 The Gift of the teaching tradition and Magisterium
of the Church.
 The History of Catechisms:
First 1500 years, an oral tradition. Root meaning
of the word “Catechism” in Greek: “To Echo.”
“Speak and echo” method of catechesis evolved
into the question and answer format.
This approach evident in popular Catechism of St.
Peter Canisius (d.1597) and St. Robert Bellarmine
(d. 1621).
The Roman Catechism (1556) developed during
and after the Council of Trent (1563). Enduring
sourcebooks for local catechisms last edition
reprinted in 1978.
The U.S. Baltimore Catechism originated in 1884
at the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore.
421 questions and answers in 37 Chapters.
Gave unity to teaching and understanding of
the Catholic faith.
Impact until the Second Vatican Council in 1962.
The Challenge of Blessed John XXIII to articulate
a vision to guard and protect the deposit of
Christian doctrine – that is more accessible to
Christian faithful and to all people of good will.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1992. Result
of Synod of Bishops contains 36 chapters.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Profession of Faith
Celebration of the Christian mystery
Life in Christ
Christian Prayer
Incorporates heritage of Doctors, Fathers, Saints
of the Church and sheds light on contemporary
situations, problems, questions.
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults – an
adaptation of the CCC, 2006.
Contents: 1)
2)
3)
4)
Creed
Sacraments
Moral life
Prayer
Structure of each chapter:
1. Story or lesson of faith
2. Teaching
3. Relationship of teaching to culture
4. Questions for discussion
5. Meditation and prayer
CHAPTER I: “MY SOUL LONGS FOR YOU, O GOD”
Ps. 42:2
Story:
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Content:
Universal desire for God (CCC #27).
This quest answered in three ways:
Creation
The human person
Revelation (greatest & most essential)
Creation:
“The heavens declare the glory of God.” Ps. 19:2
Through the Human Person:
“I praise you, so wonderfully you made me.”
Ps. 139:14
Throughout history, people have yearned
for God.
God’s inherent attractiveness in human life.
A Generation of Seekers:
- RCIA
- People’s search
CHAPTER 2: GOD COMES TO MEET US
God Reveals a Plan of Loving Goodness (CCC #50-67)
God Reveals His Holy Name:
Moses and burning bush
Numerous occasions of God’s revelation in Old
Testament.
Gradual revelation (Abraham & Moses)
Hebrews 1:1-2 “In Times past, God spoke in
partial and various ways.” “He was
manifested in the flesh”…. 1 Tim 3:16
Revelation: Self disclosure of the Living God
Requires faith
No new public revelation until the final
glorious manifestation of Jesus.
All that is needed has already been revealed.
Private revelation – Lourdes and Fatima -nothing new but an inspiration.
The Gospel and Culture
“The split between the Gospel and culture is without
a doubt the drama of our time.” Evangelii Nuntiandi
#20 (Pope Paul VI)
Religion not in vacuum.
History taught from secular standpoint.
Marginalization of religion.
Bring Gospel values into culture.
Change is slow.
Dealing with culture means to deal with people.
Rich tradition of Catholic Church.
CHAPTER 3: PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE
Mk 16:15
Transmission of Divine Revelation (CCC #74-133)
Handing on the Faith
Filled with hope and faith.
Teaching faith more effectively.
Deepen understanding of doctrine.
Medicine of mercy.
Unity in Church, ecumenism, interreligious, relationships.
Transmitting God’s Revelation:
Sacred tradition – we do not believe in Sola
Scriptura
Sacred scripture
- Interpretation of Scripture – spiritual and
literal sense
Three spiritual senses:
1. Allegorical sense – crossing of the Red
Sea
2. Moral sense – St Paul: they were “written
for our instruction” (1 Cor 10)
3. Anagogical sense – Church is a sign of the
heavenly Jerusalem (CCC #117)
Other Biblical Interpretations:
Biblical literalism (fundamentalism)
Historical reductionism (desacralization).
Pontifical Biblical Commission explains:
1. Denial of supernatural order.
2. Denial of God’s intervention in the world
through Revelation.
3. Denial of the possibility and existence of
miracles.
4. Incompatibility of faith and historical truth
(religion & science).
5. Denial of the historical value of the nature of
the documents of Revelation.
Scripture: God’s revealed word under guidance and
inspiration of the Holy Spirit – God’s words put in
human words.