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YOUCAT
YOUCAT: The Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
YOUCAT is short for Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is the official catechism for World Youth Day. Written for high-school age people and young adults, YOUCAT is an accessible, contemporary expression of the Catholic Faith. The popular format includes Questions-and-Answers, highly-readable commentary, margin pictures and illustrations, summary definitions of key terms, Bible citations, and quotes from the Saints and other great teachers. What's more, YOUCAT is keyed to the Catechism of the Catholic Faith, so people can go deeper. It explains: What Catholics believe (doctrine)
How they celebrate the mysteries of the faith (sacraments)
How Catholics are to live (moral life)
How they should pray (prayer and spirituality)
The questions are direct and honest, even at times tough; the answers straightforward, relevant, and compelling. After the Bible, YOUCAT will likely become the "go-to" place for young people to learn the truth about the Catholic faith. Pope Benedict XVI wrote the foreword; Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, the editor of YOUCAT and the Archbishop of Vienna, Austria, wrote the afterword.
How they celebrate the mysteries of the faith (sacraments)
How Catholics are to live (moral life)
How they should pray (prayer and spirituality)
The questions are direct and honest, even at times tough; the answers straightforward, relevant, and compelling. After the Bible, YOUCAT will likely become the "go-to" place for young people to learn the truth about the Catholic faith. Pope Benedict XVI wrote the foreword; Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, the editor of YOUCAT and the Archbishop of Vienna, Austria, wrote the afterword.
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
387 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
About the author
Christoph Schönborn
67 books26 followersChristoph Maria Michael Hugo Damian Peter Adalbert Graf von Schönborn, O.P.
is a Bohemian-born Austrian Dominican friar and theologian, who is a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He serves as the Archbishop of Vienna and President of the Austrian Bishops' Conference. He was elevated to the cardinalate in 1998. He is also the chaplain of the Order of the Golden Fleece (Austrian branch), of which he has been a member since 1961. He is a member of the formerly sovereign princely House of Schönborn, several members of which held high offices of the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic Church.
is a Bohemian-born Austrian Dominican friar and theologian, who is a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He serves as the Archbishop of Vienna and President of the Austrian Bishops' Conference. He was elevated to the cardinalate in 1998. He is also the chaplain of the Order of the Golden Fleece (Austrian branch), of which he has been a member since 1961. He is a member of the formerly sovereign princely House of Schönborn, several members of which held high offices of the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 10, 2013
The Youcat has done something that almost no other book I've found has done: it has made the teachings of the faith accessible to people who have a marginal interest and a low reading level.
Mind you, the big green Catechism is great. (I still haven't made my way completely through it, but I've read most of it at one time or another.) However, it's scary-looking and huge and intimidating.
The Youcat, though, with its yellow cover and Q&A format, is pretty low-key. It transmits important information easily, painlessly.
I've been using it during our parish's Confirmation Boot Camp and in any class I teach since it's been released. You might say I'm a shameless fangirl. You'd be correct.
It's as important (and as easy) for parents to read as it is for the youth for whom it's written. Over the years, I've noticed a mantra that seems to come around and around and around, coupled with the "you're a convert so of COURSE you're a better Catholic" myth that seems so prevalent. It's the "I can't POSSIBLY teach my child! I don't KNOW enough."
I'm a catechist. I want to help. But what I do isn't primary catechesis (except with my own kids). What I do is similar to what all the farmers around me do: I plant. I might even cultivate. The growing, though, is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Much of my job as a catechist (and as a writer of things catechetical in places like this) is to encourage and equip parents. YOU CAN DO IT. And here's a tool that will help.
As I told my Confirmation students this week: it's okay to ask questions. It's okay to doubt. It's okay to stomp and scream and shake your fist (unless you're my two-year-old, and then we have a different set of standards). God can take it. It's NOT okay to walk away, to give up, to toss in your hat and chalk it up to "the Church needs to get with the times."
Obedience, the bad word of our times. It's also something we don't appreciate enough. I can ask and ask and ask (and I do, just ask my priest). Seeking knowledge isn't bad. And here's part of the arsenal you need to be ready for that part of the job.
Mind you, the big green Catechism is great. (I still haven't made my way completely through it, but I've read most of it at one time or another.) However, it's scary-looking and huge and intimidating.
The Youcat, though, with its yellow cover and Q&A format, is pretty low-key. It transmits important information easily, painlessly.
