From Father Louis’ bulletin column 5/28/06

Since its promulgation by John Paul II in 1992 (and second revised edition of 1997), the Catechism of the Catholic Church has been translated into more than 50 languages and continues to be a worldwide bestseller. In an age of confusion both inside and outside the Church, the Catechism has provided us – and the world – with a sure and authentic summary of the Catholic faith. Unfortunately, some people have found the large text (904 pages in the hardcover edition!) to be rather intimidating and even overwhelming. Upon the recommendation of the 2002 International Catechetical Congress, John Paul II established a commission to compose a synthesis of the Catechism. On 28 June 2005, Benedict XVI promulgated the fruit of the labors of that commission, the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. With brevity (only 204 pages!) and clarity, the Compendium faithfully reflects the structure, contents and language of the larger Catechism. It is very “user-friendly” being written in a questions and answers format. It also includes a collection of common prayers, formulae of Catholic doctrine, and an excellent index. In promulgating this new text, Pope Benedict said: “I entrust this Compendium above all to the entire Church and, in particular, to every Christian, in order that it may awaken in the Church of the third millennium renewed zeal for evangelization and education in the faith, which ought to characterize every community in the Church and every Christian believer, regardless of age or nationality.” Please take our Holy Father’s exhortation to heart and purchase a copy of the Compendium for your home – and then study it! What is more, it makes a perfect gift for your graduates, family members or friends! It would also be a great present for someone who has fallen away from the regular practice of his faith. At $14.99 the Compendium is not much of an investment for the nourishment of faith! It is available from various outlets including our city’s own Cornerstone Catholic Books and Gifts, 5733 Windy Drive (342-9009).

From that new Compendium we have a beautiful summary of this weekend’s Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. “After forty days during which Jesus showed Himself to the apostles with ordinary human features which veiled His glory as the Risen One, Christ ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father. He is the Lord who now in His humanity reigns in the everlasting glory of the Son of God and constantly intercedes for us before the Father. He sends us His Spirit and He gives us the hope of one day reaching the place He has prepared for us” (132).