Strongly recommended for an incoming Catholic or an old Catholic brushing up on their knowledge. I am using the Compendium as an ordinary Catholic sitting in on RCIA classes with some soon to be Catholics. It has turned out to be a very readable primer (or review, in my case) on Catholic teaching, and I believe it covers the bases (with references to corresponding sections of the Catechism at margins in case anyone wants more depth). While we used this in a class format, I think it would be readable for oneself or in a group (or in a family). The format is Q&A and split into five sections--it's pretty manageable to go through it quickly (i.e., a couple months), although I would recommend taking time to digest the information. I do find it helpful to have someone more knowledgeable than me (priest, etc) to help when I don't understand something. There were a few "answers" that I needed help understanding. This is not a replacement for RCIA or formal catechism, but I think this book is now an essential in learning about and understanding the Catholic faith (unless you're inclined to tackle the whole Catechism). For me, it was a needed refresher course. There is a lovely prayer section in the back. My only complaint is that I wish the Apostle's Creed could be repeated in the back to make saying the Rosary from the book a little easier for those of us who haven't memorized it quite yet. It's not an extensive prayer handbook, however, so I don't know if it's fair to ask it to do this. It won't tell you how to go through mass (the How-to Book of Mass is good for this) if you're a new convert, or how to do confession, although it does discuss the spirit of these matters. I got the paperback version, and it seems to have taken abuse from my throwing it around in my bag quite a bit, so I believe even the paperback is well-made.

If you're wondering whether or not the Pope is still Roman Catholic, you won't after reading this. I found it very handy, well referenced (lots of notes back to the Catechism itself) and clear to read. It is a reasonably short exposition of the key doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, and presents itself well.

I offer this from the perspective of a catholic-minded Lutheran, who has been flipping through the CCC since it was published in the 1990's. While there is a risk that the Compendium will reduce reference to the Catechism, it does help clarify conversations between communions.

This is a wonderful and informative publication. I have never been able to bring myself to tackle the actual Catechism because of its enormous size, so this little book is great for me. I am a CCD teacher and I find this book to be a wonderful reference as I prepare for classes. My parents have also borrowed it and really liked it. It really has a simple way of explaining the fundamentals of the Catholic faith.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (904 pages) tells you how the clock works before it tells you the time. This book just tells you the time. If you want to know more about a question, then you can go to the big Catechism.

This is an excellent source of material for RCIA leaders and members. It is easy to use and very informative.

The book came suggested by Amazon.com while I was searching another title and I am glad it did! This was an excellent recommendation. The book is organized by a serious of questions and serves as an benefical reference while reading other books on Catholicm or by itself. I am pleased to have purchased the item.

This small book is the meat and potatoes of the full Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is much easier to read and understand without a lot of side lookups. A great way to just read about my faith as well as a big help in teaching High School Students.

Great sysnopsis of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Get the facts from THE source about THE Church of Jesus Christ
Dispels myths and misunderstanding in clear and concise terms
RH

For those who remember the Baltimore Catechism, the question and answer format provided an easy way to explore questions of Catholic Faith, Morals and Doctrine. Although the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH provides the most comprehensive exposition of matters of faith and is the standard for study and inquiry, its sheer depth and breadth often intimidated many who sought to develop a greater understanding of the faith. Recognizing this, Pope Benedict worked with his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, to develop this compedium in which essentials are once again communicated in a well-written, thorough-yet-direct question and answer format.

The COMPENDIUM follows the outline and meticulously references the CATECHISM. Yet, the topics address specific questions in easy to understand language. It is an excellent tool for RCIA and catechesis for both lifelong Catholics or those who are just entering into the faith.

I recommend that this be added to every Catholic family's library!

In the information era, it is often difficult to discern what to believe. The Catholic Church has made its beliefs very clear with the "Catechism of the Catholic Church". Now Pope Benedict XVI has made it even easier by publishing this "abbreviated version", the Compendium, so that all the Faithful would know the basics of the Catholic Faith. For Catholics or for those interested in knowing about Catholicism, the Compendium is a valuable resource.

