Many of us grew up in Catholic families, attended Holy Mass, received the sacraments, and experienced profound moments with God. However, over time, it is common to notice that the flame of faith begins to fade. The world drains us with its demands, distractions, and seductive proposals. And when the foundation of our faith is shallow, we eventually give in.
The truth is, many Catholics are not firmly grounded on the rock. They heard the Lord’s words but did not put them into practice. As Jesus Himself tells us:
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock…” (Mt 7:24-27)
To live Catholicism with firmness, we must know it, study it, and put it into practice, with the Holy Bible and the Catechism of the Church as our reliable guides. One of the greatest treasures the Church offers us for this is the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).
What is the Catechism of the Catholic Church?
The Catechism is an official document of the Church, approved by Saint John Paul II in 1992, that presents in an organic, systematic, and faithful way everything the Church believes, celebrates, lives, and prays. It is a true compendium of the Catholic faith.
It contains the essential Christian doctrine, based on Sacred Scripture, the Tradition of the Church, the Church Fathers, the Magisterium, and the lives of the saints. As Saint John Paul II affirmed:
“The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a wonderful tool for proclaiming the Word of God.”
It is intended for everyone: bishops, priests, catechists, parents, youth, laypeople, and any faithful who desire to know and love the faith of the Church more deeply.
Structure of the Catechism
The CCC is divided into four main parts, which correspond to the pillars of our life of faith:
- The Profession of Faith (Creed)
- What the Church believes: dogmas, truths of the faith, what we profess when we pray the Creed.
- The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (Liturgy and Sacraments)
- How we live the faith: the sacraments, worship, and liturgy.
- Life in Christ (Morality)
- How we act: life according to the commandments, Christian morality, the call to holiness.
- Christian Prayer (Our Father)
- How we relate to God: prayer as the expression and sustenance of Christian life.
This division helps us understand the faith as a living, cohesive whole that begins in belief and is expressed in life, sacraments, and prayer.
Why do so few Catholics know the Catechism?
Despite its importance, the Catechism is still unknown to many faithful. This is due to several factors:
- Lack of encouragement in parishes and formation groups.
- Language considered “difficult” by some (although simplified versions exist). Even online, on platforms like YouTube, we find priests teaching what the CCC says—this helps us grow more familiar with it.
- The false idea that simply attending Mass and listening to the homily is enough. We need to go deeper at home through more reading.
- Lack of awareness about the existence or purpose of the Catechism.
But the truth is that every Catholic needs to have the Catechism as a reference to clearly understand what the Church teaches. By doing so, we won’t fall for just any fallacy and will be able to defend our two-thousand-year-old faith with confidence. Knowing the faith we profess assures us that we are on the right path. We are grounded on the rock, which is Jesus. And when the rains and winds come to beat against our house, it will not fall, because we are living the Lord’s commandments by His grace.
Why should we read the Catechism?
- Because it is a reliable guide to authentic doctrine. In times of doctrinal confusion and “fake teachings,” the Catechism is like a firm rock.
- Because it helps us interpret the Bible correctly, in harmony with the Church’s Tradition.
- Because it strengthens our faith: the more we know, the more we love.
- Because it forms the authentic Christian: not only someone who believes, but someone who lives what they believe.
Reading the Catechism is like taking a concentrated dose of Christian wisdom: small in form but immensely powerful in its effects. By assimilating its teachings, we become firmer in faith, more coherent in our choices, and more prepared to witness to the Gospel with clarity and charity.
A simple plan to start reading
- Keep a Catechism at home (or access it online for free).
- Read small sections daily, even just one paragraph at a time.
- Start with the Thematic Index, seeking answers to specific questions.
- Use it as material for prayer and meditation. Also search on YouTube for classes and catechism studies, especially from trustworthy priests or theologians. These resources can greatly help clarify doubts and deepen understanding, making study more accessible and engaging.
- Share it in a group: reading in community makes understanding easier and creates bonds of faith.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a treasure still largely unexplored, yet absolutely essential. Having a Catechism is like holding a reliable map in your hands. More than that: it is the voice of the Church—echoing the voice of Christ—guiding us on the path of truth.
If we want to build our lives on the rock, we need to study and live what the Church teaches. And the Catechism clearly shows us that way.
Knowing the faith we profess assures us that we are on the right path. We are grounded on the rock, which is Jesus. And when the rains and winds come to beat against our house, it will not fall, because we are living the Lord’s commandments by His grace.
Do you have a Catechism at home? How about setting aside some time this week to dive deeper into the faith we profess?
Reviewed and updated on: May 17, 2025.