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Baltimore Catechism #1
Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism: No. 1
Gives the revised text of the Official Baltimore Catechism in a new and modern format and design, and explains Catholic doctrine with the aid of many exclusive features. PICTURES have been used profusely to aid in understanding each lesson. SACRED SCRIPTURE has been used extensively to give life to the formulas in which doctrine is expressed. This Catechism combines modern outlook and language with a solid time-tested exposition of the teaching of the Church.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1885
About the author
Plenary Councils of Baltimore
5 books4 followersThe Plenary Councils of Baltimore were three national meetings of Catholic bishops in the United States in 1852, 1866 and 1884 in Baltimore, Maryland.
During the early history of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States all of the dioceses were part of one ecclesiastical province under the Archbishop of Baltimore. This being the case, governance of the American church was carried out by provincial councils held in Baltimore. As the church grew and was divided into multiple provinces, it became necessary for a national (or plenary) council of the bishops of the United States to meet to foster common discipline.
The fathers of the Seventh Provincial Council of Baltimore requested the Holy See to sanction the holding of a plenary council. The petition was granted and the pope appointed Archbishop Francis Kenrick of Baltimore as Apostolic Delegate to convene and preside over the council.
During the early history of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States all of the dioceses were part of one ecclesiastical province under the Archbishop of Baltimore. This being the case, governance of the American church was carried out by provincial councils held in Baltimore. As the church grew and was divided into multiple provinces, it became necessary for a national (or plenary) council of the bishops of the United States to meet to foster common discipline.
The fathers of the Seventh Provincial Council of Baltimore requested the Holy See to sanction the holding of a plenary council. The petition was granted and the pope appointed Archbishop Francis Kenrick of Baltimore as Apostolic Delegate to convene and preside over the council.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 8, 2011
Church abandoned her teaching function...i have to do it myself....first volume could be read in one night....other three volumes expand same ideas.....u will not touch cathecism of jp2 after this....simple, solid, orthodox
February 5, 2017
Really good read. A must read for any Catholics.
April 9, 2021
I read this in preparation (many 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 is extremely good, especially since it removed certain things in the original version that, while not erroneous, were not Church Dogma.
Anyone with children or who want the rudiments of the Catholic Faith, I highly recommend this.
The revised Baltimore Catechism is extremely good, especially since it removed certain things in the original version that, while not erroneous, were not Church Dogma.
Anyone with children or who want the rudiments of the Catholic Faith, I highly recommend this.
July 18, 2024
I read this as part of Father Mark Goring’s Saint Mark’s School of Reading. I picked up the eBook to follow along, as a part time student. It was wonderful reading this with Father Mark’s weekly videos. The description of this book states:
“Since its 1885 debut, the Catechism commissioned by the Third Council of Bishops in Baltimore has instructed generations of Catholic faithful. With an easy to read question and answer format, the Catechism combines solid Catholic doctrinal teaching with meaningful exposure to Scripture and practical application. The revival of interest in the Baltimore Catechism reflects Catholics growing realization that a clear, concise presentation of the truths of the Faith is just what people young and old need to appreciate, practice and defend Church teaching. Catechists and parents will find this Catechism an invaluable teaching tool as they prepare children and catechumens to receive the Sacraments and lead authentic Catholic lives. Students will find this an uncomplicated and friendly guide to authentic Catholicism. The 33 lessons contained in Baltimore Catechism No. 1 present the basics of the Catholic Faith in a manner suitable for First Communicants through fifth graders. This is the original TAN edition of the Baltimore Catechism, with updated typesetting, fresh new cover, larger format, quality binding and the same trusted content.”
