Living Catholicism: Prologue, III. The Aim And Intended Readship Of The Catechism

« Why Should Men Develop a Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary? | Main | The 9th Catholic Carnival is Online »

December 20, 2004

Prologue, III. The Aim And Intended Readship Of The Catechism

III. THE AIM AND INTENDED READERSHIP OF THE CATECHISM
11 This catechism aims at presenting an organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental contents of Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the whole of the Church's Tradition. Its principal sources are the Sacred Scriptures, the Fathers of the Church, the liturgy, and the Church's Magisterium. It is intended to serve "as a point of reference for the catechisms or compendia that are composed in the various countries".

12 This work is intended primarily for those responsible for catechesis: first of all the bishops, as teachers of the faith and pastors of the Church. It is offered to them as an instrument in fulfilling their responsibility of teaching the People of God. Through the bishops, it is addressed to redactors of catechisms, to priests, and to catechists. It will also be useful reading for all other Christian faithful.

Although brief in context, this section is loaded with implications. First, the Catechism is "the essential and fundamental contents of Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the whole of the Church's Tradition." Second, it identifies for us the "principal sources" of our Catholic faith, namely "the Sacred Scriptures, the Fathers of the Church, the liturgy, and the Church's Magisterium." Finally, it informs us that the Catechism is "useful reading for all other Christian faithful." This should encourage us and be the basis for our own reflecting upon the wisdom and teaching provided for us in the Catechism.

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

Posted by HolyFamily at December 20, 2004 12:23 AM