{"num_reviews":18,"add_this":[{"service":"facebook","annotation":""},{"service":"email","annotation":""},{"service":"twitter","annotation":""},{"service":"linkedin","annotation":""}],"gtin":null,"id":3648,"can_purchase":true,"meta_description":"Master the fullness of the Faith with The Catechism Explained by Fr. Francis Spirago. This exhaustive, 700+ page manual provides a clear, non-technical exposition of Catholic doctrine, morality, and the sacraments. 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Francis Spirago · Edited by Fr. Richard Clarke, S.J. · Published by TAN Books</p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">Overview</h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\">If you are looking for a single volume that can explain the \"why\" behind every \"what\" of the Catholic Faith, <strong>The Catechism Explained</strong> is the definitive manual. Originally written by Fr. Francis Spirago and edited by Fr. Richard Clarke, S.J., this classic work offers a thorough, line-by-line exposition of Catholic teaching in clear, accessible language. While many theological texts require an advanced degree to navigate, Spirago’s masterpiece was designed to make complex doctrine plain for lay readers, parents, and catechists. Drawing from the deep wells of Scripture, the Church Fathers, and the Doctors of the Church, this book serves as an indispensable reference for anyone who needs to teach, preach, or defend the Faith with precision and heart.</p>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2; padding: 1.25rem; margin: 1.5rem 0;\">\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"><strong>Comprehensive Instruction in Three Parts:</strong></p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.25rem; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.5;\">\n<li><strong>Faith:</strong> An exploration of the Apostles' Creed and the nature of God.</li>\n<li><strong>Morals:</strong> A detailed guide to the Commandments, virtue, and Christian perfection.</li>\n<li><strong>Means of Grace:</strong> A thorough study of the Sacraments, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and Prayer.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<ul style=\"margin: 1.5rem 0; padding-left: 1.25rem; font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\">\n<li><strong>Exhaustive yet Accessible:</strong> Covers core doctrine, morality, and Church life in plain language without sacrificing theological depth.</li>\n<li><strong>Rooted in Tradition:</strong> Grounded in thousands of quotes from Scripture and the Fathers of the Church, providing a solid foundation for every explanation.</li>\n<li><strong>Perfect for Teaching:</strong> A premier resource for homily preparation, RCIA, classroom catechesis, and family faith formation.</li>\n<li><strong>Modernized for Today:</strong> Updated with current biblical names and book titles, plus footnotes cross-referencing the <em>Catechism of the Catholic Church</em> (CCC).</li>\n<li><strong>Practical Application:</strong> Goes beyond abstract theory to show how Catholic teaching applies to daily moral choices and the life of prayer.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">Intended Audience</h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\">This manual is a \"must-have\" for adult Catholics seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, as well as for clergy, catechists, and homeschooling parents. It is particularly valuable for those who need a clear, authoritative way to explain Church teachings to children, converts, or skeptics.</p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">FAQs</h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>How does this differ from the <em>Catechism of the Catholic Church</em> (CCC)?</strong><br />While the CCC is the official magisterial text, Spirago’s work is an <em>explanation</em> of those truths. It provides the \"meat\"—analogies, stories, and patristic quotes—that helps the reader truly digest and understand the dogmas.</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>Is this book good for converts?</strong><br />Yes. It is one of the best tools for RCIA candidates because it answers the \"how\" and \"why\" of Catholic practice in a way that is easy to follow but intellectually satisfying.</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>Is this the updated TAN edition?</strong><br />Yes. This edition has been carefully edited for modern readability, including updated terminology and helpful footnotes for contemporary cross-referencing.</p>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2; padding: 1.5rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.25rem; margin: 0 0 .5rem;\">Key Themes</h3>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.25rem; font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.5;\">\n<li><strong>Doctrinal Clarity:</strong> Eliminating confusion about what the Church actually teaches.</li>\n<li><strong>Moral Integrity:</strong> Understanding the Commandments as a path to true freedom.