The chapters in this volume are:
LESSON FIRST
On the End of Man
LESSON SECOND
On God and His Perfections
LESSON THIRD
On the Unity and Trinity of God
LESSON FOURTH
On the Angels and Our First Parents
LESSON FIFTH
On Sin and Its Kinds
LESSON SIXTH
On the Incarnation and Redemption
LESSON SEVENTH
On Our Lord’s Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
LESSON EIGHTH
On the Holy Ghost and His Descent upon the Apostles
LESSON NINTH
On the Effects of the Redemption
LESSON TENTH
On the Church
LESSON ELEVENTH
On the Sacraments in General
LESSON TWELFTH
On Baptism
LESSON THIRTEENTH
On Confirmation
LESSON FOURTEENTH
On the Sacrament of Penance
LESSON FIFTEENTH
On Contrition
LESSON SIXTEENTH
On Confession
LESSON SEVENTEENTH
On Indulgences
LESSON EIGHTEENTH
On the Holy Eucharist
LESSON NINETEENTH
On the Ends for Which the Holy Eucharist Was Instituted
LESSON TWENTIETH
On the Sacrifice of the Mass
LESSON TWENTY-FIRST
On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
LESSON TWENTY-SECOND
On Matrimony
LESSON TWENTY-THIRD
On the Sacramentals
LESSON TWENTY-FOURTH
On Prayer
LESSON TWENTY-FIFTH
On the Commandments of God
LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH
On the First Commandment
LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH
The First Commandment—On the Honor and Invocation of the Saints
LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH
From the Second to the Fourth Commandment
LESSON TWENTY-NINTH
From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
LESSON THIRTIETH
From the Seventh to the End of the Tenth Commandment
LESSON THIRTY-FIRST
On the First and Second Commandments of the Church
LESSON THIRTY-SECOND
On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church
LESSON THIRTY-THIRD
On the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, Hell, Purgatory and Heaven
MORNING PRAYERS
EVENING PRAYERS
PRAYERS FOR MASS
THE RIGHT MANNER OF CONFESSING
COMMUNION PRAYERS
THE ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
HYMNS
This edition of this volume received the Imprimatur and the Nihil obstat originally in 1885, then again in 1898 then in 1932. We are informed that it was originally issued by the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1885. This edition reprinted from the 1933 edition of Benziger Brothers, Inc. by arrangement with Benziger, Bruce and Glencoe, Inc. This edition also contains Prayers and Hymns at the back. And the eBook edition contains a complete prayer book called: Catholic Prayers: Compiled from Traditional Sources edited by Thomas A. Nelson.
Father Mark Going is taking us through this volume over several videos. At the same time, he is working one on one with a gentleman at his parish, and we are often informed about their sessions. This is a volume Father Mark uses to teach people before they are received into the church. We worked through the book over 6 sessions cover four to seven lessons in the volume. It was an excellent pace to work through the book. And even though the book is over 140 years old it is a wonderful resource for personal study or to be used to teach the faith.
There appears to be over 100 editions of this book listed on GoodReads alone. It is one of four volumes that make up a set. This volume and the three companion volumes from TAN are wonderful edition. A new Type Setting. Clean clear crisp layout. And very reasonably priced.
This is a wonderful little resource. Great for personal or group study. I can easily recommend it to all Catholics. It was another great selection for the Father Mark Goring for his Saint Mark’s School of Reading It was great to work through this book and follow along with the weekly videos. I can easily recommend this book. It is an excellent read!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
“Since its 1885 debut, the Catechism commissioned by the Third Council of Bishops in Baltimore has instructed generations of Catholic faithful. With an easy to read question and answer format, the Catechism combines solid Catholic doctrinal teaching with meaningful exposure to Scripture and practical application. The revival of interest in the Baltimore Catechism reflects Catholics growing realization that a clear, concise presentation of the truths of the Faith is just what people young and old need to appreciate, practice and defend Church teaching. Catechists and parents will find this Catechism an invaluable teaching tool as they prepare children and catechumens to receive the Sacraments and lead authentic Catholic lives. Students will find this an uncomplicated and friendly guide to authentic Catholicism. The 33 lessons contained in Baltimore Catechism No. 1 present the basics of the Catholic Faith in a manner suitable for First Communicants through fifth graders. This is the original TAN edition of the Baltimore Catechism, with updated typesetting, fresh new cover, larger format, quality binding and the same trusted content.”
