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The catechism of the catholic Church
Nature and purpose of the Catechism of
the Catholic Church
121. The Prologue to
the Catechism of the Catholic Church states its purpose: "This
catechism aims at presenting an organic synthesis of the essential and
fundamental contents of Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in
the light of the Second Vatican Council and the whole of the Church's
Tradition". (418) The Magisterium of the Church intends to render
an ecclesial service for our times with the Catechism of the Catholic Church,
recognizing that it is:
– "a valid and legitimate instrument
for ecclesial communion": (419) it desires to promote the
bond of unity in the faith by helping the disciples of Jesus Christ to make
"the profession of one faith received from the Apostles";
(420)
– "a sure norm for teaching the
faith": (421) the Catechism of the Catholic Church
offers a clear response to the legitimate right of all the baptized to know
from the Church what she has received and what she believes; it is thus an
obligatory point of reference for catechesis and for the other forms of the
ministry of the word.
– "a sure and authentic reference text
for teaching Catholic doctrine and particularly for preparing local
catechisms": (422) the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in
fact, "is not intended to replace the local catechism (duly
approved)" (423) but "to encourage and assist in the writing
of new local catechisms which take into account various situations and
cultures, while carefully preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to
Catholic doctrine". (424)
The nature or character proper to this
document of the Magisterium consists in the fact that it is a comprehensive
synthesis of the faith and thus it is of universal value. In this, it differs
from other documents of the Magisterium, which do not set out to present such a
synthesis. It differs also from local Catechisms, which, within the context of
ecclesial communion, are destined for the service of a particular portion of
the people of God.
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