A few days ago, I wrote this post about the merits of the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, explaining how it wonderfully summarizes the Catechism for us in a very helpful format. Yet, that begs the question of the value and purpose of the Catechism itself, this 900-page beast on my desk. Why do we keep this space-eater on our desks or in our bookcases?

The following explanation is taken from paragraph 121 of the General Directory for Catechesis (1997), issued by the Holy See:

The Prologue to the Catechism of the Catholic Church states its purpose: “This catechism aims at presenting an organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental contents of Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the whole of the Church’s Tradition.” The Magisterium of the Church intends to render an ecclesial service for our times with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, recognizing that it is:

--"a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion”: it desires to promote the bond of unity in the faith by helping the disciples of Jesus Christ to make “the profession of one faith received from the Apostles”;

--”a sure norm for teaching the faith”: the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers a clear response to the legitimate right of all the baptized to know from the Church what she has received and what she believes; it is thus an obligatory point of reference for catechesis and for the other forms of the ministry of the word.

--”a sure and authentic reference text for teaching Catholic doctrine and particularly for preparing local catechisms”: the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in fact, “is not intended to replace the local catechism (duly approved)” but “to encourage and assist in the writing of new local catechisms which take into account various situations and cultures, while carefully preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to Catholic doctrine.”

The nature or character proper to this document of the Magisterium consists in the fact that it is a comprehensive synthesis of the faith and thus it is of universal value. In this, it differs from other documents of the Magisterium, which do not set out to present such a synthesis. It differs also from local Catechisms, which, within the context of ecclesial communion, are destined for the service of a particular portion of the people of God.

Still don’t own your own copy of the Catechism? You can purchase a copy here. You can also view the Catechism online. Also, for an informative overview of the Catechism, check out the Faith Foundations course currently available at My Catholic Faith Delivered.

A couple discussions in recent weeks have reminded me of one of my pet peeves in the area of liturgy: namely, the "lay homily."

Now, I should clarify that I have no problem whatsoever with the Church's teaching that all of us, according to our state in life, are called to preach. Hey, I do it here at this blog. Through our Baptism, we are all called to be "prophets" or heralds of God's Word to others. 

And we all have different gifts. Some people are more eloquent, convincing, and "dynamic" as speakers than others. Some lay people have more better oratorial gifts than some priests. No argument there.

Still, the Church very clearly forbids the giving of homilies by lay people (see below). Now, most places that have lay people giving the homily don't call it that. Rather, they call it something else, like a "Gospel reflection." Yet, if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and even takes the place of a duck, then for all intents and purposes, it's a duck.

Okay, you might say, the Church is pretty strict about lay homilies, and yes, some dioceses and parishes play a little fast and loose with the rules. But what's the big deal? More...

My algebra textbook in ninth grade had an answer key in the back that enabled me to check my answers upon completing my homework assignment. Most of the time, the answer key simply served to verify that I had in fact arrived at the correct answer. Sometimes, however, the answer given in the book was different from my answer. What did I do?

I realized that 99.99 percent of the time the book was right. The book didn’t have to change--I did. I would rework the problem a little more carefully and eventually I would discover my error and correct it. There were still times that I didn’t get the right answer. In those cases I had to admit that maybe I didn’t quite understand the material well enough, and I needed to consult the teacher. I had a fundamental trust in the reliability of the answer key, as I was humble enough (barely) to recognize that the professional mathematicians who wrote the book were probably right, and I, a cocky adolescent, was probably wrong.

In a real sense, God’s Word is our answer key, providing answers to our most basic, essential questions. Who made us? What is the purpose of our existence? What good must we do to attain eternal life?

I must admit that every so often there was a typo in the answer key of my algebra book, and I would rather proudly point it out to my teacher and classmates. But God’s Word is even more reliable. It is utterly free from error. As we say in the Act of Faith, God can neither deceive nor be deceived. His Word surely will not lead us astray.

And that’s not all. More...

Since its publication in 2006, and even more so in recent months as I’ve grown increasingly accustomed to using it, I’ve thought the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a godsend to all who are involved in teaching (and learning) the Catholic faith.

Of course, being a document of the Holy See and published in the United States by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops isn’t the recipe for a best-seller. Surely the book’s title is accurate, as a “compendium” is a brief summary of a larger work, but it’s not as accessible or endearing as The Catechism for Dummies or Cliff Notes for the Catechism. I’ve found it shocking that many Catholic school teachers and catechists are still unfamiliar with the Catechism itself, let alone its “compendium.”

