“Catechism of the Catholic Church”
A. What is it?
The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” (CCC) is a summary of the Doctrines of the Catholic Church.
It was promulgated by Pope St John Paul II in 1992.
In 1985, at a Synod (=assembly) of Bishops in Rome convened to celebrate the Twentieth Anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, a proposal to develop a Universal Catechism for the Catholic Church was accepted.
The outcome was the Catechism of the Catholic Church
There are 2865 articles in total in the CCC
B. What does it speak of?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is arranged in four parts, also called as the “Four Pillars” of the Catechism:
- The Creed (Profession of Faith)
- The Sacraments (Celebration of the Christian Mystery in Sacred Liturgy)
- The Commandments (Life in Christ in the Church)
- The Prayers (with an emphasis on The Our Father)
The CCC conveys the essential and fundamental content of Catholic faith and morals in a summarized way.
C. Pointers for Reflections
- Do I seek to grow in my clarity and conviction of “what I believe”?
- Do I make efforts to love the Church and be proud of this precious treasure of Faith that is gifted to me?
D. What virtue/point can we pick up from the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” for this Season of Lent?
- Renewing our Faith
The CCC is, in the words of Pope St John Paul II, a “sure norm for teaching the faith”
The Catechism is an excellent resource for us to “know and grow” in our faith
- Affirming our love for the Church
The CCC is a “a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion..”
The reading and studying of the Catechism is a sign of our love and loyalty to the Church – Who is our Mother, taking care of our Spiritual Life.
E. Tips to practice this virtue
- Read articles in the ‘Catechism of the Catholic Church’, in order to “know and grow” in our faith in this Lenten Season
- Say a short prayer for the Church and her leaders, to grow in the zeal for the missions and revival of faith
May this Lent help us to grow in our acclamation: “Eureka – I have found the Lord”
God Bless! Live Jesus!
Reflection Capsules 