Catechism
A catechism is an official summary of Catholic teaching, organized for instruction; the Catechism of the Catholic Church, published in 1992, is the Church's current authoritative reference.
Structure of the Catechism
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is organized around four pillars: the Creed (what Catholics believe), the sacraments (how they worship), the Ten Commandments (how they should live), and the Our Father (how they should pray).
A Long Tradition
Catechisms have existed since the early Church in various forms; the Catechism of the Catholic Church replaced the widely used Baltimore Catechism in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Catechism of the Catholic Church for?
It's written primarily for bishops and those responsible for catechesis, though it's widely read directly by ordinary Catholics seeking a clear reference to Church teaching.
Is the Catechism the same as the Bible?
No — the Catechism explains and organizes Church teaching, drawing on Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium, but it is not itself Scripture.