But marketing concerns aside, I want to provide five reasons why everyone who is interested in teaching (and learning) the Catholic faith should own a copy of the Compendium:  More...

In the first reading at Mass yesterday, we heard these consoling words:

"Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool" (Isaiah 1:18).

This reading brought to mind the concepts of "matter" and "form" as they apply to the sacraments. The matter is the external sign, such as bread and wine for the Eucharist, or water for Baptism. The form would be the words that call forth the internal grace, such as the words of consecration ("This is my body . . .") for the Eucharist, or the baptismal formula ("I baptize you in the name . . .") for Baptism.

But what about the Sacrament of Penance, or Reconciliation? Well, the form is rather obvious: It's the words of absolution said by the priest, culminating with "I absolve you of your sins . . ."

But the "matter" is what we bring to it, which is our sins, for which we bring our sorrow ("contrition"), our open admission to the priest ("confession"), and willingness to atone ("satisfaction").

Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow.

So here we see an application of St. Paul's challenging words in Romans 8:28, that when we turn to God in love He can and does make everything in our lives work to our good--even our sins!

Now does this mean we should go out and sin freely, becoming snow-making machines? Absolutely not, and in fact St. Paul addresses that misunderstanding at the beginning of Romans 6. After emphasizing that God's grace is infinitely greater than our sin, he says: "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" (Romans 6:1-2).

It's like a basketball game. Tonight is the big Sunflower Shootout between Kansas (no. 2 in the country) and Kansas State (no. 5). Let's say that KU falls behind by 20 points in the first half. Is that a good thing if you're a Jayhawk fan? Of course not. Yet, if KU then comes back in the second half to win, then their big first half deficit would be part of a larger story of triumph.

In the end, what I like about the above passage from Isaiah is that it reminds me--and all the Church--of the transforming effects of divine grace in our lives, which I find to be an endless source of peace and confidence. And a motive to get to Confession this week!

Over the past couple weeks I've come across some interesting stories involving the Catholic Church, and in particular priests, religious, and especially bishops. Today I thought I would mention ten of them, with links for you to find "the rest of the story."

(1) Welcome, But Not Honored

Archbishop Dolan of New York firmly yet pastorally advises that pro-abortion Catholic politicians will not receive honors at events such as the annual Al Smith dinner under his watch. This could easily come into play, not only with national figures such as Vice President Biden and Speaker Pelosi, but even more likely with New York Governor David Paterson, a pro-abortion Catholic. 

(2) Baby Bishops

The Vatican just appointed Msgr. Joseph Bambera as the new Bishop of Scranton, PA, and Fr. Terry LaValley as the new Bishop of Ogdensburg, NY. Both have been serving as the administrator of their respective dioceses pending the appointment of new bishops. This leaves only three dioceses without a bishop right now (Springfield, IL; LaCrosse, WI; and Harrisburg, PA)--an unusually low number--and there are four additional dioceses where the bishop has already reached retirement age.

(3) Cardinal George Addresses Mormons

What a brilliant prelate. Excellent presentation on religious freedom, drawing on many points of agreement between Catholics and Mormons that should unite us in our efforts to build a more just, life-affirming society.

(4) Way to Go, NC Bishops!

Bishop Jugis of Charlotte and Bishop Burbidge of Raleigh led the charge in getting the state of North Carolina to alter its new civics curriculum that compared pro-life laws to pro-segregation laws, calling both examples of "oppressive government."

(5) More on Oprah and the Nuns

In a previous post I mentioned that the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist were appearing on Oprah. The linked story tells about the sisters' giving Oprah a Rosary and the conversation that ensued. That program has had a wide-reaching effect. Here in Kansas City, for example, Archbishop Naumann wrote about that program in his weekly column for The Leaven, the archdiocesan paper.

(6) Courageous Dutch Priest (not a misprint!)

The priest informed the openly homosexual "prince" for a town carnival that he would not be able to receive Holy Communion. Many in the town revolted against this decision and decided to stage a protest of sorts during Sunday Mass. The priest held his ground, and on that Sunday he did not give out Communion at all, so as to avoid the very real possibility of sacrilege.

(7) Bishop Vasa

Bishop Vasa's columns are always excellent. Scroll down on the linked page for a wealth of great teaching. I especially liked this Lenten column, including his reflection on the phrase from Ash Wednesday: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." 

(8) Archbishop Chaput

Ditto for Archbishop Chaput of Denver. The linked column is but the first in a series of powerful reflections on Pope Benedict's Lenten Message.

