The word catechesis describes the work of the Catholic Church “to make disciples, to help men believe that Jesus is the Son of God so that believing they might have life in His name, and to educate and instruct them in this life, thus building up the body of Christ” (from the Prologue). The word catechism means “instruction”. The Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs us on the teachings of the Church. It is a great reference book which contains a complete summary of what Catholics throughout the world believe.
The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of the saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments) and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is, as Pope John Paul II calls it, "a special gift."