor Kelly points out, "a promising and exciting time in which the 'new evangelization' offers many rich possibilities for catechesis." Divided into five parts that analyze and evaluate the catechetical movement of the past as well as providing direction for the future, The Mystery We Proclaim, Second Edition, helps consolidate and highlight themes of both the Catechism and the General Directory. Its five major sections are as follows: Catechesis in the New Context, The Heritage and Challenge of Catechesis, The Goals of Catechesis, The Content of Catechesis, and A Methodology for Catechesis. Everyone from pastors to DREs, to religion teachers, catechists, and principals--in fact, anyone involved in religious education--will find The Mystery We Proclaim, Second Edition, an encouragement to continued vigor and renewed enthusiasm for transmitting the living faith from one generation to the next.