This translation from the French by Alan Bancroft explains first the meaning of the Credo, the Apostles’ Creed. It then goes on to examine the meaning of Grace and to look closely at each of the seven Sacraments. Then follows a study of the Twelve Commandments, which occupies the bulk of the book. It is the author’s own modern version of the classic catechism done into English for the first time by Alan Bancroft. Then, at the end of each section we are given words to think about taken from the works of St John Vianney. The whole book is constructed in the form of Question and Answer to learn by heart. In this way all essential truths of the Christian Faith are isolated, examined and repeated so that they become fixed in our memory and can be recalled at will. This is a thoroughly useful book for young and old alike.
John Irvine http://www.thegoodbookstall.org.uk/ (Posted on 30/11/2011)

This little book by Hugues d'Orfeuille has been translated from the French by Alan Bancroft, who has already given us beautiful translations of Bl. Columba Marmion and the poems of St Therese and Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity. It is exactly what many parents and catechists are looking for and would make an excellent hand book for candidates preparing for Confirmation.

The teachings of the Church are covered fully and without ambiguity starting with the Credo, then dealing with Grace and the Sacraments and The Moral Law and ending with Prayer. Nothing important is omitted and terms like in a state of grace, mortal sin, purity, Purgatory and even Hell which are rarely seen in modern religious textbooks, are not only used they are carefully explained.

An initial explanation of each Doctrine is followed by a few short questions and answers which are easy to commit to memory and a final quotation from the Cure D'Ars which puts it in its Heavenly context.

This book was written by an experienced teacher of religion, Hugues d'Orfeuille, who did not under-estimate the ability of the youngsters he was writing for, and it has been translated by an expert so it is a joy to read. It should instill both a love of their Faith as well as a good understanding of it in our young people.

Originally published in pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Newsletter (Posted on 05/10/2011)

Albert Einstein once said: "You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to a grandmother." Experts can talk to each other in technical jargon and an onlooker will think they all know what they are talking about because they are all using the same words. It is only when those experts try to explain the concepts in simple language that we discover that some of them are not entirely sure what those words really mean.

I think this might explain the huge gap between Catholic books for babies and toddlers which say things like "Jesus loves you, you are special" and Catholic books for grownups which say things like "the mystery of the incarnation and redemption" with little explanation of what those words mean. We can write books for toddlers who do not ask questions and we can write books for adults who can all happily think that "incarnation" means whatever they want it to mean but we seem to struggle awfully writing books for ten year olds who expect people who write books to use plain English and say exactly what they mean.

So, the first thing I like about this catechism is that it is rare (among books of religion and science) in that it states things clearly and plainly in language a ten year old can understand. Not a cut down simplified baby language that robs the faith of it's depth and beauty by exchanging divine mysteries for platitudes but a straight forward plain speaking approach with the kind of alarmingly precise simplicity that keeps the experts awake at night because it dares to actually say things.

I would recommend this catechism to any parent because frankly, your child's Catholic school will probably not be covering most of this stuff. I would recommend it to anybody who finds themselves running sacramental preparation for seven to seventeen year olds and I think it would form an excellent basis for a decent religious education programme.

Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue (Fit for Mission) wrote the following in the preface...

...a good catechism will fill us with wonder and enthusiasm for our faith and help us to hear the whole "symphony of faith" in its simplicity and glory. It shows us the truth, beauty and goodness of God's words and deeds.
Every Catholic has a duty to assist in passing on to others the Faith handed down from the Apostles. A catechism is an essential tool for use in this work.
...

This catechism sets out the truths of the Catholic Faith in a simple and accessible way and links it's teaching with thoughts from that simple and saintly teacher of the Faith, St John Vianney. I recommend this book to all - to those taking the early steps toward learning about the Church and the Catholic Faith, to those teaching others, and to anyone who wants to become better equipped to do the Lord's command.
- Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue (Bishop Emeritus, Lancaster)

This review was originally posted on James' blog "Catholic and Loving It" http://www.lovingit.co.uk/ (Posted on 07/09/2011)