What is YOUCAT?
YOUCAT is the counterpart to the Catechism of the Catholic Church designed for teenagers (i.e. youth catechism). The YOUCAT was first released in 2011 under Pope Benedict XVI. Though not a replacement for the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it more easily explains faith topics for better comprehension by adolescents.
Topics
The YOUCAT uses a question and answer format to address Catechism topics: Prayer, Liturgy, Creed, Beatitudes, Commandments and Christian living. This Q & A approach is more engaging for teens. It is complete with a subject index, pictures, scriptural quotations and words from the saints. Because of its format it is helpful for both students and catechists in their lesson planning.
Sure Norms
The YOUCAT—and the new YOUCAT for Kids (ages 8-12)—are sure norms [correct, approved training] for parents to use to teach the faith. Reading a few sections each day during Lent or when saying nightly prayers helps to “train up a child” (Prov 22:6). It also benefits parents in their growth in holiness (CCC, 2227).
For These Times
In my article, “The Four Life-Giving Gifts of YOUCAT”, featured in CATECHIST Magazine, I quote from Pope Benedict XVI in his forward. Benedict exhorts the youth of this generation “to be more deeply rooted in the faith” than their parents’ generation. Why? So that they will be able to “engage the challenges and temptations of this time with strength and determination.” The youth catechism helps equip them in this regard.
All three forms of the Catechism found within our Church are wonderful resources to aid us in properly knowing, understanding, living and loving our faith and for growing in Catholic holiness at any age.
