Posted February 14, 2008 Book: Reader’s Journal: for the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Washington, DC. 2007. Pp. 122 An Excerpt from the Introduction: “From the earliest days of the Church when St. Athanasius wrote the life of St. Anthony of the Desert, it was clear that telling stories about saints and holy people encourages others to want to be like them and is an effective way of teaching Catholic doctrine.: United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, xx In this Reader’s Journal for the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, the starting point is your personal response to the teaching of the Catholic faith revealed to us in and through Christ Jesus, the Lord. As in the stories of faith that begin each chapter of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA), the connection between Catholic teaching and Catholic living lies in the unfolding story of each one of our lives. The thirty-six chapters in this Reader’s Journal parallel the thirty-six chapters of the UCCA. For selected sections of each chapter, you will find reflection questions and space to respond with your thoughts and insights. Each chapter in this journal ends with the challenge to identify how to put your faith into practice. This Reader’s Journal provides rich opportunities to articulate your faith and to reflect on how to live that faith in new and deeper ways. Who Should Use This Reader’s Journal? Individuals: Use this Reader’s Journal by focusing on each chapter for a specific period of time, such as a week or a month. During this time, read and reflect on sections of the corresponding USCCA chapter, and respond in the journal at regular intervals as your schedule allows. While reading each chapter, use the prayer suggestions daily, and reflect regularly on ways to live out your faith. RCIA: The Reader’s Journal is a perfect resource for catechumens, the elect, and candidates for reception into full communion. The journal will aid both their catechesis and their mystagogical reflection. When the section of the chapter being studied has a reflection step in the journal, invite participants to write down their personal reflections and responses before sharing with the group. This activity provides an opportunity for the insights of individuals to enrich the group as a whole. Adult Faith Formation Groups: Anyone participating in adult faith formation efforts in the parish can use this Reader’s Journal for additional reflection after scheduled sessions. Small groups can use it to facilitate reflection and discussion. Individuals within the parish can establish a parish message board or blog online for parishioners to share their reflections throughout the year. An Excerpt from the Book: 9. Receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22) The Revelation of the Spirit Joint Mission of Son and Spirit — CCC, Nos. 683-747 Read — Reflect — Respond — She was led by the Holy Spirit Pages 101-102 in Catechism Have you ever been challenged, criticized, or mocked for your faith? How has the Holy Spirit helped you to defend your faith? The Transforming Spirit Pages 102-104 The Holy Spirit first comes to us in the sacrament of Baptism. How do you rely upon the Holy Spirit to live your faith? How do you witness to your faith as a family member? As a Catholic? As a neighbor? The Holy Spirit is Revealed Gradually Pages 104-106 This section describes the eight ways in which the Holy Spirit is present in your life. Which of these eight have you experienced, and how? Table of Contents: Part 1: The Creed: The Faith Professed 1. My soul longs for you, O God 2. God comes to meet us 3. “Proclaim the Gospel to every creature 4. Bring about the obedience of faith 5. I believe in God 6. Man and woman in the beginning 7. The Good News: God has sent his Son 8. The saving death and resurrection of Christ 9. Receive the Holy Spirit 10. The Church: reflecting the light of Christ 11. The four marks of the Church 12. Mary: the Church’s first and most perfect member 13. Our eternal destiny Part 2: The Sacraments: The Faith Celebrated 14. The celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ 15. Baptism: becoming a Christian 16. Confirmation: consecrated for mission 17. The Eucharist: source and summit of the Christian life 18. Sacrament of penance and reconciliation: God is rich in mercy 19. Anointing the sick and the dying 20. Holy Orders 21. The sacrament of marriage 22. Sacraments and popular devotions Part 3: Christian Morality: The Faith Lived 23. Life in Christ – part 1 24. Part II 25. The first commandment 26. The second commandment 27. The third 28. The fourth 29. The fifth 30. The sixth 31. The seventh 32. The eighth 33. The ninth 34. The tenth Part 4: Prayer: The Faith Prayed 35. God calls us to pray 36. Jesus taught us to pray