Research Guides: Catholic Links: The Catechism

About the Catechism of the Catholic Church

A catechism is the name given to a written work that contains a summary of all the beliefs of the faith that is used as a teaching tool.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) was promulgated by John Paul II on October 11, 1992 - the thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. This catechism, which is only the second catechism written by the Church, was born out of the documents of Vatican II and builds on the Church’s first catechism written after the Council of Trent in the sixteenth century.

The Catechism Online

Listen to the Audio Version of the Catechism in MP3 Format

Link to audio version

Print Format

Catechism of the Catholic Church
Call Number: 243.161 C357E 2000
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Call Number: 243.161 C357E

YOUCAT

Youcat English : Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Call Number: 238.2 Y67yE 2011
Publication Date: 2011

Developed with the help of young Catholics YOUCAT (short for Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church)is an accessible, contemporary expression of the Catholic Faith. It explains:

•What Catholics believe and why (doctrine)
•How Catholics celebrate the mysteries of the faith (sacraments)
•How Catholics are to live (moral life)
•How they should pray (prayer and spirituality)

The questions are direct and honest, even at times tough; the answers straightforward, relevant, and compelling. YOUCAT will likely become the "go-to" place for young people to learn the truth about the Catholic faith.

Visit the YouCat web page