The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a big book that explains everything Catholics believe. It’s based on the Bible, the teachings of early Church leaders, and other important Church documents. The Catechism is built on four main parts, or "pillars":

• The Creed: What Catholics believe.
• The Sacraments: How Catholics worship.
• The Moral Life: How Catholics should live.
• Prayer: How Catholics talk to God.

This guide will walk you through all the major ideas in the Catechism. We’ll look at where these beliefs come from in the Bible and how they have been understood throughout history.

At the center of the Catholic faith is the belief in the Holy Trinity—that God is one being in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. All other beliefs flow from this main idea. The Catechism explains God's plan for us, from creation and sin, to Jesus’s life and sacrifice, and the role of the Church and the sacraments in our lives. It shows how our moral choices and our prayer life are all connected to this great story of God’s love.

This study guide will help you see the big picture and understand how all the pieces of the Catholic faith fit together.