The New St. Joseph First Communion Catechism

by Confraternity of Christian Doctrine

The New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism from Catholic Book Publishing contains the revised text of the official Baltimore Catechism (No. 0) in a user-friendly format and design. Written for children in Grades 1 and 2, this book explains Catholic doctrine with the aid of many exclusive features, including many pictures to help children understand each lesson. Extensive use of Sacred Scripture demonstrates the basis of Catholic doctrine and brings it to life. This book combines a contemporary viewpoint and language with a solid time-tested exposition of Catholic Church teachings.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Theology, Christian

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Joseph Wetterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the Baltimore Catechism, but simplified for younger children, this catechism provides the first (formal, printed) step in a spiraling study of the faith. Written for children who have been baptized (it asks "What sacrament have you received? ...Baptism."), it is intended to teach on the next sacraments, reverence and understanding of the Mass, and on sin and salvation. Given the intended age range, of course it does not cover everything; many descriptions (e.g. venial sin) are unnuanced, in anticipation of further instruction. That said, it provides catechism that even some adults may need: the difference between original and actual sin, the Immaculate Conception, the two greatest annual Feasts (Christmas is not one of them), etc.

This is a great gift for a child preparing for their first confession, especially. It should be read and studied slowly together, and it can brought to Mass as a very simple missal and prayerbook.

[Joshua Rodning McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in preparation (a few years from now) for the catechesis of my daughter. While she is only three, my wife and I read this with her nightly.

The revised Baltimore Catechism, on which this is based, is extremely good. This is especially since it removed certain things in the original Baltimore Catechism that, while not erroneous, were not Church Dogma.

Anyone with small children or who want the rudiments of the Catholic Faith, I highly recommend this.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this little book. Its more child-friendly than the blue and white Baltimore I was taught on, but it still packs a punch. My son was really into the altar rubrics. He wanted to keep hearing more about why we use gold vrs anything else and all the different vestments. Getting his head in the game for alter serving.

[Jeremias · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book to teach primary children about the Catholic faith. I wish I had been taught using this resource. The focus is on sound Catholic doctrine and theology from the ages.

[Corrie Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with my son to help supplement his sacramental formation. Direct, concise, and perfectly written for the age of a first communicant.