</li>\n<li><strong>Sacramental Life:</strong> Deepening one's participation in the Mass and the Sacraments through knowledge.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</section>","show_backorder_message":false,"tags":[],"warranty":"","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$69.95","value":69.95,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax"},"detail_messages":"","availability":"","page_title":"The Catechism Explained","default_shipping_expectation_prompt":"","height":"9.00","cart_url":"https://tanbooks.com/cart.php","show_backorder_availability_prompt":false,"max_purchase_quantity":0,"show_quantity_on_hand":true,"show_default_shipping_expectation_prompt":false,"show_quantity_on_backorder":false,"mpn":null,"upc":"9781505122992","options":[{"id":5159,"type":"Configurable_PickList_Set","display_name":"Format","required":true,"state":"variant_option","partial":"set-rectangle","condition":true,"values":[{"id":10166,"label":"Deluxe Cloth Hardcover","selected":true,"data":"Deluxe Cloth Hardcover"},{"id":10577,"label":"eBook","selected":false,"data":"eBook"}]}],"related_products":[{"id":3738,"sku":"TE3005","name":"The Catechism Explained (eBook)","url":"https://tanbooks.com/digital/products/the-catechism-explained--ebook-/","availability":"","rating":0,"brand":null,"category":["eBooks"],"summary":"","image":{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/3738/12996/the-catechism-explained-ebook__93865.1743717114.jpg?c=1","alt":" The Catechism Explained (eBook) "},"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/3738/12996/the-catechism-explained-ebook__93865.1743717114.jpg?c=1","alt":" The Catechism Explained (eBook) "}],"date_added":"Oct 24th 2022","pre_order":false,"show_cart_action":true,"has_options":false,"stock_level":null,"low_stock_level":null,"qty_in_cart":0,"custom_fields":[{"id":58854,"name":"SEARCH_IGNORE","value":"true"},{"id":70953,"name":"atc-product","value":"1719"},{"id":70954,"name":"atc-product","value":"3193"},{"id":70956,"name":"atc-product","value":"3761"},{"id":70959,"name":"cpu-product","value":"1221"},{"id":70961,"name":"cpu-product","value":"4232"},{"id":70965,"name":"cpu-product","value":"3002"},{"id":75518,"name":"Product Format","value":"eBook"},{"id":76938,"name":"Format","value":"Digital"}],"num_reviews":0,"weight":{"formatted":"0.00 LBS","value":0},"demo":false,"add_to_cart_url":"https://tanbooks.com/cart.php?action=add&product_id=3738","add_to_wishlist_url":"https://tanbooks.com/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=3738","price":{"without_tax":{"currency":"USD","formatted":"$19.98","value":19.98},"tax_label":"Tax"}},{"id":1614,"sku":"1850-GROUPED","name":"The Penny Catechism: A Catechism of Christian Doctrine","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-penny-catechism-a-catechism-of-christian-doctrine/","availability":"","rating":5,"brand":null,"category":["Books/Topic/Church Doctrine","Books/Occasion/OCIA","Books/Collections/Booklets"],"summary":"\nAlso known as A Catechism of Christian Doctrine, this booklet contains 370 questions and answers on all the most necessary doctrines of the Catholic Faith. 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I am reading for 2nd time. High quality book revised.","date":"Oct 16th 2023"},{"name":"Deacon Danny Rodriguez","rating":"5","title":"The Catechism Explained","text":"What a great compliment to the Catechism. A great explanation for everyone ","date":"Sep 21st 2023"},{"name":"Deacon Danny Rodriguez","rating":"5","title":"The Catechism Explained","text":"What a great compliment to the Catechism. A great explanation for everyone ","date":"Sep 21st 2023"},{"name":"William M Miller","rating":"5","title":"Outstanding","text":"Excellent. This is the Book to both learn and study the Catholic Faith after attending the traditional Latin Mass. Following the Liturgical Calendar and Missal then to St. Thomas Aquinas (Tour of the Summa)....the Catechism Explained is a true gift to the Church.\r\n","date":"Sep 6th 2023"},{"rating":"5","title":"Crucial to Understanding the Catechism","text":"When anyone seriously decides to study the Catholic faith, I usually recommend them a list of books:\r\n-the Didache Bible (RSV2CE)\r\n-the Catechism of the Catholic Church\r\n-The Catechism Explained (this specific edition by TAN Books) by Fr. Francis Spirago \r\n(and, as supplement, Theology for Beginners by F. J. Sheed). \r\n\r\nThis specific version of Fr. Spirago's The Catechism Explained has footnotes with direct reference to the Catechism's paragraphs, much like Midwest Theological Forum's Didache Bible. For this reason, having Scripture and the Catechism in conjunction with this text is incredibly helpful for those beginning in their faith formation studies. Highly recommend this!","date":"Jun 10th 2023"},{"name":"Paul","rating":"5","title":"The Catechism Explained","text":"The Catechism Explained by Fr. Francis Spirago, edited by Fr. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., is a true gem among Catholic literature, and it continues to shine brightly in the 21st century. Originally published in 1899, this timeless masterpiece has been thoughtfully updated to cater to the needs of modern readers while maintaining the integrity of the original text. This comprehensive work serves multiple purposes—it is a source book for preachers, an illuminating guide for catechists, and an invaluable resource for parents seeking to impart the entirety of the Faith to their children.\r\n\r\nOne of the remarkable features of The Catechism Explained is its accessibility. By intentionally avoiding technical language, the book ensures that readers from various backgrounds can easily comprehend the profound teachings of the Catholic Church. Despite its size, this thorough and engaging work manages to capture the attention of readers, immersing them in the beauty and charm of the Catholic Faith. Whether one seeks information on a specific Catholic subject or desires a comprehensive understanding of the Faith as a whole, this book provides enlightening explanations that are supported by relevant scriptural passages, as well as insights from the Fathers and Doctors of the Church.\r\n\r\nThe editor's efforts to bridge the gap between the 19th and 21st centuries make this edition of The Catechism Explained even more valuable. While making minor stylistic changes, such as updating the titles of the Books of Scripture and revising the spelling of biblical names to their familiar Hebrew forms, the book still remains true to its original essence. The most significant editorial addition is the inclusion of footnotes that direct readers to the corresponding paragraphs of the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church—a testament to the book's relevance in our modern era. These footnotes not only guide readers to the latest magisterial articulations of the Church's faith but also highlight subsequent clarifications and changes made to Church discipline.\r\n\r\nThe enduring power of The Catechism Explained lies in its ability to present the Catholic Faith as a reasonable, comprehensive, and profound belief system. It challenges Catholics to embrace and live up to the teachings of the Church. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the Faith, providing an amazing picture that captivates the hearts and minds of its readers. Regardless of one's role within the Catholic community—be it a priest seeking inspiration for sermons, a catechist striving to deepen their understanding, or a parent dedicated to instructing their children—The Catechism Explained is an indispensable companion.\r\n\r\nEvery Catholic adult should own a copy of The Catechism Explained. Its significance and impact on one's spiritual growth cannot be overstated. This book belongs on the shelves of every Catholic home and office, ready to be consulted and referenced regularly. By embracing the opportunity for steady use and continued reference, readers will discover the tremendous results this extraordinary work was designed to achieve. The Catechism Explained is a timeless treasure that empowers Catholics to know their faith more fully and profoundly, making it an essential addition to any Catholic library","date":"Jun 4th 2023"}]},"bulk_discount_rates":[],"meta_keywords":"Virtue,Saints,Salvation","show_quantity_input":true,"title":"The Catechism Explained","gift_wrapping_available":false,"min_purchase_quantity":0,"customizations":[],"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/3648/12340/the-catechism-explained__33491.1764332759.jpg?c=1","alt":"Cover of the book The Catechism Explained | TAN Books"},{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/3648/12451/the-catechism-explained__70830.1764332829.jpg?c=1","alt":"Side view of the cover of the book The Catechism Explained "},{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/3648/12498/the-catechism-explained__67674.1764332829.jpg?c=1","alt":" The Catechism Explained layed open to show interior pages"},{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/3648/12227/the-catechism-explained__92742.1764332829.jpg?c=1","alt":"Lifestyle image of the book The Catechism Explained "}],"width":"6.00"}
The Catechism Explained: An Exhaustive Explanation of the Catholic Faith
By Fr. Francis Spirago · Edited by Fr. Richard Clarke, S.J. · Published by TAN Books
Overview
If you are looking for a single volume that can explain the "why" behind every "what" of the Catholic Faith, The Catechism Explained is the definitive manual. Originally written by Fr. Francis Spirago and edited by Fr. Richard Clarke, S.J., this classic work offers a thorough, line-by-line exposition of Catholic teaching in clear, accessible language. While many theological texts require an advanced degree to navigate, Spirago’s masterpiece was designed to make complex doctrine plain for lay readers, parents, and catechists. Drawing from the deep wells of Scripture, the Church Fathers, and the Doctors of the Church, this book serves as an indispensable reference for anyone who needs to teach, preach, or defend the Faith with precision and heart.
