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Most helpful positive review
66 of 71 people found the following review helpful
5This is a great read and not just for youth
ByA. Nino Vitaleon April 19, 2011
I received my copy and have gone through many select sections to see how different issues are handled. This should be MANDATORY reading for all Catholic High School and College students. Fantastic, easy to read, q and a format and written in a style and language that the youth today will likely identify with. This makes the faith even more accesible and is faithful to the Catholic Church teaching and faith. I believe the Pope is giving one to each youth that attends World Youth Day. This is a great $17 investment for your home library and your soul. And buy an extra copy and donate it to your local library! I have no financial stake in this book at all, I just want more of my brothers and sisters in heaven. God's Blessings to you.
Most helpful critical review
65 of 92 people found the following review helpful
1Great idea.... TERRIBLE execution!
ByJ. Singeron September 12, 2011
In sum: YOUCAT falls flat...
I hate to be a Debbie Downer when everyone is so excited over this youth catechism, but I cannot let the concerns I have go unnoticed.
Let me start off by saying that I had such high hopes for YOUCAT. Especially in light of Pope Benedict XVI's foreward which exhorts youth to "study this catechism". I can't say that I agree with our Holy Father's opinion here... and I wonder whether he read it or simply gave it a quick flip through or saw a drafted version?
When I first received YOUCAT, I was excited and as I flipped through quickly I could not help but think that this was a great idea. Aim a catechism towards the younger generation to help catechize them and get them interested in their Catholic faith. The format is appealing--it does not look like a lot to read, and it has fun little stick figures among the pictures, and the quotes in the margins 'support' the Catholic teachings discussed in the text. Sounds awesome, right? Here is where disappointment sets in. Several (and not just one or two) of the quotes in the margin are entirely inappropriate; either in subject matter or in author or both. Most of these examples are well documented, though I can provide some if desired. Secondly, most of the pictures (especially the stick figures) only serve to trivialize whatever point the YOUCAT attempted to make. The last thing I need in a class of middle or high schoolers is giggles over the girl in a strapless tank who's obviously not wearing a bra since her nipples are sticking out; or the picture of a man and woman who appear to be ready to have an "intimate moment", or the random kid throwing up a "gang sign" in one of the group pictures, etc.
As if the above was not enough of a disappointment, the biggest concerns with YOUCAT are the inadequate theological explanations. The theological explanations offered in YOUCAT are superficial, ambiguous, and/or downright wrong (the inerrancy of Sacred Scripture,the morality of masturbation, contraception, etc.).
I beg catechists, youth ministers, DREs, priests, etc. to NOT offer YOUCAT to the youth of our Church until this catechism gets the revision it desperately needs!
I hate to be a Debbie Downer when everyone is so excited over this youth catechism, but I cannot let the concerns I have go unnoticed.
Let me start off by saying that I had such high hopes for YOUCAT. Especially in light of Pope Benedict XVI's foreward which exhorts youth to "study this catechism". I can't say that I agree with our Holy Father's opinion here... and I wonder whether he read it or simply gave it a quick flip through or saw a drafted version?
When I first received YOUCAT, I was excited and as I flipped through quickly I could not help but think that this was a great idea. Aim a catechism towards the younger generation to help catechize them and get them interested in their Catholic faith. The format is appealing--it does not look like a lot to read, and it has fun little stick figures among the pictures, and the quotes in the margins 'support' the Catholic teachings discussed in the text. Sounds awesome, right? Here is where disappointment sets in. Several (and not just one or two) of the quotes in the margin are entirely inappropriate; either in subject matter or in author or both. Most of these examples are well documented, though I can provide some if desired. Secondly, most of the pictures (especially the stick figures) only serve to trivialize whatever point the YOUCAT attempted to make. The last thing I need in a class of middle or high schoolers is giggles over the girl in a strapless tank who's obviously not wearing a bra since her nipples are sticking out; or the picture of a man and woman who appear to be ready to have an "intimate moment", or the random kid throwing up a "gang sign" in one of the group pictures, etc.
As if the above was not enough of a disappointment, the biggest concerns with YOUCAT are the inadequate theological explanations. The theological explanations offered in YOUCAT are superficial, ambiguous, and/or downright wrong (the inerrancy of Sacred Scripture,the morality of masturbation, contraception, etc.).
I beg catechists, youth ministers, DREs, priests, etc. to NOT offer YOUCAT to the youth of our Church until this catechism gets the revision it desperately needs!
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66 of 71 people found the following review helpful
ByA. Nino Vitaleon April 19, 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I received my copy and have gone through many select sections to see how different issues are handled. This should be MANDATORY reading for all Catholic High School and College students. Fantastic, easy to read, q and a format and written in a style and language that the youth today will likely identify with. This makes the faith even more accesible and is faithful to the Catholic Church teaching and faith. I believe the Pope is giving one to each youth that attends World Youth Day. This is a great $17 investment for your home library and your soul. And buy an extra copy and donate it to your local library! I have no financial stake in this book at all, I just want more of my brothers and sisters in heaven. God's Blessings to you.
