Since the Baltimore Catechism was first launched in 1885, it has proved an incomparable tool for passing on the faith to the next generation. The revival of this Catechism reflects the growing realisation among Catholics that to accept, practice and defend the holy faith, we must first understand and learn its truths. The Baltimore Catechism clearly and concisely explains what Catholics believe. The question and answer format is useful for anyone who wants to grow in his or her knowledge of the faith of the Catholic Church. It is also perfect for parents who want to instruct their children in the fundamentals of Catholicism. This book is intended for students who have received their confirmation, includes 37 lessons, and is appropriate for grades 10-12. 4.5 x 7 This edition has been re-typeset using the text of the 1933 edition originally published by Benzinger Brothers, NY under the Imprimaturs of John Cardinal McCloskey, New York, 6th April, 1885, Michael Augustine, New York 25th July 1898 and Patrick Cardinal Hayes, New York, 26th November 1932.
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.