The lessons contained in Baltimore Catechism No. 3 are intended for students who have received their Confirmation and/or high schoolers. It includes additional questions, definitions, examples, and applications that build upon the content of the original Baltimore Catechism (No. 2).
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.
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 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.
The Baltimore Catechism, promoted by the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1884. This third volume is directed towards older schoolchildren (say, 7th grade and up). Designed specifically for the memorization of facts about the Faith. Catechesis is distinct from apologetics. It is primarily concerned with learning basic tenets of the faith. This is necessary for really developing one's faith. I sense that many ex-Catholics and nominal Catholics among the American political class never really learned their Catechism. The definitions (answers) found here are very concise, and so it is a very good tool for memorizing the faith.
This third volume, in a four book set, is a more in depth study of all that is contained in the first two books. As a Traditional Catholic I prefer the books written before Vatican II. I was catechized with the Baltimore Catechism when I was in school in the 50s and 60s, and I needed a refresher course. This filled the bill. If you have a desire to stay close to the teachings of the one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church this book is for you.
If you need a refresher course on the Catholic faith, this is a good read. The Catholic faith is all encompassing and most of us need to be reminded of what it entails and what our obligations as a Catholic are.