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37 of 38 people found the following review helpful
ByLJHon April 29, 2011
Format: Paperback
The one gripe I have with most youth and teen Catechisms is that they tend to gloss over the teachings of the faith by using "loose" language. "YOUCAT" does away with the ambiguous language and TELLS IT HOW IT IS. Imagine that! It also does a fantastic job of treating it's audience, teenagers, like they are smart human beings capable of understanding the meaning behind the Church's teachings.
My generation was not well catechized, yet we're still using so much of the material and methods from MY GENERATION. It makes no sense to be using obviously broken strategies to train the new leaders of the Church. It is my fervent desire that every Catholic church uses "YOUCAT" as the primary tool for catechizing today's youth. They thirst for the Truth and this book gives it to them!
My generation was not well catechized, yet we're still using so much of the material and methods from MY GENERATION. It makes no sense to be using obviously broken strategies to train the new leaders of the Church. It is my fervent desire that every Catholic church uses "YOUCAT" as the primary tool for catechizing today's youth. They thirst for the Truth and this book gives it to them!
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54 of 65 people found the following review helpful
ByTerry Fenwickon April 11, 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
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! )
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! )
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
ByPaceon November 9, 2011
Format: Paperback
I have the (CCC) Catechism of the Catholic Church and love it. But this little book goes above and beyond that. It truly answers to very real and practical questions about our Faith. My favorite section is the "Ten Commandments". I have been a practicing and devoted Catholic for at least 12 years but before reading this book I did not fully realized how the 10 Commandments have a real impact on every single aspect of my life -- from how I do my taxes to what priority I give to my prayer life. As the Pope says at the beginning of that section, being Christian goes beyond observing a set of moral codes: it requires a "living relationship to Jesus". The law then becomes written in our hearts and rather than being restrictive is truly liberating.
I also really enjoy the quotes of Saints on the side... priceless.
Great job, Holy Spirit!!
I also really enjoy the quotes of Saints on the side... priceless.
Great job, Holy Spirit!!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
ByM. Lee "XCanonMike"on September 29, 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
YouCat is a great catechetical tool; no doubt about it, and I'm excited to be using it for my Confirmation Students this year. As I read through the text, especially the commentary,I do notice some "weakness" of expression. For example, when refering to the possibility of salvation for those who, through no fault of their own, have never heard the Truth of the Gospel, yet live a good life sincerely seeking God according to their understanding, the YouCat says that these "also find salvation," as though it is certain. Yet, the cross references in the CCC (and to/from there in the Compendium, and in the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults) ALL say "these also 'may' find salvation." There are other such "gloss overs" which 'could' present a deficient understanding if the cross references in the CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church) are not employed WITH the YouCat.
Other than this one flaw, I do recommend YouCat as a great tool for Youth in learning more about the Catholic Faith.
Other than this one flaw, I do recommend YouCat as a great tool for Youth in learning more about the Catholic Faith.
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17 of 22 people found the following review helpful
ByClayton Emmeron April 28, 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
My copy of YouCat arrived today, and after only an hour of browsing its contents, I can say that this book is one of the most fascinating I have ever encountered.
It was a stroke of genius to propose the Catholic faith to young people in the format of a travel guide. We are, after all, pilgrims on life's journey.
The language used is accessible, but not condescending; thoughtful; precise; to-the-point; and even, at times, poetic.
I suspect this publication will quickly become a best-seller, because it will appeal not only to young people, but also to their parents, many of whom did not receive much in the way of religious education. There is something of the genius and paradox of the Incarnation in this publication: somehow, in its very particularity of audience and setting, it becomes a bridge to what is transcendent and universal.
I believe that the whole Church, and the whole world, will benefit from "overhearing" the Catholic Church communicating with young people in this volume. YouCat is a clear expression of the Church's wisdom, love and esteem for the youth of today's world.
It was a stroke of genius to propose the Catholic faith to young people in the format of a travel guide. We are, after all, pilgrims on life's journey.
The language used is accessible, but not condescending; thoughtful; precise; to-the-point; and even, at times, poetic.
I suspect this publication will quickly become a best-seller, because it will appeal not only to young people, but also to their parents, many of whom did not receive much in the way of religious education. There is something of the genius and paradox of the Incarnation in this publication: somehow, in its very particularity of audience and setting, it becomes a bridge to what is transcendent and universal.
I believe that the whole Church, and the whole world, will benefit from "overhearing" the Catholic Church communicating with young people in this volume. YouCat is a clear expression of the Church's wisdom, love and esteem for the youth of today's world.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
ByLCon October 2, 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The YOUCAT has an excellent question/answer format that is easy to read. I especially like the quotes that appear in the margins. The pages are packed with great illustrations. I've heard that some people have criticized the stick figures, but I really like them. They're illustrative and fun without being distracting. The photos were taken by amateurs so they're not fantastic, but they fit in well. And most importantly, vital information about the Catholic faith is presented well in the YOUCAT. I highly recommend it for youth, of course, and for anyone who is new to the Catholic faith.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
ByHillaryon September 14, 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
t's so easy to read and understand. I feel like it's really helping me dive into my faith and understand the Catholic way. I think it would be a great book for anyone trying to understand the Catholic church as a young adult...very happy I bought it!
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65 of 92 people found the following review helpful
ByJ. Singeron September 12, 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
In sum: YOUCAT falls flat...
I hate to be a Debbie Downer when everyone is so excited over this youth catechism, but I cannot let the concerns I have go unnoticed.
Let me start off by saying that I had such high hopes for YOUCAT. Especially in light of Pope Benedict XVI's foreward which exhorts youth to "study this catechism". I can't say that I agree with our Holy Father's opinion here... and I wonder whether he read it or simply gave it a quick flip through or saw a drafted version?
When I first received YOUCAT, I was excited and as I flipped through quickly I could not help but think that this was a great idea. Aim a catechism towards the younger generation to help catechize them and get them interested in their Catholic faith. The format is appealing--it does not look like a lot to read, and it has fun little stick figures among the pictures, and the quotes in the margins 'support' the Catholic teachings discussed in the text. Sounds awesome, right? Here is where disappointment sets in. Several (and not just one or two) of the quotes in the margin are entirely inappropriate; either in subject matter or in author or both. Most of these examples are well documented, though I can provide some if desired. Secondly, most of the pictures (especially the stick figures) only serve to trivialize whatever point the YOUCAT attempted to make. The last thing I need in a class of middle or high schoolers is giggles over the girl in a strapless tank who's obviously not wearing a bra since her nipples are sticking out; or the picture of a man and woman who appear to be ready to have an "intimate moment", or the random kid throwing up a "gang sign" in one of the group pictures, etc.
As if the above was not enough of a disappointment, the biggest concerns with YOUCAT are the inadequate theological explanations. The theological explanations offered in YOUCAT are superficial, ambiguous, and/or downright wrong (the inerrancy of Sacred Scripture,the morality of masturbation, contraception, etc.).
I beg catechists, youth ministers, DREs, priests, etc. to NOT offer YOUCAT to the youth of our Church until this catechism gets the revision it desperately needs!
I hate to be a Debbie Downer when everyone is so excited over this youth catechism, but I cannot let the concerns I have go unnoticed.
Let me start off by saying that I had such high hopes for YOUCAT. Especially in light of Pope Benedict XVI's foreward which exhorts youth to "study this catechism". I can't say that I agree with our Holy Father's opinion here... and I wonder whether he read it or simply gave it a quick flip through or saw a drafted version?
When I first received YOUCAT, I was excited and as I flipped through quickly I could not help but think that this was a great idea. Aim a catechism towards the younger generation to help catechize them and get them interested in their Catholic faith. The format is appealing--it does not look like a lot to read, and it has fun little stick figures among the pictures, and the quotes in the margins 'support' the Catholic teachings discussed in the text. Sounds awesome, right? Here is where disappointment sets in. Several (and not just one or two) of the quotes in the margin are entirely inappropriate; either in subject matter or in author or both. Most of these examples are well documented, though I can provide some if desired. Secondly, most of the pictures (especially the stick figures) only serve to trivialize whatever point the YOUCAT attempted to make. The last thing I need in a class of middle or high schoolers is giggles over the girl in a strapless tank who's obviously not wearing a bra since her nipples are sticking out; or the picture of a man and woman who appear to be ready to have an "intimate moment", or the random kid throwing up a "gang sign" in one of the group pictures, etc.
As if the above was not enough of a disappointment, the biggest concerns with YOUCAT are the inadequate theological explanations. The theological explanations offered in YOUCAT are superficial, ambiguous, and/or downright wrong (the inerrancy of Sacred Scripture,the morality of masturbation, contraception, etc.).
I beg catechists, youth ministers, DREs, priests, etc. to NOT offer YOUCAT to the youth of our Church until this catechism gets the revision it desperately needs!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
ByR. Grubb "musicista"on September 22, 2011
Format: Paperback
The YouCat (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church) is a great reference and study for anyone who wants to know the basics of Catholicism and christianity. It is definitely not a book to read like a novel; it's one to study with a highlighter! It is much easier to access than the CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church) for Adults, but it is quite simplistic, too. I do wish there was a bit more depth in the explanations to the questions (the book is in Q & A format), but it's the right size book for teens and has references to where to find more answers in the Bible and CCC.
Plus, I loved the quotes from the bible and by Saints on every page!
Enjoy!
Plus, I loved the quotes from the bible and by Saints on every page!
Enjoy!
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