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YOUCAT
YOUCAT Bible
The newest title in the internationally best-selling “YOUCAT” series for youth and young adults, this outstanding Bible features the creative elements of the best-selling YOUCAT youth catechism and the DOCAT social teaching handbook.
It’s filled with engaging photos, clever and fun illustrations by YOUCAT’s award-winning designer, insightful sidebar quotes from great thinkers, Catholic saints and leaders, past and present, and young people living their faith today. It includes helpful introductions to the books of the Bible and short, easy-to- understand commentaries by some of today’s top Bible teachers. Plus, an index of biblical names, terms, and topics.
Based on the popular Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition of the Ignatius Bible, the YOUCAT Bible carefully abridges the biblical text to help young people to follow the “story” of the Bible. It also includes a special preface by Pope Francis.
“You are holding something divine in your hands … A book through which God speaks.”
— Pope Francis, from the preface to the YOUCAT Bible
A superb book for high school classes, for regular faith-formation, for youth ministry and for young adult discussion.
It’s filled with engaging photos, clever and fun illustrations by YOUCAT’s award-winning designer, insightful sidebar quotes from great thinkers, Catholic saints and leaders, past and present, and young people living their faith today. It includes helpful introductions to the books of the Bible and short, easy-to- understand commentaries by some of today’s top Bible teachers. Plus, an index of biblical names, terms, and topics.
Based on the popular Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition of the Ignatius Bible, the YOUCAT Bible carefully abridges the biblical text to help young people to follow the “story” of the Bible. It also includes a special preface by Pope Francis.
“You are holding something divine in your hands … A book through which God speaks.”
— Pope Francis, from the preface to the YOUCAT Bible
A superb book for high school classes, for regular faith-formation, for youth ministry and for young adult discussion.
- GenresReligion
446 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
55 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Pope Francis
1,328 books999 followersPope Francis (Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; Spanish: Francisco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a title he held ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and Sovereign of the Vatican City. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European pope since the Syrian Gregory III, who died in 741.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.
Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.
Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 19, 2018
The category of books that takes the longest amount of time to review are Bibles. Though they may be time-consuming but each review copy allows me a chance for me to be immersed into the Word of God. Each Bible reviewed here on The Catholic Man Reviews is unique.
Today, I sit down to write this review of a Bible for youth released last year in its English translation, the YouCat Bible. Based on the 2015 YouCat Bible in the German language, the YouCat Bible in English is based on the Revised Standard Version (RSV) Catholic translation.
But first, let’s find out what YouCat even stands for. YouCat is short for Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church. Eventually, it has become a series of catechetical materials for youth, consists not only of the YouCat catechism, but also a Youth Prayer Book, Confirmation handbook, DoCat (Social Teachings of the Church) and now a Bible. In the near future, a YouCat Confession book will be released.
YouCat Bible does not lack the elements seen in other books of the YouCat series, inlcluding notes and quotes in the margins and its youthful stick-figure illustrations. However, it does contain many standard Study Bible elements.
As you flip to the second page of the Bible, you find a two page spread of the Overview of Bible History, leading you through the key events and time period of major Biblical Figures of the Old Testament.
The YouCat Bible also contains a preface by Pope Francis. In the preface, Pope Francis speaks a language very close to the youth. “I love my old Bible, which has been with me for half my life,” Pope Francis said. This shows how much love he has for the Word of God and how much meaning there is behind the Bible in a personal way for him. “Do you want to make me happy?”, he asks, “Read the Bible.”
In the margins, there are very short Biblical commentaries that may (1) Reference a specific quote from another book of the Bible, (2)Expands on the historical context of a Bible text, (3) Define a certain term, or (4) Connects the reader to an event or situation in today’s world to give the reader better understanding. There are also relevant quotes from saints and other religious figures that reflect a Bible text. Coloured photographs are also scattered throughout Bible bringing life to the texts.
The margins also includes notes that lead the reader to parts of the YouCat. Often, in YouCat reference notes, there are actually questions that prompt the reader to reflect and ponder. YouCat catechism is a good companion to have while reading the YouCat Bible.
There are also maps, though they are not as detailed as the ones in the Oxford Catholic Study Bible as this Bible is for youth. These maps are drawn in the same style as the stick figure illustrations which I found quite interesting. I do enjoy the simplicity of these maps. They seem to go “right to the point”, especially the one of The Journeys of St. Paul, a map I have seen in many Catholic Bibles.
Before most Biblical books, there is a short introduction that outlines the main events in the Book and outlines the significance of the events. This gives the reader some context of what the book is about which I find quite helpful. Some smaller chapters like Lamentations of Jeremiah and the Book Baruch contain a very short introduction that do not take up a full page like the other books.
