Grew up with poor catechesis...how can I fix this?

[xcbaz]

Hi,

I was raised slightly more than nominally Catholic (our family fulfilled the Sunday obligation with few exceptions and occasionally said grace before meals) but that's not good enough. So, I'm obviously making the steps to change that, but here's where I'd like some advice...

I don't really know where I can turn anymore for catechesis...I am totally loyal to anything and everything that comes out of Rome. But I want traditional, conservative teaching...I am dealing with a little OCD because I don't know the faith well enough to discern, but some things that priests tell me seem a little dubious...the closest FSSP is at least 2 hours one-way by public transit (more on Sundays) and I'm a university student without a car or job...so it's not too practical to do every week (and I have NO Masses within walking distance that do seem respectful from my limited knowledge).

So...I am trying to read the Baltimore Catechism as well as the CCC. Any other materials for good, faithful-to-Rome, but not "Spirit of Vatican II," self-catechesis? Free is preferable, but I'm willing to pay if there's something in print that's better than public domain.

Thanks, guys!

[thomas jd]

Originally Posted by xcbaz

Hi,

I was raised slightly more than nominally Catholic (our family fulfilled the Sunday obligation with few exceptions and occasionally said grace before meals) but that's not good enough. So, I'm obviously making the steps to change that, but here's where I'd like some advice...

I don't really know where I can turn anymore for catechesis...I am totally loyal to anything and everything that comes out of Rome. But I want traditional, conservative teaching...I am dealing with a little OCD because I don't know the faith well enough to discern, but some things that priests tell me seem a little dubious...the closest FSSP is at least 2 hours one-way by public transit (more on Sundays) and I'm a university student without a car or job...so it's not too practical to do every week (and I have NO Masses within walking distance that do seem respectful from my limited knowledge).

So...I am trying to read the Baltimore Catechism as well as the CCC. Any other materials for good, faithful-to-Rome, but not "Spirit of Vatican II," self-catechesis? Free is preferable, but I'm willing to pay if there's something in print that's better than public domain.

Thanks, guys!

Read both books , then go to others. Particular attention to B.C
Read appendix if you have a compedium. Perfect learning tool.

[teenphilo1]

I recommend reading The Imitation of Christ. It is very conservative. I believe it is from before Vatican II and before copywrite law, so you can probably find a free online copy. I have read it in parts. The copy I have is well laid out and covers a ton of topics. Also, read the bible. It is the original Catholic holy book and all other books on religion draw from it. (The NAB Student Bible costs $7 and is a Catholic Bible; most Protestant Bibles leave out several books.)

[uxordepp]

Originally Posted by teenphilo1

I recommend reading The Imitation of Christ. It is very conservative. I believe it is from before Vatican II and before copywrite law, so you can probably find a free online copy. I have read it in parts. The copy I have is well laid out and covers a ton of topics. Also, read the bible. It is the original Catholic holy book and all other books on religion draw from it. (The NAB Student Bible costs $7 and is a Catholic Bible; most Protestant Bibles leave out several books.)

"Imitation of Christ" is a good choice (btw it's over 500 years old!) but is more for spiritual development.

I recommend also the Baltimore Catechism, or the new Catechism. The BC is more concise. I use both.

This is a good time to be 'hungry' with the new Missal coming out, there is tons of info available on the origins of the Mass and what the parts mean.

Liturgy (ie. the Mass) is also very important in development of faith knowledge. Pope JPII called the Eucharist the source and summit of our faith.

[TimothyH]

Originally Posted by teenphilo1

I recommend reading The Imitation of Christ. It is very conservative. I believe it is from before Vatican II and before copywrite law, so you can probably find a free online copy. I have read it in parts. The copy I have is well laid out and covers a ton of topics. Also, read the bible. It is the original Catholic holy book and all other books on religion draw from it. (The NAB Student Bible costs $7 and is a Catholic Bible; most Protestant Bibles leave out several books.)

The Imitation of Christ is from the 1500's. It is not catechesis.

It is used more as a devotional today but it is not catechesis. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent work and I think every Catholic should read it. I carry a copy of it with me wherever I go and will likely be without a rosary before I'm without my leather bound and zippered copy of The Imitation of Christ. But it is definietly not catechesis - instruction in the faith in a systematic and organized way.

Thomas Kempis was an ascetic monk, someone who practiced what we would consider severe self denial. He also vowed obedience to his Abbot and as such, he broke that vow only under the penalty of sin. He wrote The Imitation of Christ over a period of time, to other ascetic monks. We must keep that in mind. Some of the instruction is directed specifically to cloistered ascetic monks, not to the laity.

There is much to be learned from that book, but we must keep in mind what it is and not use it as the rule of faith for everyone. Kempis focused on humility and sorrow for our sins almost exclusivly. But there is great joy in our adoption as sons by God and happiness in knowing that we are forgiven and can be healed of our sin which Kempis does not talk about.

