Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church

por Pope Benedict XVI; Christoph Schönborn

Editorial:

Ignatius

, 1994

Overview

This introduction is written by the Catechism’s general editor, Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, and the head of the Bishops Commission for the implementation of the Catechism, Joseph Cardinal Razinger. It provides helpful insights on how to read and study the Catechism. Included are a prehistory of the Catechism, an overview of its structure and contents, its major themes and methods, a special introduction to the four parts of the Catechism, and specific advice on how to use it. Ratzinger and Schönborn illuminate the Catechism’s teaching on faith, morals, prayer and sacraments, what it means to live those teachings in today’s world.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Catechesis must be encouraged to recognize that its paramount task is the transmission of knowledge of the faith.” (Page 7)

“A historical inquiry showed that at the Council of Trent and in the period following it, the formation of the concepts had taken place slowly. During the first session, the fathers had spoken of the need for two books: a short introduction, in the form of a compendium, which would offer all educated men a common approach (methodus) to Holy Scripture; in addition to this, a ‘catechism’ for the uneducated. By the second session (1547–1548), ‘catechism’ was already the sole term in use. But the idea of two distinct books remained, for which the distinction between catechismus maior and catechismus minor was gradually developed.” (Page 16)

“God is first; grace is first. This is the true hierarchy of truth. Catechesis therefore must lead primarily to the worship of God, to the proclamation of his great works, to the praise of his grace: Misericordias Domini in aeternum cantabo.” (Page 49)

“the Catechism should be written, not by scholars, but by pastors drawing on their experience of the Church and the world” (Page 23)

“Faith has first of all to do with realities, with facts, not with notions or concepts: ‘Fides non terminatur ad enuntiabile sed ad rem (faith terminates not in propositions but in realities)’, said Saint Thomas Aquinas.” (Page 55)