Embracing and Living The Truth

I recently ordered a handbook described as “containing everything children and adults need to, step by step, deepen their knowledge of the Christian faith and to develop a living relationship with Jesus Christ.” Can one book do that?

Church Textbook

YOUCAT is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church written in a way that is easy for children and youth to understand. In a forward written by Pope Benedict XVI he said that we need to know what we believe. We need to know our faith, much the same way an IT specialist knows how a computer works.

I can’t help but think that we are living a time of uncertainty. When there is turbulence on the outside we need to have stability on the inside. I believe that lasting strength and security comes from a Father who loves and cares for us. But how can we know God and what he wants for us? We enter into a relationship with him and like all relationships, it can never be one sided. The Catechism of our faith helps to understand and answer many of our questions however the book itself can be quite intimidating and difficult. We should have material that is bright and inviting not only in layout but in its use of language. YOUCAT is for today’s youth, children and parents. It begins with the existence of God and why we are here continuing through the Creed, Sacraments, and the Commandments. It ends with a section about how we should pray.

Homework

I look forward to studying these books and introducing them in class (English and German). I look forward to gifting them. God gave us the gift of his love in the person of Jesus as written in the gospel. The Catechism puts it all in perspective and YOUCAT packages it in an attractive way. Let’s discover our faith and try to live it so that we can face the uncertainties that surround us in today’s world.