Though there are many good features with the YouCat Bible, unfortunately, I have to honestly say it has drawn to me some disappointment, but it is partially my fault for not reading things carefully. When I requested a review copy, I never paid close attention that ti was only an, “introduction to the Bible with selected biblical texts”. At first when the Bible came to my doorstep, I expected a full thick Bible like the many others I have received to review. I expected it to be at least the size of The Catholic Children’s Bible by St. Mary’s Press, which is a full Bible for children.
Probably the thing that I found misleading was the sub-title, Youth Bible of the Catholic Church. I thought to myself that if it were a Youth Bible of the Catholic Church, then it should be a full Bible. It would be better in my opinion, to put in the cover, “Bible – Abridged”.
John 3:16 is said to be one the most popular Bible verse. It has even been said so by Kyle Heimann (if I’m not mistaken) at Steubenville Toronto 2016 . Curious, I turn to the Gospel of John in the YouCat Bible. I saw excerpt chapter 1, excerpt of chapter 2, but skipped to an excerpt of chapter chapter 4. Chapter 3 of John was simply summarized in a couple sentences. I saw this as a surprise as if John 3:16 is a popular verse, then it must bear significance to people.
On The Catholic Man’s Scale
★★★☆☆ 3/5
I really enjoy the appearance of the YouCat Bible, its colours and layout. Honestly though, I was disappointed that the “Youth Bible of the Catholic Church” is only an abridged bible.
The YouCat Bible would be recommended for youth who are new to the Catholic Church or have never picked up a Bible before. The YouCat Bible would be a good beginner’s Bible.
I hope the YouCat foundation and Ignatius Press can have a full “Youth Bible of the Catholic Church” one day with in depth commentaries and features in the margins for youth.
Today, I sit down to write this review of a Bible for youth released last year in its English translation, the YouCat Bible. Based on the 2015 YouCat Bible in the German language, the YouCat Bible in English is based on the Revised Standard Version (RSV) Catholic translation.
But first, let’s find out what YouCat even stands for. YouCat is short for Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church. Eventually, it has become a series of catechetical materials for youth, consists not only of the YouCat catechism, but also a Youth Prayer Book, Confirmation handbook, DoCat (Social Teachings of the Church) and now a Bible. In the near future, a YouCat Confession book will be released.
YouCat Bible does not lack the elements seen in other books of the YouCat series, inlcluding notes and quotes in the margins and its youthful stick-figure illustrations. However, it does contain many standard Study Bible elements.
As you flip to the second page of the Bible, you find a two page spread of the Overview of Bible History, leading you through the key events and time period of major Biblical Figures of the Old Testament.
The YouCat Bible also contains a preface by Pope Francis. In the preface, Pope Francis speaks a language very close to the youth. “I love my old Bible, which has been with me for half my life,” Pope Francis said. This shows how much love he has for the Word of God and how much meaning there is behind the Bible in a personal way for him. “Do you want to make me happy?”, he asks, “Read the Bible.”
In the margins, there are very short Biblical commentaries that may (1) Reference a specific quote from another book of the Bible, (2)Expands on the historical context of a Bible text, (3) Define a certain term, or (4) Connects the reader to an event or situation in today’s world to give the reader better understanding. There are also relevant quotes from saints and other religious figures that reflect a Bible text. Coloured photographs are also scattered throughout Bible bringing life to the texts.
The margins also includes notes that lead the reader to parts of the YouCat. Often, in YouCat reference notes, there are actually questions that prompt the reader to reflect and ponder. YouCat catechism is a good companion to have while reading the YouCat Bible.
There are also maps, though they are not as detailed as the ones in the Oxford Catholic Study Bible as this Bible is for youth. These maps are drawn in the same style as the stick figure illustrations which I found quite interesting. I do enjoy the simplicity of these maps. They seem to go “right to the point”, especially the one of The Journeys of St. Paul, a map I have seen in many Catholic Bibles.
Before most Biblical books, there is a short introduction that outlines the main events in the Book and outlines the significance of the events. This gives the reader some context of what the book is about which I find quite helpful. Some smaller chapters like Lamentations of Jeremiah and the Book Baruch contain a very short introduction that do not take up a full page like the other books.
Though there are many good features with the YouCat Bible, unfortunately, I have to honestly say it has drawn to me some disappointment, but it is partially my fault for not reading things carefully. When I requested a review copy, I never paid close attention that ti was only an, “introduction to the Bible with selected biblical texts”. At first when the Bible came to my doorstep, I expected a full thick Bible like the many others I have received to review. I expected it to be at least the size of The Catholic Children’s Bible by St. Mary’s Press, which is a full Bible for children.
Probably the thing that I found misleading was the sub-title, Youth Bible of the Catholic Church. I thought to myself that if it were a Youth Bible of the Catholic Church, then it should be a full Bible. It would be better in my opinion, to put in the cover, “Bible – Abridged”.
