1 he Illustrated Catechism (Redemptorist Publications, L5.95) SUB-TITLED Catholic belief in Words and Pictures, the Illustrated Catechism is the latest in the long line of catechims which goes back to the very first days of printing. The compilers believe that "a modern catechism must not only open up new vistas to the older reader, it must also meet the needs of a new generation."
For this reason, this work is the result of a careful blend of three elements, the catechetical practice of the early Church, the structure of the traditional catechism. and the teaching methods of today.
A full page is given to each question. The 104 questions are divided into live sections: the Christian vision, the people of God, the sacraments, the dignity of the Christian and prayer. A supplement outlines the commandments of the Church.
The question are set out in ordered progression. so that one leads to the next. Each page, containing one question, is complete in itself, and contains a summary, providing the principal points of the Church's teaching on that question, illustrations which relate the Church's teaching to everyday experience, and the main body of text, which investigates the question in detail and builds up the reader's knowledge of the faith.
The Catechism has already appeared in leaflet form in many parishes under the title 'Christian Encounter Catechism. The authors, Christopher Gaffney and John 'Trenchard, both of the Redemptorist Order, have collated in one volume everything which Catholics 'ned to know and want to know about their Faith'.
Parents will find this book invaluable in dealing with thost question about the faith which are liable to be asked in every Catholic home.
Those who are looking for. the answers will range from the youngest in the house to the most senior members of the family. The text is easily readable, the illustrations simple bur effective, Catholic homes and schools will welcome this publication.
IT IS a regrettable fact that there are children, and even adults, in our society who never progress beyond the strip cartoon when they read for pleasure. The Hodder and Stoughton Bible Albums (£1.30 each) are produced with a view to bringing the Bible within the reach of this readership.
Titles recently published are
The Birth of the Church, The First Christians, Paul, the Convert, Paul the Church Builder and Paul. Witness to the Gospel_
The stories are told in dramatic colour illustrations accompanied by the usual balloon -dialogue. At the back of each book appear the passages from the New Testament from which the stories have been taken.
These are effectively produced and are sure to be popular both in schools and in home.
FOR MOST of us St Francis conjures up the immediate vision of the friend of animals. Sadly, many of know little more about Francis than that he called the birds and beasts his brothers and sisters.
Brenda Watson has prepared a comprehensive kit on the life and work of St Francis which should do much to improve our knowledge of this extraordinary man, who lived so long ago but whose personality still makes the clearest possible impact generations later on those who follow his teaching and rule.
The pack consists of a cassette, with 45 minutes of playing time, 16 slifes with a commentary, documents with accompanying worksheets and a booklet of notes on the material contained in the sturdy plastic wallet which provides pockets for the different materials. The kit has been compiled primarily for use in Secondary schools, from the first to the sixth forms, and with groups of young people in churches.
It could be utilised as a sustained course of study lasting over several weekly session, but it could also be used for audiovisual presentation in school assemblies or during the course of church services.
The compiler visualises school using it to form part of syllabuses dealing with the study of Christianity, of world religions, of Christian Ethics or of Church history, or providing a basis for an integrated studies course involving history and moral education.
The amount of material provided enables the teachr or group leader to have maximum opportunity for flexibility for flexibility in adapting the information contained to suit the age, ability and interests of th students. A table of crossreferences between the documents, slides and cassette recordings has been included for ease of selection.
The material is lively and entertaining, in addition to being informative. The interviews with people assocated in some way with Franciscan work, which form part of the cassette, will be sure to stimulate discussion among the students.
Maureen Vincent