(9) Call No Man "Father"

Our Lord says in today's Gospel to call no man "father." Yet I call my pastor "Father." Heck, I refer to myself as a "father." So what does Our Lord mean? I answer that question in the linked article.

(10) Don't Call Him "Teacher," Either

We don't get as worked up about this one (not a Catholic-Protestant thing), but still, Our Lord does tell us to call no one "teacher." I comment on that particular teaching of Christ in the linked article.

Well, that's it. Did I leave out a compelling story? Would you like to see more posts like this?

This morning after Mass, I was praying privately with my five year-old son Raymond. I was kneeling on one knee and Ray was sitting on the other knee. I was helping Ray to develop the habit of praying to Jesus in his own words.

So I whispered, "I love you, Jesus." He then very reverently whispered, "I love you, Jesus."

Then I whispered, "Jesus, I trust in You." Raymond followed suit and sweetly whispered, "Jesus, I trust in You."

I was very proud of his effort to pray well. Plus, he was especially well behaved at Mass this morning. So I whispered, "Good boy."  Then Ray looked toward the tabernacle and whispered, "Good boy."

I whispered, "Rayyyy, I was talking to you!" He cheerfully responded, "Okay," and then he bounded back to the church vestibule. Mass (and prayer time) is over, time to go in peace. More...

I recently received this question via email: "I understand that one of the spiritual works of mercy is to admonish sinners. My question is: Aren't we supposed to forgive and forget? Does 'admonish' mean 'to reprimand'?"

I understand the questioner's point, that for a "work of mercy" admonishing sinners can seem decidedly unmerciful. Let's take a closer look.

In Catholic tradition, there are seven spiritual works of mercy:

1. Counsel the doubtful.
2. Instruct the ignorant.
3. Admonish sinners.
4. Comfort the afflicted.
5. Forgive offenses.
6. Bear wrongs patiently.
7. Pray for the living and the dead.

So yes, one important act of charity or mercy that we can do is to "admonish sinners." But what does that mean? More...

Is Jesus really speaking about the Eucharist in John 6? My Protestant friends say that Jesus is only speaking metaphorically when He refers to people eating His flesh.

Before looking specifically at the Bread of Life discourse in John 6, read John 4:31-34 and Matthew 16:5-12. In these passages Jesus is speaking about food in a merely symbolic or figurative way. In one passage He’s talking about the “leaven” of the Pharisees, and in the other He’s saying that He has “food” that they don’t know about. In both cases, the disciples interpreted Him as meaning real food. Thereupon Jesus took the opportunity to clarify in unmistakable language that He was only speaking figuratively.

Let’s turn now to John 6.  More...

A student in one of my School of Faith courses last year asked me to explain how terrorism could possibly be justified as doing “God’s will.” I think that’s an important issue for us to explore if we want to address the problem of terrorist violence at its root.

And obviously this issue arises in the context of Islam, since at least some adherents of that religion support—and act upon—the notion that terrorism can be justified as an act of jihad, or “holy war.”

Pope Benedict XVI addressed this complex issue More...

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Polycarp (c. 69-155), a disciple of St. John the Evangelist and significant figure in the early Church.

When my friends and I started having children, we considered naming them after great saints whose names seemed a little strange to modern ears. And typically Polycarp was on the short list of such saints--in fact, one friend would refer to his unborn child as "Polycarp."

Yet in most instances we eventually came up with a saint's name that was a little more mainstream. After all, what poor kid wants to go through grade school as Polycarp?

Choosing a Confirmation name is a different deal, though. For one thing, the person is a little older and can choose the name himself or herself. In addition, while one can and should have a special devotion to his or her Confirmation saint, the fact of the matter is that no one goes by their Confirmation name. So it seems to me the door is opened a little wider when it comes to choosing a Confirmation saint.

And so, since Easter season is just around the corner, I'd like to propose ten saint names that may be a little off the beaten path. I've limited the list to saints whose annual feast is celebrated by the Church worldwide. Here it is:

(1) Polycarp

Second-century bishop and thus an early witness to apostolic succession. The edifying account of his martyrdom is available here. Shortly before his death, he is reported to have said, in essence, "I've served Christ for 86 years, I'm not about to deny Him now." This guy was tough as nails--the nails of the Cross.

(2) Hilary

Fourth-century Bishop of Poitiers and doctor of the Church. (Yes, Hilary is a boy's name.) He is known as the "Doctor of the Divinity of Christ" because of his outstanding defense of the faith in opposition to the Arian heresy. And while Hilary Clinton may be a negative factor in choosing the name (hey, let's reclaim the name for the forces of good!), Hilaire (form of Hilary) Belloc was one of the greatest Catholic intellectuals of the past century. 

(3) Hedwig

No, she's not the patroness of toupe-makers. She was a duchess, wife and mother of seven, widow, and ended her life in Cistercian convent where she had taken religious vows. She's not well-known in this country, and she suffers from "St. Blaise Syndrome" (see number six, below), in that her feast day gets overshadowed by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. But Hedwig is a biggie, and she is deeply loved and revered in Eastern Europe.

(4) Irenaeus

Bishop of Lyon around the year 200 A.D., and another important early witness to the apostolic faith. Wrote some great stuff (e.g., "The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of man is the vision of God"). He wrote at length in opposition to the Gnostic heresy. That may not seem all that relevant today, except when we consider that Gnosticsm is the engine that drives the wildly popular Da Vinci Code series. 

(5) Gertrude

Thirteenth-century saint known as "the Great." She was a Benedictine mystic and visionary who helped to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart. St. Teresa of Avila, among others, have had a strong devotion to her. 

(6) Ansgar

Ninth-century archbishop and missionary who did much to spread the faith in Scandanavia, and for that reason is called the "Apostle of the North." Unfortunately, the Church double-booked his feast day, such that February 3rd is the feast of both St. Ansgar and St. Blaise. And since it's cold season and people want their throats blessed, 999 times out of 1,000 the priest will opt to celebrate the feast of St. Blaise instead of poor St. Ansgar. But especially for those with Scandanavian roots (or a fondness for the Winter Olympics!), Ansgar is a most worthy patron saint.

(7) Isidore

There are actually two St. Isidores on the Church's calendar. There is the feast of St. Isidore the farmer and also that of St. Isidore of Seville, a seventh-century bishop and doctor of the Church. Some have suggested that the latter should be the patron saint of the Internet. (On that score, I'm willing to wait for the canonization of former Chiefs' offensive tackle Damian McIntosh!)

(8) Scholastica

Especially during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI, it seems appropriate to choose as a patron saint St. Benedict's beloved sister Scholastica, who has the distinction of being the first Benedictine nun. (No wonder she got to be abbess!)

(9) Athanasius

Tremendously heroic fourth-century bishop and doctor of the Church. I would put him higher, except I already know several people who, despite the name's length, have named their sons Athanasius because of his staunch defense of the true faith, which led to his being known for all time as the "Father of Orthodoxy."

(10) Ignatius

Another two-fer. Many probably think of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits who developed the immensely helpful "spiritual exercises" as a means of spiritual growth. But there's also St. Ignatius of Antioch, who succeeded St. Peter as Bishop of Antioch and then was famously martyred in 107 during the reign of Emperor Trajan. Click here for a previous post on St. Ignatius of Antioch, one of my favorite saints.

Well, I hope this partial, lighthearted list is helpful to you and/or any confirmandi in your charge this coming Confirmation season. Our hope is in Christ alone, but we do benefit from developing devotions to saints who inspire us to grow in holiness. 

Today the universal Church celebrates the feast of the Chair of St. Peter. When I first returned to the Church way back when, I thought this feast sounded really strange. I was okay with celebrating events from the life of Christ, and even with celebrating feasts in honor of special saints. But a chair?

Then I read that ever since the fourth century, the feast of the Chair of St. Peter has been celebrated in Rome as a sign of the unity of the Church founded upon that apostle. Hmmm. There must be more to the story . . . More...

Last week I received this question via email: "I recently read that Pope John Paul II taught that even if a man looks lustfully at his wife he commits adultery in his heart. My conclusion from this is that any thought of sex whatsoever would be considered adultery (assuming thought of sex = lust). Therefore every thought of sex in one's entire life is a sin against the 6th and 9th commandments. Is this a correct interpretation?"

Before answering this specific question, I walked my questioner through a few fundamental principles. More...

After reading my "Give It Up!" post, John and Sheila Kippley sent me a very kind note. As many of you know, they have been pioneers in the field of natural family planning (NFP) since the publication of Humanae Vitae in 1968. They suggested another form of abstinence this Lenten season: More...

My favorite Lenten hymn is “The Glory of These Forty Days.” What I like so much about it is its simple melody coupled with lyrics attributed to St. Gregory the Great that clearly teach us--or at least remind us--what Lent is all about.

The glory of these forty days
We celebrate with songs of praise;
For Christ, by whom all things were made,
Himself has fasted and has prayed. More...