One of the things our young people enjoy is a session we call, “Ask Deacon Bob.” Before I arrive for the session, catechists hand out small sheets of paper and pencils, and the teens can write down questions about their faith and the way of life of a follower of Christ.

The questions are always on target; probing some of the most difficult questions of our times, the mysteries of faith with which we all struggle, and the ultimate question of what it means to love God and to be loved by God. Usually they challenge my limits of understanding of faith and morality.

As youth ministry leaders, whether our role is to teach young people about the faith or coach them in sports, we must be ready for young people asking these questions of us. They want to know about life and faith and expect us to give them some answers!

Last year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) published a catechism that was “proposed and developed for the purpose of catechizing teens and young adults.” It is called the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (http://www.usccbpublishing.org/productdetails.cfm?sku=5-720). I think we should just call it the Youth Catechism.

The bishops recommend that the text be used as a “standard reference companion to which teachers and catechists refer their students in much the same way that they use Bibles for instruction. It is not meant to replace religion textbooks, but to augment and compliment them.”

Like the original Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Compendium has four sections, basically covering: the Creed, the Sacraments, the Ten Commandments, and Prayer. The text is in a question and answer format.

Many of the questions and answers are far from simple. They are, however, within the grasp of serious young learners, and they provide rich fodder for fruitful discussion. This resource does not back down from tough issues. This is hard-hitting and factual teaching, and sure to enliven discussions. Teens and adults will appreciate the resource.

In addition to doctrinal matter, the Compendium also provides a section of common Catholic prayers including the Our Father and Hail Mary in English and Spanish, side-by-side with the Latin version of the prayers and a section on “Formulas of Catholic Doctrine,” including the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, theological and cardinal virtues, and spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

It is important that all catechetical programs and learning activities involving young people be in conformity with the true teaching of the Catholic Church. You can rely on the Compendium to provide that compass on matters of faith and morals.

Whether you keep the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on hand for answering questions, order it for your young people, or simply know it exists, the new ‘Youth Catechism’ can keep you on the right path!

The Compendium is also available for download on the Vatican website (http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html).