In a Nutshell
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We human beings ask a lot of questions. Sometimes we ask because we're curious. Sometimes we ask because we urgently need an answer. Sometimes we ask because we've been asked a question by someone else. In the new Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 598 questions are posed and answered. For example, the compendium asks: "Why does God permit evil?" "What is the bond that exists between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions?" "What is freedom?" Do those sound like questions that people ask today, perhaps young people particularly? Bishop Gregory Aymond discussed the questions students ask in a homily during the 2006 National Catholic Educational Association convention in Atlanta, Ga. He recalled the two disciples who without recognizing Jesus walked toward Emmaus with him after the resurrection. One can imagine those disciples' "puzzled faces and confused minds," the bishop said; but Jesus "patiently listens to their questions, asks more probing questions and never gives up on them." Questions can lead to growth in faith, Bishop Aymond said. "Jesus accepts the questions, confusion and lack of clarity of the disciples. He use this to call them to a deeper faith," the bishop explained. |
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Paging through the new catechism compendium
By Jem SullivanCatholic News Service
Got a question about Catholicism? Whether you're reading a Bible story to a child, debating Catholic moral teaching with a teenager or discussing claims about Jesus in "The Da Vinci Code" with a friend, chances are you've searched for answers to basic questions about Catholic beliefs and practices. To better equip us with answers to such questions, the new Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church comes as a timely addition to any Catholic bookshelf.
The compendium is a more condensed and accessible version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Designed as a "minicatechism" for the catechesis of children, youth, young adults and older adults, the compendium serves as a handy companion to the catechism. And in this age of instant information that typically is found in the form of "Frequently Asked Questions," the new compendium rightly has been called an "FAQ of the Catechism."
Ways to use the compendium in parish life
By Leisa AnslingerCatholic News Service
In the years since the Catechism of the Catholic Church was published, I've had many interesting conversations about its contents with people from all walks of life. Many discussions began when someone asked: "What do you think about ...?" Or, "What does the church teach about ...?"
Standing in my office near a shelf of resources, I would pick up the catechism. Each of the conversations then included a sigh, as person after person looked at the size of the catechism and wondered -- often aloud -- how anyone could plow through the whole thing. When I assured them the volume really is readable and surprisingly inspiring, they would ask, "Are you sure?"
How the new compendium helps me
By Scott J. RutanCatholic News Service
The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church will be many things to many people. Some will appreciate the simple, clear questions and thoughtful, reflective answers. Some will like its "handbook" ("vademecum") nature that quickly will "fill in some blanks." Others will appreciate its range of topics, addressing theological, liturgical, social and spiritual concerns with equal passion.
For me, though, the compendium is a bit different. I immediately was struck by its prayerful language, moving artwork and inspiring quotations. Personally, I can see this "handbook" becoming more of a prayerbook, a guided reflection on the truths of faith that invites me to go deeper in both thought and spirit.
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Faith in the Marketplace | |
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 This Week's Discussion Point: When -- and why -- have you had occasion to turn to the Catechism of the Catholic Church? |
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Selected Response From Readers: |
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