https://tanbooks.com/content/3047_Preview.pdf

{"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. Drawing on Scripture and the Church Fathers, it is the ultimate resource for catechists, parents, and clergy seeking to teach or defend the Faith with clarity and depth.","category":["Books","Books/Topic/Church Doctrine","Books/Occasion/OCIA","Books/Collections/Deluxe Editions"],"AddThisServiceButtonMeta":"","main_image":{"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"},"add_to_wishlist_url":"https://tanbooks.com/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=3648","custom_fields":[{"id":"55220","name":"Author","value":"Fr. Francis Spirago"},{"id":"55221","name":"Imprint","value":"TAN Books"},{"id":"55222","name":"Publication Date","value":"01/17/2023"},{"id":"55223","name":"Format","value":"Hardcover"},{"id":"55224","name":"Pages","value":"1040"},{"id":"55225","name":"Edited","value":"Fr. Richard F. Clarke, SJ"},{"id":"55226","name":"Pdf","value":"https://tanbooks.com/content/3047_Preview.pdf"},{"id":"73827","name":"atc-product","value":"1719"},{"id":"73828","name":"atc-product","value":"3193"},{"id":"73830","name":"atc-product","value":"3761"},{"id":"73832","name":"cpu-product","value":"1221"},{"id":"73833","name":"cpu-product","value":"4232"},{"id":"73834","name":"cpu-product","value":"3002"}],"sku":"3047","backorder_availability_prompt":"","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-catechism-explained-an-exhaustive-explanation-of-the-catholic-faith/","description":"<style>\n #tan-product-description h2,\n #tan-product-description h3 {\n font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif !important;\n color: #870000 !important;\n }\n </style>\n<section id=\"tan-product-description\" style=\"font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif; color: #262626;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\">The Catechism Explained: An Exhaustive Explanation of the Catholic Faith</h2>\n<p style=\"margin: .25rem 0; font-size: 1.15rem; color: #555;\">By Fr. Francis Spirago &middot; Edited by Fr. Richard Clarke, S.J. &middot; 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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s work is an <em>explanation</em> of those truths. It provides the \"meat\"&mdash;analogies, stories, and patristic quotes&mdash;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":"$39.95","value":39.95,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax","sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$39.95","value":39.95,"currency":"USD"},"non_sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$69.95","value":69.95,"currency":"USD"},"rrp_without_tax":{"formatted":"$69.95","value":69.95,"currency":"USD"},"saved":{"formatted":"$30.00","value":30,"currency":"USD"}},"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":"$10.00","value":10},"non_sale_price_without_tax":{"currency":"USD","formatted":"$19.98","value":19.98},"sale_price_without_tax":{"currency":"USD","formatted":"$10.00","value":10},"rrp_without_tax":{"currency":"USD","formatted":"$19.98","value":19.98},"saved":{"currency":"USD","formatted":"$9.98","value":9.98},"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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They always have wonderful, affordable books that are enlightening and truly catholic christian.","date":"Oct 7th 2025"},{"name":"L. &quot;Robert&quot; Page","rating":"5","title":"The Catechism Explained ","text":"THIS, Explained Catechism is simply profound and the best understanding of the Catholic Catechism still today! Thanks be to GOD!","date":"Aug 25th 2025"},{"name":"Mary","rating":"5","title":"Catachism","text":"A timeless catachism especially for this generation who knows next to nothing about our faith ","date":"Dec 6th 2024"},{"name":"STEVEN LAUX","rating":"5","title":"Absolutely a requirement for Catholics!","text":"This is a superb resource for Catholics. Mother Miriam also speaks highly of this compilation.","date":"Dec 4th 2024"},{"name":"Joyce Cook","rating":"5","title":"Best Catechism ever","text":"Easy read","date":"Oct 12th 2024"},{"name":"Mario Giovannangeli","rating":"5","title":"Great teachings","text":"Great teachings, easy to understand, brings us closer to the church. ","date":"Oct 7th 2024"},{"name":"John","rating":"5","title":"The Catechism Explained","text":"I first read Rev. Spirago&#039;s The Catechism Explained in its original version 2-3 years ago. Very clear and full explanations provided me with the most complete understanding of the Catechism that I have ever read. Unfortunately, the original version having gone through numerous reprints, had many pages where some words and sentences were difficult or impossible to read. \r\nI haven&#039;t yet started the new edited version of Rev. Spirago&#039;s Catechism Explained. If the new version is an improved reprint of the original version, I will consider that a masterpiece work has been refurbished. ","date":"Oct 7th 2024"},{"rating":"5","title":"Beautifully reproduced— one that will be readily accessed when a question about the faith arises! ","text":"The quality of your old treasures is much appreciated— can be passed down to future generations!","date":"May 21st 2024"},{"name":"Charles White","rating":"5","title":"Wonderful Edition","text":"NA","date":"May 9th 2024"},{"name":"Michael H","rating":"5","title":"Should be a Standard","text":"Truly every Catholic should own this book. \r\nBeautiful clothbound hardcover, sewn binding, 2 ribbon markers and a wealth of catechesis. This is a book I know I&#039;ll continuously turn to and treasure! ","date":"Apr 26th 2024"},{"name":"Dr. Robert Kravchuk, O.P.","rating":"5","title":"Spirago&#039;s Catechism","text":"Book is a classic of Catholic literature. Highly recommended by such luminaries as Fr. Chad Ripperger, on whose recommendation, I made this purchase. The 1921 edition has been edited so as to refer to the pertinent passages in the Catechism of 1992. The edition is clean and crisp, sturdy and well-made. It will last in libraries for decades. Highly recommended.","date":"Apr 11th 2024"}]},"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"}