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The Catechetical Instructions of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Author(s):

St. Thomas Aquinas

Translator(s):

Rev. Joseph B. Collins, S.S., S.T.D.

Number of pages:

239 pages

1939

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Catechisms

Resource Type:

Book(s)

Web text

Review:

Saint Thomas provides beautiful explanations of the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, the Lord's Prayer and the Hail Mary.

Sample passages:

"From all this then is seen the effect of the passion of Christ as a remedy for sin. But no less does it profit us as an example. St. Augustine says that the passion of christ can bring about a complete reformation of our lives. Whoever wishes to live perfectly need do nothing other than despise what Christ despised on the Cross, and desire what Christ desired. There is no virtue that did not have its example on the Cross."

"The plenitude of grace in Mary was such that its effects overflow upon all men. It is a great thing in a Saint when he has grace to bring about the salvation of many, but it is exceedingly wonderful when grace is of such abundance as to be sufficient for the salvation of all men in the world, and this is true of Christ and of the Blessed Virgin. Thus, 'a thousand bucklers,' that is, remedies against dangers, 'hang therefrom.' Likewise, in every work of virtue one can have her as one's helper. Of her it was spoken: ' In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue.' Therefore, Mary is full of grace, exceeding the Angels in this fullness and very fittingly is she called 'Mary' which means 'in herself enlightened': 'The Lord will fill thy soul with brightness.' And she will illumine others throughout the world, for which reason she is compared to the sun and the moon."

The text contains an error regarding the Immaculate Conception (which was not defined as dogma until well after the time of St. Thomas Aquinas). While the error is corrected in the footnotes, the issue is very important and needs to be clearly understood.

Perspective:

Catholic

Additional notes:

Written in the 1200s, this English edition has a 1939 Imprimatur.

Update from the webmaster, March 2024: This book is available from a variety of sources because its text is in the public domain. The Click here for the full text of the Catechetical Instructions, at the Internet Archive.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

1-20-01

The Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition

Author(s):

Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Number of pages:

904 pages

1997

ISBN:

978-1574551105

Publisher:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Catechisms

Grade / Age level:

High School

Adults

Review:

This beautiful new Catechism is truly a gift and a treasure in an era when "new" so often means "bad." Although I have not yet read every word of it (it's quite a big book!) I have had the pleasure of leading Catechism study groups for mothers and found much success in using this text to help some who were previously very lukewarm in their faith to better understand not only what the Catholic Church really teaches, but why these teachings make sense - yes, even in our modern world!

The Catechism is divided into four main sections. The First, the Profession of Faith, covers the basic beliefs and dogmas of the Church - based upon the Creed. Part Two, "The Celebration of the Christian Mystery", discusses liturgy and the Sacraments. Part Three, "Life in Christ", covers moral life - particularly in light of the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments. Part Four is on Christian Prayer.

The text is both difficult and joyful to read. It is difficult (in some places) because of the unfamiliar vocabulary - catechesis, pedagogy, asceticism, fecundity - these are not part of our every day vocabulary (although many should be learned by high schoolers). Even so, the new edition has an in-depth glossary in the back and these more unfamiliar words come up once every few paragraphs rather than every other sentence. It is joyful to read because it is so rich, so beautiful, so true. Throughout the text, the reader is referred to Sacred Scripture, Church documents and the writings of the Saints. An additional volume The Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, published by Ignatius Press, provides the text from all of the footnotes for easy reference and further study.

A few sample passages:

(407) "The doctrine of original sin, closely connected with that of redemption by Christ, provides lucid discernment of man's situation and activity in the world. By our first parents' sin, the devil has acquired a certain domination over man, even though man remains free. Original sin entails 'captivity under the power of him who thenceforth had the power of death, that is, the devil.' Ignorance of the fact that man has a wounded nature inclined to evil gives rise to serious errors in the areas of education, politics, social action and morals."

