A. The Sacraments of Initiation, Healing, and Vocation

B. Sacramentals

Life in Christ - This part of Catechism encapsulates teachings of faith on inestimable value and dignity of human life. It is here where we explore those issues that often put Church at odds with global “culture of death.” We learn about how, from earliest years of faith, Christians honored human life from conception to natural death. We go on to learn how, contrary to societal notions, sin and its devastating effects cannot be masked behind euphemisms or “relative” morality. The Catechism conducts an exhaustive review of Ten Commandments, reminding us that they are still in force and how they must serve as template to shape our lives. In summary, this part of Catechism explains:

A. Dignity of Human Person

B. Christian Morality

C. Virtues

D. Sin

E. Social Justice

F. The Ten Commandments

Christian Prayer - The last section of Catechism offers insights into importance of maintaining intimate contact with our Creator through prayer. We learn about various types of prayer, intrinsic value of prayer and obstructions that can affect quality of our prayer life. Prayer is essential to our pilgrimage but, like any endeavor, it takes practice and commitment. Saints have reminded us that God is interested in quality, not quantity. The Catechism closes with a superb exposition of Our Father, prayer taught to us by Lord himself. In summary, this part of Catechism explains:

A. The Revelation of Prayer

B. The Tradition of Prayer

C. The Life of Prayer

D. The Lord’s Prayer

A wonderful feature of book is that, after every few pages, there is a bullet-type summary (known as In Brief) encapsulating major points presented. In a culture grown accustomed to sound bites, each In Brief section gives us a quick review and provides cross-reference back to main text. These summaries come in handy when material is especially deep or theologically complex.

A journey through this profound document would be extremely difficult were it not for supporting material that comprises almost one-fourth of book’s total pages. Located at very back of Catechism, this material gives us tools to pursue source of Catholic beliefs and doctrines. It starts off with Index of Citations which give us source reference of each footnote, from Sacred Scripture (all taken from Revised Standard Version or New Revised Standard Version of Bible) to Ecumenical Councils, Pontifical Documents, Canon Law, and Ecclesiastical Writers.

Perhaps most important navigation tool is Index of Topics, an improvement made to second edition of Catechism. This comprehensive Index is a wonderful pathway to vast array of topics inside. Those new to faith find it especially helpful to go here first. They find a topic of interest or concern to them and zero in on appropriate paragraph in text to see where Church stands on that issue. Coming from a “Bible only” background, it is often a revelation for them to see that Church has squarely faced difficult issues of age and given a clear, supported teaching. For those of us who grew up in Catholic faith, we find comfort in fact that Catholic Church is consistent, i.e. that her commitment to virtue, piety and moral living is always same no matter what new challenge comes along. The difficult topics addressed by Catechism remind us that Holy Mother Church never was, nor will ever be, afraid to stand as a moral voice for all ages. A helpful Glossary follows Index, which aids in understanding some liturgical or theological terms we may not come across every day.

The Catechism of Catholic Church is a treasure. Its riches are wide open to faithful, reminding us that we are members of an ancient Church, “...so old yet so new.” In mining wisdom of its pages we hear, once again, voices of Apostles, Popes, Fathers, and Saints. They remind us that, in our humility before world, we can still be proud to be members of one true Church founded by Jesus Christ.

It is impossible to live sacramental life while actively engaging in any contraceptive practices, for we knowingly defraud God of result of a loving act due to our selfishness and sinful pride.Upon assuming role of parents, we must remember that we have “primordial and inalienable” responsibility for education of our children (CCC #2221-23). While we can delegate certain educational duties to a formal school, we cannot delegate responsibility for oversight of our children’s education. The term “education” means more than just secular studies, for home must be place for evangelization and catechesis. First, we must give our children a solid grounding in virtues. Second, we must offer apprenticeship in self-mastery, self-denial and sound judgment, so they can learn to forego pleasures in spirit of Christian discipline. This helps widen their focus outside of family in order to see needs of others. Third, education in Catholic faith means creating an environment of personal and family prayer, participating in devotions (such as Enthronement, Adoration, Novenas, Stations of Cross and Rosary), attending Parish Missions, and ensuring thorough Sacramental preparation. Fourth, we must guide children in exploring potential vocations, especially being open to God’s call to priesthood or religious life. All of these efforts point to only true goal in education of our children - to make them holy people.

All of this responsibility may seem daunting to average Catholic parent. Like any task, however, we can create hope by building a strategy for success. Consider following as a guide:

A. Set and Honor Priorities - Make it known that God is first in your life and let your decisions consistently reflect God’s preeminent place. Ensure that family’s choices regarding books, magazines, entertainment, and clothing all reflect proper Christian values. Ensure that attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days (and especially while on vacation) is a family priority. Let family home proudly exhibit signs and symbols of our faith.

B. Distinguish between Vocation and Occupation- Understand distinction between “what we are” versus “what we do.” Success in our vocation (married, single or priest/religious) is our life’s goal. Our occupation, on other hand, is merely what we do to pay bills. God cares deeply how we embrace our chosen vocation, whereas it matters little to Him what field we choose to earn our daily bread. As any committed Catholic parent will affirm, it is infinitely harder to live one’s vocation than it is to succeed at a chosen occupation. Why? Because our vocation demands that we give everything of ourselves, a notion that runs contrary to our culture. Does next rung of career ladder undergo prayerful scrutiny for its impact on our chosen vocation or is it weighed solely for its occupational benefits?

C. Embrace a Vigorous Sacramental Life - Continue to foster a love of Sacraments in your children once they initially receive by having same level of commitment yourself. Demand of yourself an ever-higher standard of Christian behavior rather than simply remaining at same level year after year. Start a relationship with a spiritual director.

D. Surround Yourself with Committed Catholic Families - Americans love “support groups,” so why not as part of our faith journey? Have courage to discontinue relationships if certain friends do not support your moral values. Make an active effort to be involved in parish life beyond Sunday “obligation.” Be willing to be challenged by others more advanced in faith to delve deeper into its mysteries.

E. Continue Your Education in Catholic Faith - Consider last 10 books youhave read. Did they support or conflict with your faith values? Ensure that your faith education includes doses of Scripture, Catechism, Lives of Saints, Papal Encyclicals, Council Documents and works of Spirituality.

F. Actively Demonstrate Christian Service - Remember that, “...a contented Christian does not exist.” We are called to mix it up with society and fearlessly speak out against injustice, poverty and wrongdoing. In short, being Catholic means being countercultural, just as Jesus was countercultural. Our family life must reflect admonition of St. James that, “...Faith without works is dead.” (Jm 2:14) and render Christian service in a truly selfless way. Sincere actions will instill in our children importance of a life focused on service to others.

“We are not called to success, just faithfulness.”

Mother Teresa

*Catechism of Catholic Church, Second Edition.