A new catechism intended as a ‘call to renew the faith’ – The Irish Times

The Irish Catholic Catechism for Adults was launched yesterday by Cardinal Seán Brady in Maynooth. Designed to complement the Catechism of the Catholic Churchit is the first local catechism for Ireland and an adaptation of the Catholic Catechism of the United States for adults.

Each chapter opens with a “story or lesson in faith” featuring a number of notable Irish figures such as Edmund Rice, Catherine McAuley and Nano Nagle. The people chosen are people whose life or actions exemplify a particular teaching of the church.

Published by Veritas, the catechism is described as “a call for a renewal of faith at a time when some people may wonder if the good news of Jesus Christ applies to them”. It is designed to provide Irish Catholics with an accessible and easy to understand introduction to catechetical teachings.

It is composed of 36 chapters, divided into four sections, dealing with (i) the Creed: the faith professed; (ii) The sacraments: the faith celebrated; (iii) Christian morality: lived faith; and (iv) The Our father: Faith prayed.

Each chapter begins with a brief account of a saint or holy person, most of whom are Irish. This is followed by a presentation of related teaching with excerpts from Catechism of the Catholic Church.

It connects church teaching to Irish culture and contains discussion questions that invite the reader to explore personal ways to connect with church teachings. The chapters end with doctrinal statements and suggestions for meditation and prayer. It is also available online at irishcatechism.ie