Book 1, Apostolic Constitution: Chapter 1, Prologue Summary and Analysis

Here the entire project is introduced to readers. The background is explained in a letter addressed mainly to other professional clerics within the denomination. It was decided that there was a need to generate an updated version of the catechism during the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council.

The author of the letter explains that "catechism" means the entire body of teachings of the religion. They are limited to those used throughout the Catholic denomination with the understanding that in some locations there will be additions made to these.

The book's official author is the Catholic Church. In the prologue the explanation is provided that the work has been assembled in a collaborative effort. A number of church officials have dedicated some of their time to fulfilling the request to create a new high quality...