(1395) "By the same charity that it enkindles in us, the Eucharist preserves us from future mortal sins. The more we share the life of Christ and progress in his friendship, the more difficult it is to break away from him by mortal sin. The Eucharist is not ordered to the forgiveness of mortal sins - that is proper to the sacrament of Reconciliation. The Eucharist is properly the sacrament of those who are in full communion with the Church."

(2521) "Purity requires modesty, an integral part of temperance. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity."

(2712) "Contemplative prayer is the prayer of the child of God, of the forgiven sinner who agrees to welcome the love by which he is loved and who wants to respond to it by loving even more. But he knows that the love he is returning is poured out by the Spirit in his heart, for everything is grace from God. Contemplative prayer is the poor and humble surrender to the loving will of the Father in ever deeper union with his beloved Son."

Many beautiful writings of the Saints are included (in addition to those which are merely footnoted), such as this passage from St. Ignatius of Loyola (taken from the Spiritual Exercises):

"Every good Christian ought to be more ready to give a favorable interpretation to another's statement than to condemn it. But if he cannot do so, let him ask how the other understands it. And if the latter understands it badly, let the former correct him with love. If that does not suffice, let the Christian try all suitable ways to bring the other to a correct interpretation so that he may be saved."

This book belongs in every Catholic home. It should be read over, and prayed over, and cried over, and smiled over often.

Additional notes:

Copyrights 1994/1997

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

1-20-01

The Catholic Book of Character and Success

Author(s):

Edward Garesché, S.J.

Number of pages:

160 pages

1930

ISBN:

9781928832560

Publisher:

Sophia Institute Press

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Motivational Reading

Grade / Age level:

High School

Mature Teens

Review:

Formerly titled How to Live Nobly and Well, this reprint of an older Catholic book helps young people focus on those things which bring happiness in this life and in the next. Each chapter focuses on virtues and character traits which encourage harmonious living and union with God or act in opposition to the live of Christ. The reader is brought to an understanding of how to control their imagination and actions by focusing on a higher good. The book instructs them as to how and when to accept criticism and what constitutes prudent behavior. Further, the book focuses on developing self control and a love for God's Holy Will as well as recognizing true happiness as a opposed to the temporary pleasures of the world.

Written for an older audience than The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (reviewed below) it covers many of the same ideas as that book but from a Catholic perspective. the Catholic Book of Character and Success has as its end the hope that the reader will develop a love for and conformity to God's Will. That same hope is not found in The 7 Habits. The tone of the Catholic Book of Character and Success is serious and best read by mature students in their late teens.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Andrea Chen

First reviewed:

6-27-01

The Catholic Christmas Book of Cherished Christmas Customs

Author(s):

Father Francis Weiser

Illustrator(s):

Frankenberg, Robert

Number of pages:

188 pages

1999

ISBN:

0911845925

Publisher:

The Neumann Press (reprint of 1952 edition)

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

Christmas

Review:

I love Christmas. I love all the preparing during Advent, the feasting during Christmas Day itself, and the Catholic and secular traditions surrounding the entire Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle. I love reading about Christmas and planning new traditions and dusting off old ones. I was delighted to find a republished (by Neumann Press) copy of Father Francis Weiser’s classic, The Catholic Christmas Book of Cherished Christmas Customs. Originally published in the 1950s, I can remember Mom reading snippets from this book when I was growing up. The republication is such a blessing; especially since Neumann Press has kept the original texts and sketches and bound it all together in a hard-cover for years of use. Please note: this is not a recipe book, craft book or activity book. This is a scholarly work on the facts about Christmas from a Catholic world-view. Father Weiser delves into each symbol, tradition, story and saint that plays a role in the Christmas season. He begins with the Gospel versions and relates these to historic events. Next he discusses just how and when the celebration of December 25th as the birth of the Christ Child came about. He further develops the changing times as the Protestant Revolt and the rise of Puritanism caused many of the religious aspects of Christmas to seemingly disappear – but some of what we consider very secular traditions have their roots in religious beliefs. Fr. Weiser points all these out, with specific information about why the different countries celebrate in these ways. A few chapters are devoted to describing and explaining ancient hymns, medieval carols and modern Christmas songs – not so much the words of these carols, but more their meanings and background. He places the hymns and songs in their historical and social context, explaining when the particular hymn was sung and why. Nativity plays and mystery play traditions from different countries and crèches are detailed. Lights, fires and the Christmas tree are symbols used in just about every culture – Fr. Weiser does a great job describing and explaining these customs. Food, which plays a large role in many of the Christmas traditions, is the subject of the last couple of chapters. Unfortunately, Fr. Weiser doesn’t give us any recipes – and some of these treats sound wonderful! Many of the foods mentioned, thankfully, we can find on the internet to satisfy our need to make what he mentions. Again, this book is not a typical Christmas book – there are no stories, activities or recipes. This book will give all those interested a great resource for understanding the roots of the many holiday traditions including the activities, the decorations, the music and drama of the days surrounding the birth of the Christ Child and the visit of the Magi.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Mary C. Gildersleeve