John 3:16 is said to be one the most popular Bible verse. It has even been said so by Kyle Heimann (if I’m not mistaken) at Steubenville Toronto 2016 . Curious, I turn to the Gospel of John in the YouCat Bible. I saw excerpt chapter 1, excerpt of chapter 2, but skipped to an excerpt of chapter chapter 4. Chapter 3 of John was simply summarized in a couple sentences. I saw this as a surprise as if John 3:16 is a popular verse, then it must bear significance to people.
On The Catholic Man’s Scale
★★★☆☆ 3/5
I really enjoy the appearance of the YouCat Bible, its colours and layout. Honestly though, I was disappointed that the “Youth Bible of the Catholic Church” is only an abridged bible.
The YouCat Bible would be recommended for youth who are new to the Catholic Church or have never picked up a Bible before. The YouCat Bible would be a good beginner’s Bible.
I hope the YouCat foundation and Ignatius Press can have a full “Youth Bible of the Catholic Church” one day with in depth commentaries and features in the margins for youth.
Want to read
February 1, 2023we fragmentach
January 31, 2025
Een Bijbel voor de zoekende jongere
De Youcat Jongerenbijbel probeert de brug te slaan tussen eeuwenoude Bijbelse teksten en de leefwereld van jongeren vandaag. Dat doet het boek door niet alleen bijbelteksten te presenteren, maar ze ook te voorzien van korte duidingen, citaten van heiligen en inspirerende reflecties. De lay-out is fris en modern.
Toch voelt het boek soms alsof het op twee gedachten hinkt. Enerzijds wil het jongeren aanspreken op een toegankelijke manier, anderzijds blijft de taal in de commentaren soms wat droog en catechese-gericht. De vragen die her en der gesteld worden, zetten aan tot nadenken, maar hadden wat mij betreft dieper mogen gaan.
Wat ik wél waardeer, is dat de Youcat Jongerenbijbel een open houding aanmoedigt tegenover het geloof en reflectie stimuleert. Voor iemand die op zoek is naar een eerste kennismaking met de Bijbel, kan dit een laagdrempelige instap zijn. Maar voor wie al wat dieper in de materie zit, voelt het net iets te oppervlakkig aan.
Geen slechte keuze, maar ook niet de meest verrijkende leeservaring voor mij persoonlijk.
De Youcat Jongerenbijbel probeert de brug te slaan tussen eeuwenoude Bijbelse teksten en de leefwereld van jongeren vandaag. Dat doet het boek door niet alleen bijbelteksten te presenteren, maar ze ook te voorzien van korte duidingen, citaten van heiligen en inspirerende reflecties. De lay-out is fris en modern.
Toch voelt het boek soms alsof het op twee gedachten hinkt. Enerzijds wil het jongeren aanspreken op een toegankelijke manier, anderzijds blijft de taal in de commentaren soms wat droog en catechese-gericht. De vragen die her en der gesteld worden, zetten aan tot nadenken, maar hadden wat mij betreft dieper mogen gaan.
Wat ik wél waardeer, is dat de Youcat Jongerenbijbel een open houding aanmoedigt tegenover het geloof en reflectie stimuleert. Voor iemand die op zoek is naar een eerste kennismaking met de Bijbel, kan dit een laagdrempelige instap zijn. Maar voor wie al wat dieper in de materie zit, voelt het net iets te oppervlakkig aan.
Geen slechte keuze, maar ook niet de meest verrijkende leeservaring voor mij persoonlijk.
March 2, 2017
Ich finde nicht so gut, dass einige kürzere oder längere Teile fehlen (das Buch enthält nicht die ganze Bibel), aber es ist trotzdem sehr wunderbar und nützlich, weil ganz gute Erklärungen und tolle Zeichnungen beinhaltet. Es gibt auch schöne Zitaten und gute Zusammenfassungen auf dem Seitenrand.
I find not so good that some shorter or longer parts are missing (the book is not containing the whole Bible), but it is anyway wonderful and useful because it contains good explanations and cool pictures. You can find also beautiful citations and good abstracts on the margin.
I find not so good that some shorter or longer parts are missing (the book is not containing the whole Bible), but it is anyway wonderful and useful because it contains good explanations and cool pictures. You can find also beautiful citations and good abstracts on the margin.
March 29, 2022
Eine Bibel für junge Menschen die mir auch Freude mach. Jeden Tag. Die Kommentare und Zitate regen mich an. Wunderare Lektüre!
June 6, 2022
It is Bible but not entire Bible. Some parts are simply left out and there are way too many comments on sides. Cleaner Bible more focused on... Bible would be more by my taste. I don't recommend.
June 6, 2022
5*
Vídeo de Opinião em: https://youtu.be/qffMkYM5cKk
Uma excelente adaptação.
Vídeo de Opinião em: https://youtu.be/qffMkYM5cKk
Uma excelente adaptação.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews