Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition [Hardcover]

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life.

Here it is - the first newCatechism of the Catholic Churchin more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. 

TheCatechismdraws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means instruction - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms.

Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), theCatechism of the Catholic Churchoffers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith.

The Catechism of the Catholic Churchis a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

"A sure and certain standard for the teaching of the faith." -- Pope John Paul II.U.S. Catholic Churchis the largest religious body in the United States and is a section of the worldwide Catholic Church, led by the Pope based in Vatican City.Chapter One

Man's Capacity for God

I.The Desire for God

27 The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for:

The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. This invitation to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes into being. For if man exists, it is because God has created him through love, and through love continues to hold him in existence. He cannot lS6