I purchased this booklet on advice from our local priest (I'm a newer Roman Catholic convert) and while the Catechism is not difficult to read, this does help present the information in an easy to look up and understand format. It is also helpful for my non-Catholic husband when he has a question on why Catholics do one thing or another. He doesn't feel like I'm trying to convert him (which I am not; that's the Holy Spirit's job) when I refer him to this booklet because it is written in a reference-type format with question/answer notes. It also has a great format for looking up your general question. I have found myself reading this booklet from cover-to-cover when just trying to find out the answer to a specific question as the material is interestinly written and keeps sparking more desire to read through it.

If you need to know an answer to a question regarding the Catholic Faith, this book is exactly what you'll reach for.

Having converted from a Reformed-Protestant background, I was eager to find methods of learning the Roman Catholic faith similar to Protestant methods I had used previously. I had been impressed with the Westminster Catechism and so, when I discovered this, a summary of the RC Catechism in question and answer format, I was thrilled. It has not disappointed in scope of coverage. The questions are well organized to follow the full Catechism but with a more concise and simpler language form. It is an invaluable tool for teaching and self-study. A must have for every Roman Catholic.

Answer all the questions you may have about the teaching of the Church.

As an instructor in the Catholic Church RCIA program, this book is quite valuable as a teaching tool. Many of us who remember the Baltimore Catechism will find this question and answer approach a good companion to the US Bishops Adult Catechism, which came out in 2006.

A great companion and reference for the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

This is a shorter, more concise version of the CCC, peppered with poetry and fine art throughout. Hits all the major points of Roman Christianity in an intelligent manner, and it's actually enjoyable to read. Highly recommended.

The only possible "criticism" which could be leveled at the Catechism of the Catholic Church is that it is not an easy read. By contrast, the Compendium reads beautifully, easily, and magnificently. In addition to print versions, the Compendium (& the Catechism, itself) can be found in its entirety at the Vatican web site.

The only possible "criticism" which could be leveled at the Catechism of the Catholic Church is that it is not an easy read. By contrast, the Compendium reads beautifully, easily, and magnificently. In addition to print versions, the Compendium (& the Catechism, itself) can be found in its entirety at the Vatican web site.

Very informative book. A must for all Catholics. Short and to the point.

This Compendium is very important, great guideline for those who want to know more about what is really important in life, important for Christians and not Christians.

I am pleased with this Book for all the Information it contains to be informed of the churches teaching,I would highly recommend it!

Very informative book. A must for all Catholics. Short and to the point.

The Compendium of the Catechism is a must have for those of us that need clairfication. It clears up quite a few 'fuzzy' areas in the traditional Catechism that I have had.

Excellent! It's an abridged version of the full version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Th new Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is an excellent synthesis of the faith of the Roman Catholic Church. Combining beautiful traditional artwork and a student to master question-and-answer format it leads the reader to a deeper investigation into the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Compendium is a rich addition to the Catechism and should not be considered a more simplified replacement. I would recommend it to all from high school and beyond.

The Catechism can get a bit stiff, but this Compendium is much more readable and thus more of a resource.

This is a great book for anyone who wants to draw closer to God. It helps us see that He is God and there is no other.

This book is like a roadmap to the vast territories that is the Catechism of the Catholic Church. A must have for everyone.

The compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is the "Reader's Digest" of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It has distilled the essence of the teachings of the Church. It is not intimidating, but it opens the full Catechism for later review.

I am very impressed with this document and the manner in which it was organized and printed. A great teaching tool that is ideal for personal reflection and use.

The Compendium is a wonderfully written, concise, easy to use summary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The question and answer format makes for easy and engaging reading, while the pope's descriptions of the accompanying artwork (artwork he chose himself) is insightful and even inspiring. This is a must have for all who take their Catholic faith seriously, as well as for those who are curious to learn more about the beliefs of Catholics.
One rather delightful addendum: the Compendium begins with an official approval by the Holy Father, followed by an Introduction written by the one in charge of overseeing the project, namely Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger! So, in a twist that might be unique in the history of Catholic publishing, there is an official approval written by Pope Benedict and an Introduction by Cardinal Ratzinger, and they are both the same person!

It makes the voluminous Chatechism understandable, searchable and far more user friendly. Plus check out the very end of it also, many great prayers and bullit points pointing out the the underpinings of the church in the most succinct forms possible.

If you're Catholic or interested in exploring the Catholic faith, the Compendium should be on your bookshelf and will quickly become one of your regularly consulted resources.

The concise question and answer format lends itself to quick answers to those complex questions that may arise. For greater exploration, catechetical citations are provided. I particularly enjoyed the lovely color illustrations and the addition of common prayers in Latin.

I would not say that the Compendium is a replacement for the Catechism, but rather an effective companion to the original and a wonderful resource for anyone looking to grow in knowledge and faith.

This is an excellant companion to the catechism. The compendium allows the reader quick, precise answers to questions one may have regarding the Catholic faith and also encourages a desire to use the more in depth catechism.

Pope John Paul II's Catechism of the Catholic Church came out in 1992. It is not a book for casual reading but represents the documented teachings of the Catholic Church on issues of faith.

This compendium by his close companion Pope Benedict XVI is a point by point enrichment using many scriptural and other resources. I find that it adds depth to the previous rather dry document. Good and brief explanations specially for those who have to teach and to answer questions. His artistic touch shines through even in the layout of this book.

I highly recommend it to pastors and lay catechists alike.

I received this book in the mail, which I was anxiously waiting to receive since October of 2005. They delayed the shipment of it for 4 MONTHS. Nevertheless, it was worth the wait.



I have lamented the shortcomings of BOTH the Traditional Baltimore Catechism loved by most Traditionalists, and the seeming ambiguity of parts of the New Universal Catechism of the Catholic Church. Both have their strengths of course. The Baltimore is concise and memorize-able and the new Catechism is painstakingly detailed and rich with Scripture and Tradition. But, where one lacked the other complemented, where one was superior, the other was deficient, from a psychological and educational standpoint. Now, in this Compendium, what do we have?



The synthesis I was dreaming of. The Compendium is very concise. A mere 498 questions covering the "essential" teachings of the Universal Catechism. It is short enough that a Catholic and non-Catholic even, can breeze through it in a weekend. In the style of the Baltimore Catechism we have simple questions which many of have asked or thought about, but didn't know who to ask. In Cardinal Ratzinger's introduction, he notes that the format brings us back to the dialogue method between "teacher and pupil" or "master and student". This is the method of all the great Catechisms of the past, question and answer. It is this clarity and brevity which has been lost over the years.



What good is a 3000 page catechism filled with doubt and murkiness as Fr. Richard McBrien had written in Catholicism, when it is filled with numerous doctrinal errors and relativism? It's good for only one thing, I say, starting the fires for the BBQ, that's what.



Praise God for Cardinal Ratzinger giving us the Compendium.



The Traditional movement, there's nothing like it. It breeds vocations, and it has the answers that the liberals don't, for one is of God's revelation, and the other is the false doctrine of men.



I highly recommend this book, for the beginner and even the seasoned veteran in Catholic teaching.



-Laurence

This is a great synopsis of the Catholic Faith. If you ever wanted to know what the Church REALLY teaches, then pick this book up. In a simple Question and Answer format, it goes through the entire Catechism in about 1/10th the size to bring you a short synopsis of everything we believe.

It will be a great aid to me in the classes I teach and I think it will be a great help to all those seeking to learn more about the Church established by Christ.

This is a great edition of the essentials of the faith!

Although it really does not substitute for the complete Catechism of the Catholic Church, it does provide a very manageable collection of the "fundamentals" in a nice Q&A format. It has a nostalgic "Baltimore Catechism" feel to it.

Unlike the complete volume, this concentrated form is easier to read and is more reader friendly as opposed to a resource edition.

Nice to have!

Pope John Paul II oversaw the issue of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992, which was directed primarily to bishops and priests, to provide a sure norm of Catholic doctrine, and to aid in the development of regional/diocesan catechesis.

Sadly, 14 years after the release of the CCC, we in the U.S. can see, in general, how "well" our previous Holy Father's exhortation was heeded. In my home diocese of Albany, NY, for example, catechetical materials from Bishop Hubbard's office--a bureaucracy openly hostile to Catholic orthodoxy--are just about uniformly heretical. The adjoining diocese (of Syracuse, NY) isn't much better, either, I'm afraid. So much for the U.S. Bishops' response to the Pope's call to orthodoxy . . .

Happily, in June 2005 (its English edition released to the U.S. in March 2006), Pope Benedict XVI promulgated the Compendium as "a faithful and sure synthesis of the [CCC]," aimed primarily at the rank-and-file Catholic laity. Thank God that the Pope has done for us what our bishops, by-and-large, have miserably failed to do: made the dense volume of the CCC digestable in the 175-page Compendium, an accessible and completely trustworthy summary of the CCC!

The question-and-answer format of the Compendium, with marginal cross references to corresponding sections of the CCC parent text, offer brief, but powerful statements of our precious Catholic faith: bite-sized, but full of nutritionally ample Catholic teaching. One paragraph will keep you going for a whole day--usually more!

The critical teaching office that our regional (U.S.) bishops have pretty much abandoned still functions--Praise be to God!--at the level of our universal Bishop. Thanks again, Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. It's comforting indeed to know that at least one bishop, i.e., the Supreme Pontiff, still cares deeply--with the love of the Chief Shepherd of our souls, Jesus Christ--for his sheep!

Viva Papa!!

I teach theology at a Catholic high school and just bought a copy of the new Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It's a summary of the CCC in question/answer format which I, in my naivete, thought would be something akin to the old Baltimore Catechism ("Who made me?" "God made me.") In contrast, paragraph one in this asks "What is the plan of God for man?" and the answer is:
"God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness, freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. In the fullness of time, God the Father sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior of mankind, fallen into sin, thus calling all into his Church and, through the work of the Holy Spirit, making them adopted children and heirs of his eternal happiness."
It seems an accurate paraphrase of the new Catechism, but it's hard to imagine just who this compendium is for. The reading level is no lower than the CCC; neither is the intellectual pitch significantly simpler. There's merely less material here. Think Catechism Digest.

And also normal milk so extrapolating, the large version (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Libreria Editrice Vaticana) say in some points that :

" ... in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, sacred Scripture and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls", n 108

"the sacred Scriptures grow with the one who reads them", n 94 (Gregorio Magno).

The parallel read of new testament also helps to the conmpendium reading. One possible NT could be the Navarre bible, new testament, compact edition.

" But still, the Christian faith is not a "religion of the book". Christianity is the religion of the "Word" of God, "not a written and mute word, but incarnate and living", n 95

The compendium isn't an easy to read book. Helps to have a condense vision of the subjects expose in the large version. At a first view, i retain the 26,32 % of faith truest. If any has problems of concepts retention, the compendium is a useful help, because you can read and read till light comes. The large version gives more explications of the question-answers exposed maters.

I ordered this book from Amazon.com over a month ago. So far I have received four insincere apologies as to why it has not been delivered as promised. I am sure that if I had ordered a book that mocked Catholocism, it would have arrived far ahead of schedule. Perhaps I am paranoid, but remember: even paranoids have enemies. Order your books from someone else. Check out allbookstores.com, and get the best price.

In its question and answer format, the newly published Compendium of the Catechism is a simple, clear, and precise dictation of the truth (that is to say God Himself).

Having ordered this book long before the English translation was completed, I was delighted to finally see it in my mailbox. In little less than a week, the Compendium took its place among my three most cherished books - The Bible, The Catechism, and now the Compendium. In addition to the question and answer format, which is very appealing to lay people and those who studied the Baltimore Catechism, the book has plenty to offer, such as:

1. The Size: The book is small enough to accompany anyone in their everyday activities, and throughout life's journey.

2. The Approval: Pope Benedict's letter of approval offers a clear synthesis of the origins of the Compendium, a promulgation of its content, and a petition to Our Lady.

3. The Icons: Perhaps the most noticed addition in the Compendium is the use of Icons (displayed in full color). Fifteen to be exact, starting with Christ the Pantocrator - a mirror to the Compendium because this Icon is described as "an invitation to contemplate and to follow the Lord Jesus through the Church His bride and His mystical body." Additionally, Pope Benedict describes the potency of the Icons with these words: "The sacred images, with their beauty, are also a proclamation of the Gospel and express the splendor of the Catholic truth."

4. Concordances: The Compendium contains concordances to similar topics in the larger Catechism. This is handy for those wishing to delve deeper into a given subject.

5. Common Prayers and Formulas: At the end of the book, the Church presents the faithful a summary of the common prayers in both English and Latin, and the formulas of the Church - especially helpful to me since I haven't memorized them all!

If I was asked to concisely describe the benefits of reading the Compendium to a faithful Catholic, my reply would be that it enlightens the soul to the eternal ways of the ever living God; and likewise, to the inherent truths of Humanity. Considering that the price is equivalent to 4 gallons of gas - most likely covering production and distribution by a small margin - the Church is practically giving us this gift.

And to that I say, Gratias Tibi Ago Benedictus PP. XVI!

Heres a perspective from a teenager:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a HUGE book and is therefore harder for me to approach and read. Yes, when I have a question about the faith I try and consult it, but sometimes topics are hard to find. The language used is very beautiful, but also very hard to understand.

Now take this Compendium: The set up involving the question - answer format is very user friendly. It covers all the basics and important information. The language used is closer to the vernacular and therefore much easier for the every day person to read and understand. There are pictures, quotes, and prayer references.

I was a bit wary when I bought it, but for the first time I have voluntarily approached the catechism just for the sake of reading it. I have been able to clearly understand things presented.

Now, I understand that it doesn't replace the actual Catechism, but here's another plus: There are side notes that link the text to paragraphs in the Catechism. So when you feel ready to move on to further study you can do so.

Overall it is an amazing resource for Catholics and for people interested in the faith but who are a bit wary of picking up a ten pound book. :)

The question and answer format has always been useful. Thomas Aquinas used it his Summa and people have found it helpful ever since.

This is an outstanding condensation of the Catechism.

The book is a much slimmer than the brick-sized catechism. The style is easy to read and will not turn off anyone.

This is NOT a replacement for the Catechism book, but a rather wonderful companion.

Speaking of companions, please do not forget to look at these two.

# "Companion to Catechism of the Catholic Church". That book has ALL of the text referred to by all the footnotes in the Catechism. A resource two-millennia in the making!

# "Introduction to the Catechism" by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI.

The question and answer format has always been useful. Thomas Aquinas used it his Summa and people have found it helpful ever since.

This is an outstanding condensation of the Catechism.

The book is a much slimmer than the brick-sized catechism. The style is easy to read and will not turn off anyone.

This is NOT a replacement for the Catechism book, but a rather wonderful companion.

Speaking of companions, please do not forget to look at the "Companion to Catechism of the Catholic Church". That book has ALL of the text referred to by all the footnotes in the Catechism. A resource two-millennia in the making!

The question and answer format has always been useful. Thomas Aquinas used it his Summa and people have found it helpful ever since.

This is an outstanding condensation of the Catechism.

The book is a much slimmer than the brick-sized catechism. The style is easy to read and will not turn off anyone, unless you want to be.

This is NOT a replacement for the Catechism book, but a rather wonderful companion.

Speaking of companions, please do not forget to look at the "Companion to Catechism of the Catholic Church". That book has ALL of the text referred to by all the footnotes in the Catechism. A resource two-millennia in the making!

As a catechist I was overjoyed to see the new Compendium of the Catechism. It is an excellent tool for adult catechesis. Although the big "Catechism of the Catholic Church" is indespensable for the catechist, this new smaller Compendium is less intimidating to those who are new to the Catholic faith and it contains all of the teachings of the larger Catechism in a way that is much more accesible. The Catholic Prayers section is excellent, too.

What makes the Compendium so compelling is the format. I pick it up and read a few pages of Questions and Answers and usually find some nugget that stays with me for the rest of the day. For example, Question #43 is: "What does it mean to believe in only one God?" Part of the answer is that it means that we are "living in thanksgiving and trusting in him {God} always even in adversity." That is an awesome and practical answer. It can immediately be used in examining how we are living our lives. Do I live my life like I believe in only one God? Am I giving thanks to God when I'm stuck in traffic or when even worst things happen? How about when good things happen?

The Compendium is not a long book, so one can get an overview of the Catholic faith in 204 pages including a survey of Catholic art, Latin prayers to memorize (most will need a pronounciation guide for these)and prayers in English--even a "Coptic Incense Prayer."

Even those who have the Catechism of the Catholic Church will find the Compendium new and very informative.