The chapters in this volume are:
LESSON FIRST
On the End of Man
LESSON SECOND
On God and His Perfections
LESSON THIRD
On the Unity and Trinity of God
LESSON FOURTH
On the Angels and Our First Parents
LESSON FIFTH
On Sin and Its Kinds
LESSON SIXTH
On the Incarnation and Redemption
LESSON SEVENTH
On Our Lord’s Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
LESSON EIGHTH
On the Holy Ghost and His Descent upon the Apostles
LESSON NINTH
On the Effects of the Redemption
LESSON TENTH
On the Church
LESSON ELEVENTH
On the Sacraments in General
LESSON TWELFTH
On Baptism
LESSON THIRTEENTH
On Confirmation
LESSON FOURTEENTH
On the Sacrament of Penance
LESSON FIFTEENTH
On Contrition
LESSON SIXTEENTH
On Confession
LESSON SEVENTEENTH
On Indulgences
LESSON EIGHTEENTH
On the Holy Eucharist
LESSON NINETEENTH
On the Ends for Which the Holy Eucharist Was Instituted
LESSON TWENTIETH
On the Sacrifice of the Mass
LESSON TWENTY-FIRST
On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
LESSON TWENTY-SECOND
On Matrimony
LESSON TWENTY-THIRD
On the Sacramentals
LESSON TWENTY-FOURTH
On Prayer
LESSON TWENTY-FIFTH
On the Commandments of God
LESSON TWENTY-SIXTH
On the First Commandment
LESSON TWENTY-SEVENTH
The First Commandment—On the Honor and Invocation of the Saints
LESSON TWENTY-EIGHTH
From the Second to the Fourth Commandment
LESSON TWENTY-NINTH
From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
LESSON THIRTIETH
From the Seventh to the End of the Tenth Commandment
LESSON THIRTY-FIRST
On the First and Second Commandments of the Church
LESSON THIRTY-SECOND
On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church
LESSON THIRTY-THIRD
On the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, Hell, Purgatory and Heaven
MORNING PRAYERS
EVENING PRAYERS
PRAYERS FOR MASS
THE RIGHT MANNER OF CONFESSING
COMMUNION PRAYERS
THE ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
HYMNS
This edition of this volume received the Imprimatur and the Nihil obstat originally in 1885, then again in 1898 then in 1932. We are informed that it was originally issued by the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1885. This edition reprinted from the 1933 edition of Benziger Brothers, Inc. by arrangement with Benziger, Bruce and Glencoe, Inc. This edition also contains Prayers and Hymns at the back. And the eBook edition contains a complete prayer book called: Catholic Prayers: Compiled from Traditional Sources edited by Thomas A. Nelson.
Father Mark Going is taking us through this volume over several videos. At the same time, he is working one on one with a gentleman at his parish, and we are often informed about their sessions. This is a volume Father Mark uses to teach people before they are received into the church. We worked through the book over 6 sessions cover four to seven lessons in the volume. It was an excellent pace to work through the book. And even though the book is over 140 years old it is a wonderful resource for personal study or to be used to teach the faith.
There appears to be over 100 editions of this book listed on GoodReads alone. It is one of four volumes that make up a set. This volume and the three companion volumes from TAN are wonderful edition. A new Type Setting. Clean clear crisp layout. And very reasonably priced.
This is a wonderful little resource. Great for personal or group study. I can easily recommend it to all Catholics. It was another great selection for the Father Mark Goring for his Saint Mark’s School of Reading It was great to work through this book and follow along with the weekly videos. I can easily recommend this book. It is an excellent read!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
January 17, 2025
This is the catechism that I was brought up on prior to Vatican II, and the Protestantization of Catholic Church. Reading and studying this will show you a stark difference between The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of pre conciliar Catholicism, and the post conciliar Synodal Catholic/Protestant Hybrid Church of The Modernists.