I've been using it during our parish's Confirmation Boot Camp and in any class I teach since it's been released. You might say I'm a shameless fangirl. You'd be correct.
It's as important (and as easy) for parents to read as it is for the youth for whom it's written. Over the years, I've noticed a mantra that seems to come around and around and around, coupled with the "you're a convert so of COURSE you're a better Catholic" myth that seems so prevalent. It's the "I can't POSSIBLY teach my child! I don't KNOW enough."
I'm a catechist. I want to help. But what I do isn't primary catechesis (except with my own kids). What I do is similar to what all the farmers around me do: I plant. I might even cultivate. The growing, though, is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Much of my job as a catechist (and as a writer of things catechetical in places like this) is to encourage and equip parents. YOU CAN DO IT. And here's a tool that will help.
As I told my Confirmation students this week: it's okay to ask questions. It's okay to doubt. It's okay to stomp and scream and shake your fist (unless you're my two-year-old, and then we have a different set of standards). God can take it. It's NOT okay to walk away, to give up, to toss in your hat and chalk it up to "the Church needs to get with the times."
Obedience, the bad word of our times. It's also something we don't appreciate enough. I can ask and ask and ask (and I do, just ask my priest). Seeking knowledge isn't bad. And here's part of the arsenal you need to be ready for that part of the job.
April 9, 2012
This is a must have for anyone who has ever asked the question "why"? Has the toughest questions but yet the most simple answers. A Catholic staple. A philosophers cheat sheet to "all the answers." The trick is putting it into your own language so you don't sound like your parents.
I particularly enjoy this book because it's fun and easy to manipulate. If you ever needed a conversation starter flip this open.
This IS for the faint of heart. But also for the deepest of thinkers. If you ever wanted to one-up you're grandparents...this is the key. If you wanted to free yourself from you're personal slavery. This is a must, must, must read.
Pax Christi,
Dave Woods
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us!
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us!
I particularly enjoy this book because it's fun and easy to manipulate. If you ever needed a conversation starter flip this open.
This IS for the faint of heart. But also for the deepest of thinkers. If you ever wanted to one-up you're grandparents...this is the key. If you wanted to free yourself from you're personal slavery. This is a must, must, must read.
Pax Christi,
Dave Woods
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us!
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us!
August 25, 2016
The style annoys me, true, but the book is unclear as well. After the confusion over the Italian version that had to be corrected (because seemed to say that contraception was peachy-keen), its been pointed out to the folks at Ignatius that the Youcat's version in German has an Imprimatur, but not the English one. The word sin appears less than it might. The book means to convince rather than state clearly. It really is upto the parent, but personally I prefer to give my kids the tools that they will use as adults that they may grow into the community. Its a mark of respect.
February 2, 2012
A book we gave to our Confirmation class. It is good because it is a very readable version of the Catechism, but it glosses over difficult issues. I felt I had to take the interpretation of the Catechism quotes that they offered with a grain of salt.
June 21, 2012
As with so many reworked religious books, the YouCAT fails to satisfy. For those who like the Catholic Youth Bible, YouCAT is a dream wrapped in a Bacon Sunday! For those who find the random design and shortened text to underestimate the young, it's a disappointment. The data is fine, but I'd rather give my teens something that will last them. I can't see a college dorm shelf sporting a YouCAT. It'd be like wearing a puff painted NewKids jean jacket in the late 90s... It just doesn't belong. Anyway - not a fan.
July 17, 2011
I reviewed YOUCAT on my blog (with pictures from the book): http://catholicreads.wordpress.com/20...
I think there are serious problems with this "youth catechism", as I point out on my blog... and I hope for a serious update/revision.
I think there are serious problems with this "youth catechism", as I point out on my blog... and I hope for a serious update/revision.
August 11, 2012
YouCat is heretical. Catholic apologist Robert Sungenis explains why in his "The Vatican's 'YouCat' Catechism: Weak on Homosexuality, Contraception, Euthanasia, Evolution, and Scripture."
May 15, 2022
Uhm. This book is hardly Catholic. It contains very serious issues. They quote people like Nietzsche, Luther, Rousseau… they actually say that “the Church doesn’t demonize masturbation but warns against trivializing it” (literally… that’s a direct quote) then they have a little note on the description of what masturbation means… explaining what it is / how one goes about it. What kid needs to know those details?
