Catholic Review of: Gospel Truth: A Lectionary-Based Catechism For Adults

The right tool certainly makes the job easier. Ken Ogorek, the director of catechesis for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, has given catechists, study groups, and parents a very useful tool. The Gospel Truth provides catechesis for the Sunday readings in all three cycles by exploring the Catholic doctrine to which the readings point. The material presented for each Sunday is concise yet thorough. The Gospel reading begins each chapter and is followed by a brief commentary with quotations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

This is followed by a series of questions in three sections. "A Question for Me" prompts the reader to consider a personal application of the teaching. The second set of questions, "For a Child in My Life," provides topics that are age appropriate for grade school students in a classroom setting or for the child in the home. The final questions, "My Role in Community," are particularly helpful for adults both for personal reflection and for group reflection, whether within the family context or a small group.

Ogorek then presents references to other scriptures and to the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults that further enrich study. The student who goes to these additional sources will have the teaching both reinforced and deepened. This also provides additional material for group discussion.

Archbishop Donald Wuerl, who wrote the foreword to the book, notes, "The Gospel Truth . . . [is] content-rich and faith-inspiring." then continues, "This resource will help . . . open . . . the breadth and width, depth, beauty and astounding coherence of the teaching of Christ and his Church" (p. viii).

When the goal is to build up the Body of by education, inspiration, and life application, new tools are always welcome. Ogorek’s contribution is a "good step in a good direction" (p. xii).

- Regis J. Flaherty (from Lay Witness magazine. www.cuf.org)

You can purchase this title here.