YOUCAT English: Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church Paperback – April 1, 2011

This morning I heard a great interview on EWTN with Ignatius Press, "speaking out" for the new YOUCAT. YOUCAT is short for Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church. Everyone will want to know why YOUCAT is yellow and white. Some may have guessed, "Because it is the color of the Vatican flag!" You would have been correct!For two years, groups of 50 youth banded together to work on this new Catechism of the Catholic Church for youth, under the direction of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, Austria, who was the editor of Catechism of the Catholic Church. The EWTN interview was exciting for me and, with 15 grandchildren, I hurried to order YOUCAT!I was happy to see the comments by Pope Benedict XVI on the new YOUCAT. He said much more than the following but here are a few things that are interesting: (my personal comments in the parentheses)"Today I recommend for your reading an unusual book . . ." (this Pope cares for the youth!)"Should we not attempt to translate the Catechism of the Catholic Church into the language of young people? Should we not bring its great riches into the world of today's youth?" (YES!!!!)"Many people say to me: The youth of today are not interested in this. I disagree, and I am certain that I am right. THE YOUTH OF TODAY ARE NOT AS SUPERFICIAL AS SOME THINK. They want to know what life is all about . . ." (this was my personal favorite! POPE BENEDICT XVI has confidence in the youth of today!)"This book is exciting because it speaks of our own destiny and so deeply engages every one of us. I invite you: Study this Catechism! That is my heartfelt desire.""This catechism was not written to please you. It will not make life easy for you, because it demands of you a new life." (this was my other personal favorite!)"It places before you the Gospel message as the "pearl of great value" (Mt 13:45) for which you must give everything.""So I beg you: Study this Catechism with passion and perseverance. Make a sacrifice of your time for it! Study it in the quiet of your room; read it with a friend; form study groups and networks; share with each other on the Internet. By all means continue to talk with each other about your faith...." (and this was another favorite! "study with passion and perseverance")"Of course, there are many differences even among the youth of today's world. And so now, under the capable direction of the Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Cardinal Schoenborn, YOUCAT has been produced for young people. I hope that many young people will let themselves be fascinated by this book."(Added after having time with YOUCAT! It is just terrific. You have to see the inside, read the questions and see the designs on the pages. It is going to be hit. I have been buying it for gifts. Great index! )

I bought this book for my 15 year old daughter so she could learn something about the Catholic church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a MUST READ for adults who want to know what the Catholic church really teaches and believes, but it is a bit much for teenagers and young adults to grasp. The Youcat is an outstanding alternative to the CCC in that it is written specifically to appeal to that very group of young people. Arranged in a question and answer format it answers the same questions as the CCC but does it in a way that is easier to understand and grasp for young people. It includes quotes from saints, fathers of the church and other experts, definitions of words and terms and cross references among other things. If you are catholic or want to know more about the church in a easy to read and understand format and you are a teenager or young adult then this book is for you.

This is a solid, down-to-earth catechism for teenagers. It covers all the practical questions one can be faced with in said pivotal years, but also solid theological content. physically it is small, and easy to carry. The paper material is good, and the cover is strong enough to hold up to everyday use, but not "fancy" enough to worry about damaging. Would certainly recommend for households with teens.

In a time when the media and even other believers misconstrue the tiniest details about the Catholic faith, It's important that younger people have a go-to text to affirm their Catholic beliefs. The Youcat, a condensed & cool catechism is that spiritual weapon. Written by youth and young adults ages 15-25, this book interprets the Catechism of the Catholic faith for a younger audience with a shorter attention span via an easy-to-read Q&A format. You can literally flip to any random page and learn something important or use the subject index in the back of the book to find what questions relate to your subject in question. I consistently refer to it when planning my curriculum for youth ministry and have even learned a few things myself. This book makes you want to dive into a deeper relationship with Christ. Even though this has been marketed to young people, do not be discouraged if you are rediscovering your Catholic faith and just so happen to be not-so-young. It's a great learning tool for any age!

Just as described!

This is a great reference for a high school youth ministry room, or for a young adult. Not something I would have a teen/young adult read page by page.It is more teen/young adult friendly with pictures.I could see a teen flipping through the pages and reading questions/answers which probably wouldn't happen for most teens with the regular catechism. Anything that encourages teens/young adults to learn more about their faith is a good thing. Or if a teen wants to know a specific question there is a subject index at the end.The answers are short and to the point. It's a good starting point for a teen, but I find that I have to cross reference with the adult catechism a lot which is why I'm giving it 4 stars and not five. Too much need to cross reference/too many confusing answers that need further discussion than this book gives. The regular catechism numbers are included in the questions/answers for cross referencing.This would be a great Confirmation gift if the person already has a Bible (as most people hopefully do have a Bible by the time they are Confirmed as a teen or adult).This definitely encourages teens and young adults to learn about their faith.