Youcat: Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church

Best book

This morning I heard a great interview on EWTN with Ignatius Press, "speaking out" for the new YOUCAT. YOUCAT is short for Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church. Everyone will want to know why YOUCAT is yellow and white. Some may have guessed, "Because it is the color of the Vatican flag!" You would have been correct! For two years, groups of 50 youth banded together to work on this new Catechism of the Catholic Church for youth, under the direction of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, Austria, who was the editor of Catechism of the Catholic Church. The EWTN interview was exciting for me and, with 15 grandchildren, I hurried to order YOUCAT! I was happy to see the comments by Pope Benedict XVI on the new YOUCAT. He said much more than the following but here are a few things that are interesting: (my personal comments in the parentheses) "Today I recommend for your reading an unusual book . . ." (this Pope cares for the youth!) "Should we not attempt to translate the Catechism of the Catholic Church into the language of young people? Should we not bring its great riches into the world of today's youth?" (YES!!!!) "Many people say to me: The youth of today are not interested in this. I disagree, and I am certain that I am right. THE YOUTH OF TODAY ARE NOT AS SUPERFICIAL AS SOME THINK. They want to know what life is all about . . ." (this was my personal favorite! POPE BENEDICT XVI has confidence in the youth of today!) "This book is exciting because it speaks of our own destiny and so deeply engages every one of us. I invite you: Study this Catechism! That is my heartfelt desire." "This catechism was not written to please you. It will not make life easy for you, because it demands of you a new life." (this was my other personal favorite!) "It places before you the Gospel message as the "pearl of great value" (Mt 13:45) for which you must give everything." "So I beg you: Study this Catechism with passion and perseverance. Make a sacrifice of your time for it! Study it in the quiet of your room; read it with a friend; form study groups and networks; share with each other on the Internet. By all means continue to talk with each other about your faith...." (and this was another favorite! "study with passion and perseverance") "Of course, there are many differences even among the youth of today's world. And so now, under the capable direction of the Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Cardinal Schoenborn, YOUCAT has been produced for young people. I hope that many young people will let themselves be fascinated by this book." (Added after having time with YOUCAT! It is just terrific. You have to see the inside, read the questions and see the designs on the pages. It is going to be hit. I have been buying it for gifts. Great index! )

This is a very helpful catechism for young people or for adults. My wife and I have enjoyed the question and answer format and the quotes from scripture and saints that are included here. The explanations are clear and very succinct. An updated edition with fresh graphics could be nice, as this is beginning to look a bit dated.

I'm suprised of this good book. Everything it's explained very simple but although pregnant and clear....The book is very helpfull if you want to found a YOUCAT grup to discuss and interact with your friends... Enjoy the book, it's great and especially for young catholic people

Come catechista per adulti, mi è stato affidato un catecumeno di origine africana che si prepara per ricevere il Battesimo e la Confermazione l'anno prossimo . Non conosce bene l'italiano e perciò è assai difficile aiutarlo a conoscere la fede cattolica. Per fortuna conosce discretamente l'inglese. Ho trovato un ottimo sussidio nella edizione inglese di Youcat , perché i diversi argomenti vengono presentati con domande e risposte , spiegati in modo semplificato, adatto ai giovani , ma anche a persone adulte che si accostano per la prima volta alle verità di fede. Frequenti citazioni tratte dalla Bibbia , dagli scritti di Santi e di autori non solo cristiani , arricchiscono le spiegazioni e offrono spunti per la riflessione e per la discussione. Conoscevo già la versione in italiano perché l'avevo usata negli incontri di catechismo con ragazzi di seconda media che si preparavano al sacramento della Confermazione . Perciò ho avuto l'idea di servirmene con una persona adulta con scarsa cultura sia religiosa che profana.

This is a wonderful book with clear answers to many pertinent questions from society today as well as the teaching of the Catholic church on faith and morals.The answers are Scripture based and written in a style which not only appeals to youth but to those in their second or third "youth" It is clear and unambiguous and very relevant to life today. I would recommend that every catholic home should have a copy of this and that all should read it