Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (now available!)

Catholics' hunger for the faith continues to grow. Pope Benedict XVI gives the Church the "food" that is seeks in the 598 questions and answers in the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This 200-page volume offers a quick synopsis of the essential contents of the faith as promulgated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Like the 1992 Catechism, the Compendium has a four-part structure, and includes a section on common prayers and Catholic doctrinal formulas.

Because of the question-and-answer format, catechetical leaders-parents, pastors, teachers, principals, and catechists-have a unique opportunity to dialogue with the faithful, and reinvigorate the Church's ongoing mission of evangelization and catechesis. Individuals can come "to know the unfathomable riches of the salvific mystery of Jesus Christ" by reading, using, and memorizing parts of the Compendium of the Catechism. An essential tool for youth and young adults, the Compendium is the perfect companion to a youth or young adult's Bible, spiritual reading, or textbook. Catechetical leaders in high schools, colleges, and parishes will appreciate its versatility-as a reference book, discussion starter, or core resource for RCIA programs.

Fourteen images taken from masterpieces of Christian art set a tone for each part or section. "The sacred images, with their beauty, are also a proclamation of the Gospel and express the splendor of the Catholic truth," explained Pope Benedict XVI.

The Compendium of the Catechism was prepared by a commission presided by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Following the request for greater appreciation of the Catechism, and in order to meet a widespread need that emerged during the 2002 International Catechetical Congress, in 2003 the Holy Father established a special commission, presided by the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, that he charged with preparing a Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, containing a more concise and dialogic version of the same contents of Catholic faith and morals. - From Amazon.com

[read Pope Benedict XVI's Presentation of the Compendium to the world]

[read a Q&A with Pope Benedict XVI (then Cardinal Ratzinger) on the Compendium]

[read the Introduction to the Compendium by Pope Benedict XVI (then Cardinal Ratzinger)]
 

Catechism of the Catholic Church (Hardcover or Paperback)

Incorporates all the final modifications made in the official Latin text of the Catechism, and includes a more extensive analytical index and a new glossary of terms used. The Catechism draws from Scripture, Western and Eastern traditions of the Church, the Liturgy, Magisterium, the Code of Canon Law and the teachings of the saints.

The first Universal Catechism in over 400 years, approved by Pope John Paul II and intended for all adult Catholics, this long-awaited historic document is a beautifully written and clearly stated synthesis of the Catholic Church's teaching on faith, morals, prayer, and the sacraments. - From the Publisher

"A sure and certain standard for the teaching of the faith." - Pope John Paul II.
 

Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church

This is a valuable introduction to the Catechism by the general editor of the Catechism (Schönborn) and the head of the Bishops Commission for the implementation of the Catechism (Ratzinger) [Now Pope Benedict XVI]. Providing helpful insights on how to read and study the Catechism, this book includes a prehistory of the Catechism, an overview of its structure and contents, the major themes and methods in it, a special introduction to the four parts of the Catechism, and specific advice on how to use the Catechism. Ratzinger and Schönborn illuminate the Catechism's teaching on faith, morals, prayer and sacraments, and how a Catholic lives those teachings in today's world. - From the Publisher

Loving the Church: Spiritual Exercises Preached in the Presence of John Paul II

In this series of retreat meditations preached to Pope John Paul II and the papal household during a Lenten retreat, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn uses the Catechism of the Catholic Church (of which he was the general editor) and Sacred Scripture to lead us to a deeper union with Christ by helping us to understand and love the Church, His bride. To love the Church, which the Catechism calls "a living communion with Jesus Christ", we must see her with the eyes of Jesus, who "loved the Church and gave Himself up for her."

As he draws us into a deeper understanding of the Church, who she is and where the deepest wellsprings of her being lie are the theme of his meditations. He also illustrates many points by using the thoughts of the new doctor of the Church, St. Thérèse of Lisieux. She found her vocation to be "love in the heart of the Church" and can offer us a renewed and vital vision of the Church. - From the Publisher

"It is an awesome task to preach a retreat in the presence of the Pope. Cardinal Schönborn does it successfully by presenting the methods of St. Ignatius Loyola's famous retreat in a fresh way using the new Catechism, the Bible, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux."

- Fr. Ken Baker, S.J., Editor, Homiletic and Pastoral Review

[Read a review of this book by James Likoudis here]

[Read an excerpt from this book here]
 

My Jesus: Encountering Christ in the Gospel

Encountering Christ in the Gospel Christopher Cardinal Schönborn Who is Jesus Christ? People have been asking this question for 2000 years. The search for the answer begins with the four Gospels, but how are they to be understood? Sunday after Sunday, Cardinal Christopher Shönborn, one of the leading candidates in the recent papal election, explains the Gospel in understandable words. By following the Gospel of Matthew over the course of a year, there emerges a comprehensive picture of Jesus presented in this book. Includes beautiful illustrations from various epochs of Christian art history. - From the Publisher

"Cardinal Schönborn convincingly brings home the truth and power of the Gospel image of Jesus. If you have lost touch with Christ, you will find him again. Disciples of Christ will discover new strength, conviction, and joy in this fresh expression of the reality of your Jesus and mine."

- Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.

[read an excerpt from this book here]

God's Human Face: The Christ Icon

Schönborn, the principal editor of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, presents the sources of meditation on the mystery of God's human face from the great Masters of early Christianity. Artists and theologians have meditated upon the mystery of God's human countenance and tried to express it. This book seeks to present the great sources of this meditation--sources which today are widely unknown, or have become foreign or obscure. These sources are above all the great masters of early Christianity. In their meditation upon Christ, Bishop Schönborn seeks the sources of the art on the Icon.

The reader will find not only an engaging introduction to the meaning and beauty of Icons, but an invitation to draw closer to the One who inspired these Masters of theological expression and holy art. Includes beautiful color Icon illustrations. - From the Publisher

From Death to Life: The Christian Journey

Bishop Schönborn ... presents profound reflections on the meaning of death, judgment and eternal life, and the Church's teachings on this eschatological dimension of our faith. Lamenting the absence today of sermons and writings on this important subject, Schönborn meets that need by delving deeply into the Church's rich tradition of thought on life beyond death.

Today, language about man's pilgrim path, about his homeland in heaven, of earthly tribulation and hope for life beyond death, has become largely a foreign language in the Christian churches. It is only seldom that a sermon dares to look out on the vista of eternal life. It seems that fear of being accused of dispensing a consolation in a life after death and of fleeing from the world has become to a large extent a self-censorship.

Bishop Schönborn says that this "eschatological amnesia" is one reason why many people no longer turn to the Church when they want information about the "last things." In this book, Schönborn shows that Jesus Christ is the focal point of the Christian vision of life on earth and life after death. Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the one who discloses to us what "existence in transition" means. - From the Publisher

"The author, recently made archbishop of Vienna, offers a theological-devotional reflection on "the last things." He effectively contends against contemporary Christianity's neglect of death and the hope of life eternal. Solid food for serious Christians." - Briefly Noted, First Things, 1996

The Mystery of the Incarnation

"Bishop Schönborn offers a beautiful summary of the central mystery of our faith--the Incarnation--and provides a clear, reassuring presentation of the mysteries that surround the awesome reality of the Son of God becoming man. Using beautiful color icons to illustrate his meditations, Schönborn gives profound insights on the articles of the Creed that relate to the Incarnation."