The Italian version of this book even literally said that contraception is fine…
Please just avoid this piece of hot trash and go for a real Catechism if you want to learn about the Faith.
The Italian version of this book even literally said that contraception is fine…
Please just avoid this piece of hot trash and go for a real Catechism if you want to learn about the Faith.
October 13, 2011
The YOUCAT is a great introduction to the Catholic catechism, especially if one wishes to have a foundation of Christian teaching. Throughout the publication, illustrations and quotes accompany the teachings and explanations to help reinforce the content.
It's a well documented reference book, especially for young adults or those wishing to learn more about Catholic teaching.
I give the YOUCAT 4.5 Stars of 5 Stars. For Goodreads, that a solid 5 stars.
It's a well documented reference book, especially for young adults or those wishing to learn more about Catholic teaching.
I give the YOUCAT 4.5 Stars of 5 Stars. For Goodreads, that a solid 5 stars.
June 15, 2011
Um livro de catequese para jovens!
Descrições da religião católica acessíveis e esclarecedoras!
A guardar à mão para pesquisas futuras!
Descrições da religião católica acessíveis e esclarecedoras!
A guardar à mão para pesquisas futuras!
February 29, 2012
This book is a very helpful tool for young adults! I love using it with my high school students.
September 1, 2019
Full of lies and half truths. Watch out. Rather read the Big Blue Catechism of the Catholic Church. Or the Penny Catechism (for children).
September 27, 2025
Heretical and purposely confusing/misleading book. Not a religious catechism.
I don't know what this book is, but it certainly isn't a religious Catholic Catechism. It honestly reads more like a Protestant book and stealth communist propaganda.
The book presents itself in Q&A format, and unlike other Catechisms which do this in a simple, concise and easy-to-read format, YOUCAT is wordy, long, small font and not easily digestible. Some of the answers really ramble on and on forever.
The book includes quotes by Martin Luther of all people (the protestant reformer!! why??), Rousseau, Nietzsche. Why, when we have so many wonderful saints in Catholicism does YOUCAT feel the need to quote anti-Catholics and anti-religion philosophers like this?
This book implies that the Scriptures contain mistakes and errors. The wording is very poor and misleading. This is not a doctrine of the Catholic Church- we are taught the Bible and Scriptures are infallible, to question this or misrepresent it is heresy. The handling of homosexuality, masturbation, end of life and many other issues in this book are handled very very poorly and not inline with true Catholic dogma. This is New Age modernist re-interpretation of Catholic doctrine.
The drawings and photos are also very disappointing. The little stick figure drawings depicting the solemn, grave and serious crucifixion of our Christ is drawn in a way that gives no reverence or respect or gravity for this awesome act of self-less love. Instead- they're drawn almost in a comical way meant to mock.
This book also implies that the Church supports communist ideals (it has an entry for 'communism' in the index and then speaks positively about how the Church supports re-distribution of wealth and labor unions). This is supposed to be a religious catechism- there is absolutely ZERO reason politics should even be mentioned this a catechism.
Also it's annoying there's no actual page numbers in this thing. Instead it's organized by question numbers. Nonetheless, page numbers would be nice. Seems like a basic thing in any book.
Overall this thing is a heretical sham and every Catholic should really research what's in it. It's just a weird book on so many levels. I would recommend looking into other catechisms like the Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism which I've included some screenshots below so you can compare the drawings, layout and format of the Baltimore Catechism with this YOUCAT book.
I don't know what this book is, but it certainly isn't a religious Catholic Catechism. It honestly reads more like a Protestant book and stealth communist propaganda.
The book presents itself in Q&A format, and unlike other Catechisms which do this in a simple, concise and easy-to-read format, YOUCAT is wordy, long, small font and not easily digestible. Some of the answers really ramble on and on forever.
The book includes quotes by Martin Luther of all people (the protestant reformer!! why??), Rousseau, Nietzsche. Why, when we have so many wonderful saints in Catholicism does YOUCAT feel the need to quote anti-Catholics and anti-religion philosophers like this?
This book implies that the Scriptures contain mistakes and errors. The wording is very poor and misleading. This is not a doctrine of the Catholic Church- we are taught the Bible and Scriptures are infallible, to question this or misrepresent it is heresy. The handling of homosexuality, masturbation, end of life and many other issues in this book are handled very very poorly and not inline with true Catholic dogma. This is New Age modernist re-interpretation of Catholic doctrine.
The drawings and photos are also very disappointing. The little stick figure drawings depicting the solemn, grave and serious crucifixion of our Christ is drawn in a way that gives no reverence or respect or gravity for this awesome act of self-less love. Instead- they're drawn almost in a comical way meant to mock.
This book also implies that the Church supports communist ideals (it has an entry for 'communism' in the index and then speaks positively about how the Church supports re-distribution of wealth and labor unions). This is supposed to be a religious catechism- there is absolutely ZERO reason politics should even be mentioned this a catechism.
Also it's annoying there's no actual page numbers in this thing. Instead it's organized by question numbers. Nonetheless, page numbers would be nice. Seems like a basic thing in any book.
Overall this thing is a heretical sham and every Catholic should really research what's in it. It's just a weird book on so many levels. I would recommend looking into other catechisms like the Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism which I've included some screenshots below so you can compare the drawings, layout and format of the Baltimore Catechism with this YOUCAT book.
September 2, 2023
Estos libros que os traigo hoy me han parecido una propuesta interesante para ayudar a aquel que crea o quiera acercarse a la fe cristiana a formar parte de una perspectiva actualizada de la doctrina del catolicismo. Hablamos de la serie proyecto llamada YOUCAT.
💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒
Muchos piensan con pesimismo al hablar de religión pues ésta no ha estado lejos de verdaderas vergüenzas y atrocidades mientras se hablaba con un mensaje de amor y paz que resultaba hipócrita y contradictorio a ojos de cualquiera. Sin embargo, no podemos definir a toda la Iglesia con esta faceta oscura, pues dentro de ella hay personas muy buenas y verdaderamente implicadas con la labor humanitaria y con el mensaje de quien como dice Ska-p fue “el primer hippie de la humanidad”: Jesucristo.
En estos catecismos se responden a las dudas que más suelen plantearse y que nos ayudan a buscar esas respuestas que tanto anhelamos muchos. No todas serán del gusto de todos, pero como con cualquier tema, no estaremos al 100% de acuerdo. Esa es la importancia del pensamiento crítico. Que ojo, esto no quiere decir que se deba hacer desde la ignorancia y la falta de respeto que sin duda es lo que hacen muchos, sin ver todo el sacrificio y amor que hay detrás del buen creyente, voluntario, religioso…
El amarillo, el más gordito, es el más completo, pero el naranja (orientado a la confirmación) no se queda corto y las historias y reflexiones que hay dentro de ambos son muy curiosas e interesantes.
💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒
*Me encantan los muñequitos que se mueven al pie de página al pasar las hojas. No me han decepcionado y he descubierto cosas preciosas dentro de ellos. Creo que es muy importante mimar nuestra vida espiritual y esto es de gran orientación y ayuda.
💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒
Muchos piensan con pesimismo al hablar de religión pues ésta no ha estado lejos de verdaderas vergüenzas y atrocidades mientras se hablaba con un mensaje de amor y paz que resultaba hipócrita y contradictorio a ojos de cualquiera. Sin embargo, no podemos definir a toda la Iglesia con esta faceta oscura, pues dentro de ella hay personas muy buenas y verdaderamente implicadas con la labor humanitaria y con el mensaje de quien como dice Ska-p fue “el primer hippie de la humanidad”: Jesucristo.
En estos catecismos se responden a las dudas que más suelen plantearse y que nos ayudan a buscar esas respuestas que tanto anhelamos muchos. No todas serán del gusto de todos, pero como con cualquier tema, no estaremos al 100% de acuerdo. Esa es la importancia del pensamiento crítico. Que ojo, esto no quiere decir que se deba hacer desde la ignorancia y la falta de respeto que sin duda es lo que hacen muchos, sin ver todo el sacrificio y amor que hay detrás del buen creyente, voluntario, religioso…
El amarillo, el más gordito, es el más completo, pero el naranja (orientado a la confirmación) no se queda corto y las historias y reflexiones que hay dentro de ambos son muy curiosas e interesantes.
💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒💟💒
*Me encantan los muñequitos que se mueven al pie de página al pasar las hojas. No me han decepcionado y he descubierto cosas preciosas dentro de ellos. Creo que es muy importante mimar nuestra vida espiritual y esto es de gran orientación y ayuda.