Comprehensive Instruction in Three Parts:
Faith: An exploration of the Apostles' Creed and the nature of God.
Morals: A detailed guide to the Commandments, virtue, and Christian perfection.
Means of Grace: A thorough study of the Sacraments, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and Prayer.
Exhaustive yet Accessible: Covers core doctrine, morality, and Church life in plain language without sacrificing theological depth.
Rooted in Tradition: Grounded in thousands of quotes from Scripture and the Fathers of the Church, providing a solid foundation for every explanation.
Perfect for Teaching: A premier resource for homily preparation, RCIA, classroom catechesis, and family faith formation.
Modernized for Today: Updated with current biblical names and book titles, plus footnotes cross-referencing the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).
Practical Application: Goes beyond abstract theory to show how Catholic teaching applies to daily moral choices and the life of prayer.
Intended Audience
This manual is a "must-have" for adult Catholics seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, as well as for clergy, catechists, and homeschooling parents. It is particularly valuable for those who need a clear, authoritative way to explain Church teachings to children, converts, or skeptics.
FAQs
How does this differ from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)? While the CCC is the official magisterial text, Spirago’s work is an explanation of those truths. It provides the "meat"—analogies, stories, and patristic quotes—that helps the reader truly digest and understand the dogmas.
Is this book good for converts? Yes. It is one of the best tools for RCIA candidates because it answers the "how" and "why" of Catholic practice in a way that is easy to follow but intellectually satisfying.
Is this the updated TAN edition? Yes. This edition has been carefully edited for modern readability, including updated terminology and helpful footnotes for contemporary cross-referencing.
Key Themes
Doctrinal Clarity: Eliminating confusion about what the Church actually teaches.
Moral Integrity: Understanding the Commandments as a path to true freedom.
Sacramental Life: Deepening one's participation in the Mass and the Sacraments through knowledge.
Author:
Fr. Francis Spirago
Imprint:
TAN Books
Publication Date:
01/17/2023
Format:
Hardcover
Pages:
1040
Edited:
Fr. Richard F. Clarke, SJ
Pdf:
https://tanbooks.com/content/3047_Preview.pdf
atc-product:
1719
atc-product:
3193
atc-product:
3761
cpu-product:
1221
cpu-product:
4232
cpu-product:
3002
Height:
9.00
Width:
6.00
18 Reviews
5
Catechism Explained
Posted by Martin Giacobbi on Oct 16th 2023
Great way to learn Catechism and gift for Confirmation. I am reading for 2nd time. High quality bo…
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5
The Catechism Explained
Posted by Deacon Danny Rodriguez on Sep 21st 2023
What a great compliment to the Catechism. A great explanation for everyone
5
The Catechism Explained
Posted by Deacon Danny Rodriguez on Sep 21st 2023
What a great compliment to the Catechism. A great explanation for everyone
5
Outstanding
Posted by William M Miller on Sep 6th 2023
Excellent. This is the Book to both learn and study the Catholic Faith after attending the traditio…
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5
Crucial to Understanding the Catechism
Posted by Unknown on Jun 10th 2023
When anyone seriously decides to study the Catholic faith, I usually recommend them a list of books:…
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5
The Catechism Explained
Posted by Paul on Jun 4th 2023
The Catechism Explained by Fr. Francis Spirago, edited by Fr. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., is a true gem…