On the catechism

"Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care." - Isaiah 40:11

I received an email from a priest and author reminding me of the Light for Life adult catechism series of books put out by the Eastern Catholic Conference of Diocesan Directors. To the person who wants to form his faith and understand His Church these books are life changing. I don't use that term lightly - if studied and its lessons brought into practice these books are a means of conversion, of turning towards Christ.

Part One, The Mystery Believed, sketches this mystery of the God who loves us and reveals Himself to us. We are called to make our own the Church’s understanding of what God has shown us of himself and what He has done to unite ourselves with Him.

Part Two, The Mystery Celebrated, presents a general overview of Christian worship from the perspective of the Byzantine tradition by which our churches encounter the spirit of God When Believers gather, we experience the Kingdom in our midst where God acts to make us the "community of the Holy Spirit."

Part Three, The Mystery Lived, presents a summary of the Eastern Christian response to God as He reveals Himself in the Gospel and as He united us to Himself in the holy mysteries. This response, which we call the “life in Christ” or the “spiritual life,” begins with the offering of our entire self. It is concretized in our prayer, fasting and almsgiving, our relationships within the Christian community and our outreach to the world.