First reviewed:

6-22-2009

The Catholic Homeschool Companion

Author(s):

Maureen Wittmann

Rachel Mackson

Number of pages:

482 pages

2005

Publisher:

Sophia Institute Press

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Books about Homeschooling

Review:

Since I have been homeschooling since the Paleozoic era of the 1980's, there are times when I feel like I've heard it all before. Not with the Catholic Homeschool Companion. Almost every article offered me a fresh perspective, reaffirmed a belief I already had, inspired me with encouragement, or taught me something new.

Veteran homeschoolers Maureen Wittmann and Rachel Mackson have brought together in one book the real experts: Parents who have experienced what works best for them. They have practiced what they preach. If you are looking for a "how-to-manual" or a one-size fits all curriculum, you have come to the wrong place.

The book is a true representation of the homeschool community in which every family has their own particular way of homeschooling. It reflects a rich diversity of homeschool styles, covering a wide range of topics. There are even articles written from the student's point of view. In other words, the articles reflect points of view from across the spectrum of learning situations: structured learning to unit studies; the special needs child to the typical learner, families sharing a co-op homeschool to homeschooling only your own family.

By looking at just the Chapter headings you can see why this book is a whopping 482 pages: Core Subjects, Enrichments Subjects, High School, Homeschooling Styles and Strategies, Children with Special Needs, Homeschooling in Unique Circumstances, the Father's Perspective, Finding Inspiration, Homeschooling Community and Support, Home Management, Homeschool Students and Graduates, and Appendices with lists of resources and authors' biographies.

Under each category, four or more authors explore the topic from their perspective. Under Core Subjects, for example, you are not going to find an exhaustive treatment of the topic, covering every school subject, but a personal experience on what worked best for that family regarding a particular subject whether it is phonics, math, or grammar. Marcia Neill, for example, discusses "History as God's Plan."

Even though the book is rather thick, it is a great book to "snack" on. As we all know, time is precious for busy moms. Because of the layout of the book, the reader can pick and choose the topic of interest to him or her. That is right; there are articles of interest to dad as well. Since the essays are short, it is a great book to grab when you have only a few minutes to read.

Since I have my own way of doing things, I may not agree with every word or find it practical or probable to implement every suggestion. I can still benefit greatly from this book by gleaning from the experts their experience and apply what works best for my homeschool situation.

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of someone else's success and not understand why it won't work for you. The answer is that every family is unique. You need to find out what works best for your family. That is one of the great beauties of this book. Every family shares their gifts. Pull up a chair, and sit back and relax while others share their insights. With all the possibilities presented in the Catholic Homeschool Companion, you are bound to find (as the subtitle says) ". . .tips, tricks, and techniques to make your homeschool a happier, holier, and more productive learning environment. . ."

