United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

xviii • United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith. Further, it is offered to

every person who wants to know what the Catholic Church teaches.

UNITED STATES CATHOLIC

CATECHISM FOR ADULTS

The

United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

is an adaptation of the

Catechism of the Catholic Church

, and it is presented to Catholics of

the United States who are members of both Latin and Eastern Churches,

with the understanding that the Eastern Churches may develop their

own catechisms for adults emphasizing their own traditions.

This text follows the

Catechism

’s arrangement of content: “The

Creed”; “The Sacraments”; “Moral Life”; and “Prayer.” It emphasizes

the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Sacraments, moral principles, and the heri-

tage of the Doctors and saints of the Church. It is an organic and system-

atic expression of the Apostolic Tradition, expressed in an inspired way

in Sacred Scripture and authoritatively interpreted by the Magisterium

of the Church. This text also reflects the sacramental language, practice,

and discipline of the Eastern Churches to the degree necessary to provide

basic information to Latin Catholics about the Eastern Churches.

The Structure of Each Chapter of This Book

1. Story or Lesson of Faith

2. Teaching: Its Foundation and Application

3. Sidebars

4. Relationship of Catholic Teaching to the Culture

5. Questions for Discussion

6. Doctrinal Statements

7. Meditation and Prayer