YOUCAT English: Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church

Great for CCD classes, 6th grade and up. I've even recommended this book to adults who want to deepen their understand of the Catholic faith. Based on the CCC, but in a simple question and answer format, this book works as a CCD text or as a reference. You can get into a rabbit hole quickly. Unlike the CCC, the answers are short and to the point, yet they invite discussion. Perfect for teens.

It 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.

Everyone on the planet should read the Catechism of the Catholic Church -- to know God and His way of life for each of us. This edition is very well laid out and an excellent resource for teens.

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.

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!

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.

This is a very helpful catechism for young people or for adults. My wife and I have enjoyed the question and answer format and the quotes from scripture and saints that are included here. The explanations are clear and very succinct. An updated edition with fresh graphics could be nice, as this is beginning to look a bit dated.

I'm suprised of this good book. Everything it's explained very simple but although pregnant and clear....The book is very helpfull if you want to found a YOUCAT grup to discuss and interact with your friends... Enjoy the book, it's great and especially for young catholic people

Come catechista per adulti, mi è stato affidato un catecumeno di origine africana che si prepara per ricevere il Battesimo e la Confermazione l'anno prossimo . Non conosce bene l'italiano e perciò è assai difficile aiutarlo a conoscere la fede cattolica. Per fortuna conosce discretamente l'inglese. Ho trovato un ottimo sussidio nella edizione inglese di Youcat , perché i diversi argomenti vengono presentati con domande e risposte , spiegati in modo semplificato, adatto ai giovani , ma anche a persone adulte che si accostano per la prima volta alle verità di fede. Frequenti citazioni tratte dalla Bibbia , dagli scritti di Santi e di autori non solo cristiani , arricchiscono le spiegazioni e offrono spunti per la riflessione e per la discussione. Conoscevo già la versione in italiano perché l'avevo usata negli incontri di catechismo con ragazzi di seconda media che si preparavano al sacramento della Confermazione . Perciò ho avuto l'idea di servirmene con una persona adulta con scarsa cultura sia religiosa che profana.

This is a wonderful book with clear answers to many pertinent questions from society today as well as the teaching of the Catholic church on faith and morals.The answers are Scripture based and written in a style which not only appeals to youth but to those in their second or third "youth" It is clear and unambiguous and very relevant to life today. I would recommend that every catholic home should have a copy of this and that all should read it

You don't have to be Catholic (I'm not!) or even agree with the teachings of the Catholic Church to appreciate this book, and it's not just for young people either! I wanted to learn about the teachings of the church and while the 'adult' Catechism of the Catholic Church seemed overwhelming, this book answered all of my questions and more! It is written in a simple Q&A format and 'decodes' scripture to better understand it while not making it loose its depth or meaning. The pictures throughout the book bring it to life and the quotes really make you reflect on what you've just read. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about what the Catholic church teaches, especially to young people because you can't say this is just another boring religious book, because it's not! I must also note that the Kindle formatting is wonderful!