If we are to approach God as a humble child, this is where we need to begin. The psychobabble claptrap of the JP II Catechism is too convoluted. This is the root of The Vine on which I want to be a branch.
If we are to approach God as a humble child, this is where we need to begin. The psychobabble claptrap of the JP II Catechism is too convoluted. This is the root of The Vine on which I want to be a branch.
February 12, 2019
This Baltimore Catechism is the catechism of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, written for Catholic school children in the United States. This volume begins with the traditional prayers (Apostles Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, Glory Be, Acts of Contrition, Love, et cetera). The chapters are broken down in discussing The Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, sins, Laws of the Church, and the like. At the back of this volume are traditional hymns.
This volume is easy to understand, with questions and answers that relate to the particular subject matter in each chapter. This is the catechism to read to learn (or remind oneself) of the true tenants of the Church, not the New Church of Vatican II.
This volume is written for the younger Roman Catholic student; each successive volume (through number 4) is more in-depth and appropriate to the student’s grade level.
I highly recommend this series.
This volume is easy to understand, with questions and answers that relate to the particular subject matter in each chapter. This is the catechism to read to learn (or remind oneself) of the true tenants of the Church, not the New Church of Vatican II.
This volume is written for the younger Roman Catholic student; each successive volume (through number 4) is more in-depth and appropriate to the student’s grade level.
I highly recommend this series.
June 15, 2024
Informative
Easy to understand great for the curious and for those who have questions or want to prepare for OCIA. Nicely laid out for ease of reading and finding information. Bonus with pertinent prayers being included
Easy to understand great for the curious and for those who have questions or want to prepare for OCIA. Nicely laid out for ease of reading and finding information. Bonus with pertinent prayers being included
March 27, 2008
It's so basic, but then, it's for little kids. Book 2 builds on Book 1, and Book 3 on Book 2, etc., with Book 4 explaining it all in the end...
August 22, 2019
Well, you know “If you can’t say something nice about something, don’t say anything at all”?
Well, I just can’t say ‘anything’ nice about this book, at all.
Was that ok, Mama?
Well, I just can’t say ‘anything’ nice about this book, at all.
Was that ok, Mama?
September 17, 2021
A good book on the basic teachings of the Catholic church. The book however makes many depictions of the Holy Trinity. Depicting the Father, Son and Holy Spirit which goes against Acts 17:29.
Read
January 9, 2023This book is a solid read! Set in the time of Nazi Germany. The narrator named "Death" tells the story of Liesel, an orphan girl, who he nicknames "book thief". Since character Hans Hubermann, Liesel's foster father, teaches her to read, she falls in love with it. As a result, Liesel steals books to fulfill her love for reading, hence "Book Thief." Moreover the dynamic between Death and the main character Liesel, although sad, creates a very interesting and captivative relationship that even confuses the reader's emotions at some points. For example, in some scenes when Death is present, he appears to be compassionate. This contradicts the common initial feeling of fear towards dying and totally changes the readers thoughts towards death overall. Furthermore, although the book is sad and may even draw a tear, it does not reign true for the entire book. For instance, a young boy, Rudy and Liesel also have childish and fun adventures together that humorously always seem to end with Rudy asking her for a kiss. All in all, The Book Theif by Markus Zusak is an entertaining book that changes ones perspective on life and death.
July 15, 2019
Wonderful! So easy to read and filled with nuggets of wisdom elucidating basic tenets of Catholic faith. The illustrations/cartoons are delightful and actually really helpful in remembering and understanding Catholic dogma.
January 13, 2020
Excellent Outline of the Faith
Volume one of the Baltimore Catechism covers all of the essentials of Catholic Faith and worship. I highly recommend it even to those who feel like they understand the Faith well. The Kindle edition is perfect.
Volume one of the Baltimore Catechism covers all of the essentials of Catholic Faith and worship. I highly recommend it even to those who feel like they understand the Faith well. The Kindle edition is perfect.
February 28, 2025
While I think this version does its job of teaching things you need to know l, it isn't my favorite for teaching kids, especially if they struggle with understanding. Some of the questions/answers are great, but others harder to understand. I did, however, learn some things myself!
April 23, 2020
I love these little Catechism books.
September 10, 2020
A better education than my Cathecist gave me.
December 16, 2020
We used this text for catechism at church. My kids found the text simple and straight forward. It covers the basics in an honest and forthright way. No frills or fluff.
December 30, 2021
Meaningful
Easy to follow. Very useful. Recommend it. If you haven't already. Give it a try. Nice read. Yes. Quite insightful.
Easy to follow. Very useful. Recommend it. If you haven't already. Give it a try. Nice read. Yes. Quite insightful.
January 6, 2022
Fantastic way to help educate your family in the faith!
August 11, 2022
Incrível: Bem completo e bem expliado, além de ter um glossário, mistérios do rosário, via-sacra e um missal anexos no final; tudo com ilustrações clássicas e nostálgicas.
January 23, 2023
Easy to read as this is meant for a younger audience. However, the lessons in it were extremely helpful as I go through RCIA.
June 21, 2023
Solid and classic instruction in the Catholic faith.
October 11, 2024
best update of the catechism
I have learned much from
The Baltimore catechism and bible in a year
My spiritual beliefs have been renewed in mind and spirit
I have learned much from
The Baltimore catechism and bible in a year
My spiritual beliefs have been renewed in mind and spirit
December 24, 2020
The Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 1 which I read was officially revised and published by Catholic Book Publishing in 2012. This edition has explanations and study guides that are ideal for youth and beginning learners. The text is organized into 37 lessons, has discussion questions for each lesson, and uses drawn graphics for visual context. The revised edition is explained by Father Bennet C.P. (P)
April 20, 2020
Tradititions
Just as I remember, from my childhood! The basics of Catholicism, in a concise form. Readable and well organized. An essential.
Just as I remember, from my childhood! The basics of Catholicism, in a concise form. Readable and well organized. An essential.
January 12, 2014
If you would like to get a foundational understanding of Catholicism, this series of books are for you. There are 4 volumes and each presents the teaching of the catholic Church in a question and answer format. Yes they were designed for educating children but I believe they will help anyone who want to understand the teaching of the Catholic church. Even if you are not a Catholic take some time and try to understand what the Catholic church actually teaches instead of listening to people tell you what they believe.
February 12, 2015
The best Catholic Catechism series printed.
I used this Catechism series growing up and I truly feel it is still the best. I taught Catechism for a few years, and the textbook we were given to use was so lacking that I often found myself supplementing with the Baltimore Series. There is so much information that is not available in many of these new Catechism series and often times they have errors in them or at best poorly explained teachings. The Baltimore Series is very to the point and easy for the youth to read and study.
I used this Catechism series growing up and I truly feel it is still the best. I taught Catechism for a few years, and the textbook we were given to use was so lacking that I often found myself supplementing with the Baltimore Series. There is so much information that is not available in many of these new Catechism series and often times they have errors in them or at best poorly explained teachings. The Baltimore Series is very to the point and easy for the youth to read and study.
August 13, 2021
Short and sweet. Lessons begin with vocabulary and a list of questions and answers. These are intermingled with prayers, The stations of the cross and Hymns. I can’t remember what catechism I was given when I was young going to CCD but I wish that this was still used and I know my kids haven’t gotten this one. Sharing this with my younger sons to help better explain their path to Faith.
August 2021- re-read and bought a different edition that is illustrated. I wish they would use this at our Parish for the kids. I’m thankful I found it for my kids.
August 2021- re-read and bought a different edition that is illustrated. I wish they would use this at our Parish for the kids. I’m thankful I found it for my kids.
June 14, 2012
I can recall studying the Baltimore Catechism years ago. This is a collection of basic fundamental beliefs of the catholic church presented in a question and answer format designed for first through fourth graders. I gained a deeper understanding of sin and what I'm suppose to be doing to live my faith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews