Customer Reviews

Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (No. 1) (St. Joseph Catecisms)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've taught CCD off and on for many years. Recently, I had to fill in for the high school CCD teacher at our parish, as she was out of town for a while. The curriculum I was given to teach was so incredibly boring, shallow, and hard to teach, I was at a total loss. I would sit for hours trying to find a way to make it interesting, relevant, and "non-condescending." I found myself instead "touching" on the prescribed curriculum, but pulling the "meat" of our lesson from the St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism, books 1 and 2.

What? High school students taking lessons from what was essentially an early elementary school book? YES. And I was amazed at how few of the Catechism questions they were able to answer.

But I saw these kids go from falling asleep at their tables (with the newer curriculum) to opening their eyes and actually taking an interest in their faith when I pulled out the old Catechism! What better way to teach compassion and love than from the lesson on the 7 corporal works of mercy! What better way to cement their belonging to our Church, than studying the 4 marks of the Church and our rich Catholic history! And what better way to understand right from wrong than from a lesson on mortal and venial sins.

As I taught them FROM the books (discussions, memorization, stories relating to each lesson, games) the old fashioned pictures and anecdotes were not a problem, though I don't think any of the kids in our class would be turned off by them. These books teach the backbone of our faith, and I think any Catholic child/teen/adult could only benefit from the simple, down to earth instruction within it's pages. HIGHLY recommended.

After First Communion, parents need a text book for helping them to teach their children about the faith at a steadily increasing level. The St Joseph Catechism No. 1 does this for children in grades 3-5, or even higher. It takes the truths of the faith in step by step order, and presents them in clear language, with pictures accompanying the teaching. My children found it easy to learn and remember the teachings of the faith by having not only the text but also the pictures.

After graduating college, moving away from home, and living on my own I knew I better figure out what I believed and why I believed it. While away from home I was face to face with a culture that couldn't give a fat rats behind what happened to me, and I always remembered that the Catholics I grew up with did. So I figured this was my last refuge in the world and I'd better get right with God if he's going to be my closest ally.

Although I had a copy of the New Catechism, it wasn't enough. The New Catechism broad brushed over a lot questions I had without answering them to the clarity needed. They weren't wrong answers, just vague. I picked the Baltimore Catechism up at a book store and in the first pages a veil was lifted from my eyes. There was no stopping from there. After shedding the cobwebs of 20 years of modern Catholic parochial confusion, I was ready to take life on with a clear mind - and conscience. This book literally changed my life. No kidding.

I was born into a Catholic family over 50 years ago and went through Catechism in the early 1960's (pre Vatican II). I left the Church in my teens not returning to it until I reached my 40's. I had studied with Baptist, Jehovah'S Witness, Worldwide Church of God and lots of independent study. Since my 40's I have been reading a lot of Catholic literature since I help with RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) the Catholic program for receiving new Catholics. I have read Keating, Kreeft, Hahn, Barber and others. On a whim I picked this up the other day and although very quick and basic it covers a lot of ground and I am enjoying going through it again so many years later. I can not imagine a Catholic who would not enjoy this book

The Baltimore Catechism is especially useful for children and those who are new to the faith. It is very easy to understand and is presented in a question and answer format. Not only that but it is orthodox (meaning correct in doctrine). While old, it is still a gold standard in the realm of catechisms.

The St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism includes questions and answers so Catholics can pencil in answers to questions being asked from them.

Very traditional and though it is "pre-Conciliar" because it contains the Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum (mistakenly called the Tridentine Mass) and it has pictures of the traditional Catholic altar and the communion rails.

It teaches the Catholic Faith with an absolute dogmatic teaching regarding Salvation, Mortal and Venial Sin, Confession, and how to practice and love the Catholic Faith.

It is a recommended catechism for Catholics of all ages---doesn't matter whether you attend the traditional Latin Mass or the Novus Ordo Missae.

This is a must have for all Catholics born after Vatican Council II, who do not know their catechism. If this was still taught in the Catholic schools, people would understand their religion better.

The books arrived in excellent time and were in excellent condition, suitable for use in a classrom environment. The book itself is easy to read, clear on Catholic doctrine, and an excellent reference resouce.

Excellent for children and adults to learn the basics, of which many Catholics and or Christians do not have. The book is meant for children, but again many adults need to read.

I have used this to homeschool my nephew to prepare for his first communion. What a awesome tool. Our first progress meeting with our parish priest was a huge success. Father was very impressed with my nephews answers to his questions. I am also rediscovering my Catholic faith from its roots and enjoying every minute. Love the question and answers at the end of every lesson.