Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

The "pedagogy of God" lies at the heart of the restoration currently advancing in the area of religious education and catechesis. According to the General Directory for Catechesis, the primary difficulty facing catechesis today is that catechists do not yet have a full understanding of "the conception of catechesis as a school of faith, an initiation and apprenticeship in the entire Christian life."

This is a meditation about the vocation of the catechist. Whether you are a seasoned catechist or considering the invitation to become one, Called to Witness Hope reflects on the joy as well as the responsibilities of being someone who echoes the faith to others. A catechist is, first and foremost, a person living the grace of Baptism in the everyday, a joyful missionary disciple, a passionate witness of God’s love in history. Starting with some thoughts on the calling to be a catechist, the book invites readers to contemplate four images meant to inspire deeper appreciation for this ministry: evangelizer, bridge, companion, and prophet of hope. Called to Witness Hope builds upon the impetus generated by Pope Francis’s institution of the ministry of catechist in his apostolic letter Antiquum Ministerium (2021), the text of which is part of the book. This book is neither a commentary on the apostolic letter nor an analysis of the specialized ministry of the instituted catechist. This is a work about all catechists and for all catechists—a meditation on the beauty and power of this vocation.

Pope Francis's Apostolic letter surveys the ancient ministry of catechist beginning with those men and women who helped the Apostle Paul through to the many catechist Saints and Blesseds who advanced the Church's mission over the centuries. Recognizing the work of catechists around the world this document establishes the lay ministry of catechist for "men and women of deep faith and human maturity, active participants in the life of the Christian community, capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a life of fraternal communion" who have received suitable formation.

This volume provides all who minister to young people with an effective blueprint for building a truly meaningful ministry

This Moving and Inspirational Book Invites Catechists to Put Aside their Lesson Plans and Teaching Supplies Every so often to Discover How God Continues to Call Them. "Our ministry as catechists influences who we are and what we do," says Janet Schaeffler. "It enables us to grow-in spirituality…in ways we might never experience if we weren't catechists." With insights on various types of spirituality, plus discussion questions and suggested activities for spiritual growth, this book makes a perfect guide for catechist retreats or individual study, as it gives catechists new strength to accompany others on their faith journeys. Book jacket.

Agreeing to be a catechist is both an exciting venture and a daunting task, especially for a volunteer. In this helpful booklet, new catechists will find many helpful hints to grow in their role, and experienced catechists will rind their understanding deepened and refreshed. From learning what a catechist is expected to do, through how to keep students engaged and enthusiastic, from deepening one's own faith to imparting a sense of mission to those you teach, there is a wealth of information here that every catechist will find invaluable. There is also a handy glossary of useful terms. Book jacket.