After 120 Days, Here Are Some Recommendations for the Journey

When I first started this blog last June, it was for the purpose mainly of journaling digitally while I was going through the Catechism again. As I wrote in my first blog post:

I read the Catechism of the Catholic Church many years ago when I was in RCIA, but recently it dawned on me that this was about 25 years ago! ... Now I've referenced the Catechism since RCIA, but don't recall having gone further. I've decided to change that and start over with the Catechism, taking a deep dive into it as I did all those years ago.

It's been quite an interesting journey thus far. A few things I have to recommend for anyone else who wishes to do this are:

1. Get a copy of Ascension Press' version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I posted a video review of this from Douglas Beaumont on my first post, and after 120 days into this journey can only echo his praise. It truly is the most user-friendly yet comprehensive version out there for the layman. Pope St. John Paul II would be very pleased by it!

2. Check out the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church while reading. I discovered this late into my journey, but have found it indispensable ever since I did! It really helps to understand some of what the Catechism is trying to convey and reminds me a bit of the old Baltimore Catechism my mom had as a girl. I myself use the online version on the Vatican website, but this review I found of the published version makes me think that I should get a copy:

3. The Catechism in a Year podcast is a godsend as it breaks it down into manageable, daily readings. Fr. Mike Schmitz is just fantastic in this!

4. I cannot recommend enough the Companion guides to this program. I finished the first one today with Day 120. It has been very helpful for understanding and centering myself on the daily reading. I've enjoyed using Volume I a lot! 

Starting tomorrow, I will be using Volume II and I look forward to it!

5. Pray each day, which the Companion guides will help with. Also, don't be afraid to take your time while doing this. That is, if you need a break because of commitments in your life or need more time to finish sections each day covers, do it! Remember that this is not a race but a journey. Your goal should be to learn more about the Faith and by doing so deepen your commitment to God. Pax Christi.