I wouldn't want to go around living my life like Kempis, thinking I am a worm who should never offer an opinion to anyone. I have not vowed poverty, chastity or obedience to an Abbot.


-Tim-

[TrueLight]

Originally Posted by TimothyH

The Imitation of Christ is from the 1500's. It is not catechesis.

It is used more as a devotional today but it is not catechesis. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent work and I think every Catholic should read it. I carry a copy of it with me wherever I go and will likely be without a rosary before I'm without my leather bound and zippered copy of The Imitation of Christ.

-Tim-

Out of curiosity, how long have you been carrying it?

[TimothyH]

Originally Posted by TrueLight

Out of curiosity, how long have you been carrying it?

I've had the copy I own now for close to three years. But now don't take that to mean that I am able to practice what it says!

I found a nice Wenger double-pocket case, it looks like a mini laptop case or something that would hold an iPAD. It fits my copy of Imitation of Christ, Christian Prayer, slimilne RSV-CE and a rosary perfectly. I call it my "Adoration kit."

That gives me a good idea for another thread...


-Tim-

[TrueLight]

Originally Posted by TimothyH

I've had the copy I own now for close to three years. But now don't take that to mean that I am able to practice what it says!

I found a nice Wenger double-pocket case, it looks like a mini laptop case or something that would hold an iPAD. It fits my copy of Imitation of Christ, Christian Prayer, slimilne RSV-CE and a rosary perfectly. I call it my "Adoration kit."

That gives me a good idea for another thread...


-Tim-

Yes, I see the other thread. Great idea!

[uxordepp]

Originally Posted by TimothyH

The Imitation of Christ is from the 1500's. It is not catechesis.

It is used more as a devotional today but it is not catechesis. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent work and I think every Catholic should read it. I carry a copy of it with me wherever I go and will likely be without a rosary before I'm without my leather bound and zippered copy of The Imitation of Christ. But it is definietly not catechesis - instruction in the faith in a systematic and organized way.


-Tim-

You said it more strongly than I did, but this is what I was getting at. Most of us cannot do what Kempis did, nor should we. We are "in the world" and that is where we need to develop our Christian sense. If anything, St. Francis de Sales' work would be more appropriate.

But it's still not catechesis, as you rightly point out. It is a devotional.

[beth40n2]

Praise the Lord that he has given you the hunger for the church and knowledge of her, which will eventually convert your heart more than it already has.

You have a good start. There are lots of resourses in the link I have below for "Converting to Catholic Resourses". That is for anyone, not just those who are going to convert. If you have any questions you can write them on the group wall for anyone to answer or ask me in a private message.

Also here on Catholic answers you can browse the Encyclopdia at the top of the page and finds lots of information.

You have come to the right place.

I will be praying or you.

[Little One0307]

Originally Posted by xcbaz

Hi,

I was raised slightly more than nominally Catholic (our family fulfilled the Sunday obligation with few exceptions and occasionally said grace before meals) but that's not good enough. So, I'm obviously making the steps to change that, but here's where I'd like some advice...

I don't really know where I can turn anymore for catechesis...I am totally loyal to anything and everything that comes out of Rome. But I want traditional, conservative teaching...I am dealing with a little OCD because I don't know the faith well enough to discern, but some things that priests tell me seem a little dubious...the closest FSSP is at least 2 hours one-way by public transit (more on Sundays) and I'm a university student without a car or job...so it's not too practical to do every week (and I have NO Masses within walking distance that do seem respectful from my limited knowledge).

So...I am trying to read the Baltimore Catechism as well as the CCC. Any other materials for good, faithful-to-Rome, but not "Spirit of Vatican II," self-catechesis? Free is preferable, but I'm willing to pay if there's something in print that's better than public domain.

Thanks, guys!

Hi,

You could join the Catholic Catechism Study Group. We are studying the CCC and there's a lot of good discussion in there. You can find the group by clicking on the link in my signature. Questions regarding the CCC are welcome.

The group is not for debating, it is for presenting and sharing what the Magisterium of the CHurch teaches. You are welcome there.

God bless.

[rosemarky]

We have returning Catholics and Catholics who just want to learn more attending our RCIA classes. It helped my husband tremendously as well as others who "helped" with the classes.

[ESMDHokie77]

online resources are as follows...
Bible Christian Society has many great mp3s.
Church Militant, a member of this forum, has an excellent blog.
Dave Armstrong also has an excellent blog.
Steve Ray... catholic-convert.com I think
John Salza's site: scripturecatholic.com
this site! Catholic.com
... and dozens others!

[LoyalViews]

I can PM you a few links to online Catechisms......if anyone else wants it forwarded to them, I'd be more than happy

[Little One0307]

Originally Posted by LoyalViews

I can PM you a few links to online Catechisms......if anyone else wants it forwarded to them, I'd be more than happy

Hi,

I sure would be interested in receiving those links if you don't mind.

Thanks and God bless.