How to Read the Catholic Catechism

The Catholic Catechism teaches all the Catholic Church believes.

The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" serves the global Catholic community by codifying the "essential and fundamental content" of the beliefs that Catholics share. The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" is part of official Catholic teaching. The catechism is available in an online version with embedded links for readers' deeper understanding.

Things You'll Need

• Bible

Instructions

1. 

   Keep a Bible handy to look up cross references in the catechism.

   Read the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" in an organized group. While the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) allows that individuals may benefit from private reading, the bishops urge readers to better benefit from reading in organized study groups or discussion circles.

2. 

   Learn about Catholic beliefs in the catechism.

   Study the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" according to the four pillars described by the USCCB. Begin with "Part One: The Profession of Faith." This, the first pillar of the catechism, describes what Catholics believe. The three chapters in Part One build upon each other and lead to the creeds in Section Two: The Profession of the Christian Faith.

   Then read, with new understanding, the Nicene Creed, which can be found on the Vatican's website.

3. 

   Catholic faith rests upon four pillars.

   Read the second pillar, "The Sacraments of the Catholic Church" in Part Two of the Catechism. This pillar represents Catholic liturgy (worship), the mysteries of initiation and Holy Communion. The seven sacraments include, but are not limited to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. This section of the catechism defines the sacraments and gives references from biblical and Catholic tradition that support Catholic reasoning regarding the sacraments.

4. 

   Catholic prayer is Christ-centered.

   Study the third and fourth pillars, "The Commandments" and "The Lord's Prayer." The third pillar, the Commandments, defines Catholic morality in terms of the Ten Commandments. The fourth pillar is about Catholic prayer. This section places the "Our Father" prayer within the context of Gospel and Catholic teaching (see Resources).

Tips & Warnings

• Select a Bible version consistent with Catholic teaching, such as the New Revised Standard version.

References

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): Question and Answers on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
• USCCB: Catechism of the Catholic Church Section Two: The Profession of the Christian Faith
• The Holy See: Vatican Catechism of the Catholic Church The Credo
• USCCB: Catechism of the Catholic Church Section Two The Seven Sacraments of the Church
• USCCB: Catechism of the Catholic Church Part Three Life in Christ

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• USCCB: Catechism of the Catholic Church Part Four Christian Prayer