In this video, Dr. Scott Hahn comments on the importance of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The Year of Faith marks the 20th anniversary of the Catechism.
We take for granted how amazing a resource like this is–one volume tells us the essence of what we are to believe.
Other Christian churches stumble around and reinterpret their beliefs ad nauseum trying to find the correct meaning. We have it laid out systematically in one easy to understand volume. It’s a real treasure for catechists.
The Year of Faith is a time to rediscover, or discover anew, the richness of the Catechism. Pope Benedict really wants you to as well. So much, in fact, that he’s attached a plenary indulgence to studying the Catechism.
Each time they attend at least three sermons during the Holy Missions, or at least three lessons on the Acts of the Council or the articles of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in church or any other suitable location. (emphasis added)
A plenary indulgence gets rid of all temporal punishment of sins. It’s like getting baptized all over again! Of course, you have to do all the other stuff normally associated with indulgences: go to confession, receive the Eucharist and pray for the intentions of the Pope.
So, I highly encourage you to get back into the Catechism this year. You might even consider reading the entire Catechism this year! It’s the perfect devotion for catechists and evangelists during this Year of Faith.
You have to know the Faith in order to pass it on, and the Catechism is the sure guide from understanding Catholicism.
I never thought I would actually enjoy reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church! It has been such a blessing to have the e-mail in my in-box every morning. I also didn’t expect it to affect the way I am teaching my CCD class. Wow! Was I wrong about that! Thanks for this post!
So glad you’re enjoying it Wendy! I agree, it’s been really nice getting it in my inbox and reading it in small portions. I had the feeling it would spur on great new insights by reading it in little snippets every day and, so far, it’s been true. I’ve found little bits, like a line here or there, really hit me. Then I just take some time to reflect on it. It’s been nice.
Thanks for coming back and telling me!