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Elizabeth Yank

First reviewed:

4-22-06

The Children of Noisy Village

Author(s):

Astrid Lindgren

Number of pages:

124 pages

Publisher:

Puffin Books

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Authors

Family Stories

Grade / Age level:

Elementary

Review:

This story is about a nine year old girl and her friends and brothers. They all lived in Noisy Village, which was really three farms with seven children running around and being noisy which is why everyone called it Noisy Village. In South Farm lived a boy named Olaf and his little sister Kersten. In Middle Farm lived Karl, Bill and Lisa. In North Farm lived two girls named Britta and Anna. They have a few adventures with the grumpy shoemaker, have trouble coming home from school on time and have many other hilarious adventures, but you will have to read the book to find out about them. I think girls would like this book a little bit better than boys would, but I think your whole family will enjoy this amusing, fast-read book.

Additional notes:

Reviewer age 9

Reviewed by:

Ria Van Hecke

First reviewed:

1998-99

The Children's Book of America

Author(s):

William Bennett

Number of pages:

112 pages

1998

Publisher:

Simon and Schuster

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

Another great collection compiled by William Bennett which includes beautifully illustrated tales and poems such as: Father Junipero Serra, the story of the First Thanksgiving, Paul Bunyan, the Story of the Star Spangled Banner, an Indian legend, and patriotic songs and poems. This is one of the books that my children ask for over and over - probably because of the wonderful illustrations, interesting content and great variety of stories. I especially like the story included about Father Junipero Serra which very nicely portrays the faith and fortitude of this humble priest.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

12-27-99

The Children's Book of Faith

Author(s):

William Bennett

Number of pages:

102 pages

2000

Publisher:

Doubleday

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

This newest edition presents some colorfully illustrated tales of a more religious nature. Passages from the Bible include "the Story of Daniel and the Lion's Den", "the Healing of a Paralytic", "the Call of Samuel", "the Little Lost Lamb", the 23rd Psalm, and "Miriam and the Floating Basket." Other stories involve St. Christopher. St. Martin of Tours and St. Augustine's famous "Walk by the Sea" where a little boy (believed to be Jesus or an Angel) had a conversation with him about the mysteries of God. Classic tales by Leo Tolstoy and Oscar Wilde, beautiful poems and hymns, and the stories of Amazing Grace and of the historical event which was the origin of the celebration of Hannukah are also included. There are thirty-three stories in all.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

4-21-01

The Children's Book of Heroes

Author(s):

William Bennett

Number of pages:

112 pages

1997

Publisher:

Simon and Schuster

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

I like this volume even better than The Children's Book of Virtues. (We checked it out from the library three different times before I finally bought it!) Heroes includes stories of Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa, Helen Keller, David and Goliath, Father Flanagan and Jackie Robinson. The book is filled with illustrations and stories are generally three to five pages, with a few poems included as well. The biographies are our family's favorites, but there are many other stories including myths and fairy tales which teach some of the same values. You can't miss the Catholic stories included.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

1998-99

The Children's Book of Virtues

Author(s):

William Bennett

Number of pages:

112 pages

2000

Publisher:

Simon and Schuster

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

This lavishly illustrated story-book was inspired by (and includes stories from) the best-selling story collection The Book of Virtues. This has been a favorite book in our family since my oldest was just two. The stories include: The Little Hero of Holland, the Tortoise and the Hare, The King and His Hawk (a cautionary tale about anger involving Genghis Kahn - my daughter liked this story so much that she had it almost memorized at the age of 2 1/2), St. George and the Dragon, St. Francis' Sermon to the Birds, the Legend of the Dipper, George Washington and the Cherry Tree, the Indian Cinderella, the Boy Who Cried Wolf and the Honest Woodman. Classic poems are included as well. All selections are beautifully illustrated and provide one of the most effective ways (through stories) to help children understand basic moral values.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

3-9-01

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The Catechetical Instructions of Saint Thomas Aquinas

The Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition

The Catholic Book of Character and Success

The Catholic Christmas Book of Cherished Christmas Customs

The Catholic Homeschool Companion

The Children of Noisy Village

The Children's Book of America

The Children's Book of Faith

The Children's Book of Heroes

The Children's Book of Virtues

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