Living Catholicism: Prologue, V. Practical Directions For Using This Catechism

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December 24, 2004

Prologue, V. Practical Directions For Using This Catechism

V. PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS FOR USING THIS CATECHISM
18 This catechism is conceived as an organic presentation of the Catholic faith in its entirety. It should be seen therefore as a unified whole. Numerous cross-references in the margin of the text (numbers found at the end of a sentence referring to other paragraphs that deal with the same theme), as well as the analytical index at the end of the volume, allow the reader to view each theme in its relationship with the entirety of the faith.

19 The texts of Sacred Scripture are often not quoted word for word but are merely indicated by a reference (cf.). For a deeper understanding of such passages, the reader should refer to the Scriptural texts themselves. Such Biblical references are a valuable working-tool in catechesis.

20 The use of small print in certain passages indicates observations of an historical or apologetic nature, or supplementary doctrinal explanations.

21 The quotations, also in small print, from patristic, liturgical, magisterial or hagiographical sources, are intended to enrich the doctrinal presentations. These texts have often been chosen with a view to direct catechetical use.

22 At the end of each thematic unit, a series of brief texts in small italics sums up the essentials of that unit's teaching in condensed formula. These IN BRIEF summaries may suggest to local catechists brief summary formula that could be memorized.

Once again, we have a brief section that shows us so much. Although straight forward, the section reveals to us how detailed and organized the Church's teaching is. We see how it is an "organic," "living" tradition that continuously has developed and grown while, at the same time, remained consistent and in perfect accord with the Gospels and the teachings of the Apostles.

I am always amazed when looking through the Index of Citations, realizing how rooted in Sacred Scripture our Faith is and all the witnesses that have gone before us. The extensive quoting of individuals such as St. Augustine (354-430 A.D.), St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 A.D.), St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386 A.D.), St. Gregory the Great (540-604 A.D.), St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380 A.D.), St. Ignatius of Antioch (d. 110 A.D.), St. Therese of Lisieux(1873-1897 A.D.), and so many others testifies to the history and validity of our Catholic Faith. Let us be mindful of this when reading through the Catechism.

May the Holy Family continue to bless and guide you and your family. Amen.

Posted by HolyFamily at December 24, 2004 7:44 AM