November 22, 2018
I fully understand that, being a 30-year-old man, with some education and learning, and a number of years in the Catholic educational system, I was not the intended audience for this book. Much of the material I already knew, at least in a general sense. However, for a young person, or a person newly exploring Catholicism, this book would be a valuable resource and mine of information. The quotes, both from scripture and various saints or inspirational figures (not all of whom were Catholic) were interesting and often helpful. The question-and-answer format was helpful, and lends itself to an easy reading.
November 1, 2020
"El cielo es el momento sin fin del amor. Poder mirar a Dios cara a cara es como un único y eterno momento de amor."
Una manera muy fácil de acercarnos a conocer más el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica. A manera de preguntas y respuestas, el YOUCAT constituye una herramienta de consulta que busca atraer especialmente a los jóvenes a los cimientos que constituyen nuestra Iglesia.
Una lectura super recomendada para cualquier persona, sin importar su edad, que busque adentrarse un poco más a los fundamentos de la fe católica.
Una manera muy fácil de acercarnos a conocer más el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica. A manera de preguntas y respuestas, el YOUCAT constituye una herramienta de consulta que busca atraer especialmente a los jóvenes a los cimientos que constituyen nuestra Iglesia.
Una lectura super recomendada para cualquier persona, sin importar su edad, que busque adentrarse un poco más a los fundamentos de la fe católica.
May 25, 2018
Although I'm not a teenager, this book answered some of my questions and satisfied some concerns. The information was much more easily absorbable and enjoyable to read than the huge volume of the official Catechism of the Catholic Church. I particularly enjoyed the related scripture and notables' quotes in the margins of each topic section.
January 18, 2024
Uitstekend initiatief van paus Benedictus XVI (Ratzinger), deze nieuwe catechismus voor de jeugd van de RKK. Heldere relevante vragen en antwoorden. Qua opzet om als protestant jaloers op te worden. De vraag is wel hoeveel gelovigen nog werkelijk verlangen naar geloofsonderwijs. Maar dit is een interessant zet tegen die cultuur in.
July 14, 2017
If you are a Catholic (teen or adult) and interested in understanding your faith at a deeper level, this is an excellent resource for you. Great for Religious Ed instructors, pastoral staff members, and anyone looking for good foundational information.
January 18, 2019
Helpful and insightful for today's youth. And maybe even those that aren't so young! Clear and to the point, this catechism approaches the faith in a way that is helpful for even a modern young person who desires to understand the true substance truth beauty and goodness of Catholicism.
January 5, 2021
From the description: "Catechism of the Catholic Church, written for high-school age people and young adults." High-school age people and young adults these days must be way more serious than I was at that age, because I didn't find this book an easy read even in my forties.
May 9, 2021
Was given this by a Catholic Priest along with other literature to read as I am converting to Catholicism , it is aimed at the younger reader but it was really useful to Me & is crammed with valuable info on the Catholic faith . Recommended to anyone wanting to know more about Catholic beliefs .
July 18, 2024
I found this to be a simple, yet challenging read. I love learning about my Catholic faith, so being able to read this Youth Catechism has helped me grow closer to God. I deeply wish to follow His will in all ways of my life, so I know He has been glorified through this book.
October 25, 2025
Am Anfang etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig mit dem Frage - Antwort Schema, aber wenn man sich eingelesen hat sehr interessant und gut geschrieben. Vor allem die Kommentare zu den Antworten helfen, die Thematik besser zu verstehen.
May 16, 2017
Một cuốn sách giáo lý Công Giáo trẻ, giành cho người trẻ ngày nay! Đã từng xem qua nhiều cuốn giáo lý, nhận thấy đây là cuốn sách giáo lý thiết thực nhất trong thời đại này!
May 12, 2018
Grateful
December 5, 2018
من افضل الكتب التي يمكن ان يعرفك بالتعاليم المسيحيه الكاثوليكية بطريقه اسئله و اجوبه . موجه الى الشباب و طريقه طرحه مناسبه جدا للولوج الى عالم الشباب أما الاقتباسات الحانبيه فهي رائعه 😍😘❤️
December 6, 2018
Definitely re-reading this! So much more fun than the standard catechism.
January 29, 2020
Un gran compendio de la Iglesia Católica, escrito especialmente para jóvenes, que nos ayuda a comprender mejor nuestra fe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews