Cath. Basics: Catechism Selections Q & A

Catholic Basics | Selections From the Baltimore Catechism

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Are the Baltimore Catechism selections intended to replace instruction in the faith?

Are the Baltimore Catechism selections suited to all ages?

Where do the Reference Numbers come from?

What do the levels mean?

What do these selections not include?

Do the selections on this site appear exactly the same as they did in the Baltimore Catechism?

Are the Baltimore Catechism selections independent?

The question or answer says "I mean" / "we mean" / etc. Who does that refer to?

Why does the top of a column say "Question", when not all items are questions?

Can items in the Baltimore Catechism change? Do you guarantee the selections appearing here are current?

What if I need help understanding/applying the selections from the Baltimore Catechism?

Isn't there a Fourth Baltimore Catechism?

Are the Baltimore Catechism selections intended to replace instruction in the faith?

Nothing on this site, including the selections from the Baltimore Catechism, is intended to replace proper instruction in the faith.

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Are the Baltimore Catechism selections suited to all ages?

The Baltimore Catechism selections may not be suited to all ages or persons. For your convenience, we have included options to limit questions displayed to certain levels (see question below). However, we do not guarantee that any item is suited to any age or person.

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Where do the Reference Numbers come from?

We have assigned the reference numbers used on this site. The Baltimore Catechism uses its own numbering system, which is essentially consistent in Volumes 1 and 2, while Volume 3 uses its own numbering system. Our reference numbers generally appear on the screen in the shaded column to the left. To search by reference number, click here. Note: Some reference numbers may be omitted or shared with one or more items.

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What do the levels mean?

The levels (1-3) may correspond to the Baltimore Catechism 1 (First Communion classes), Baltimore Catechism 2 (Confirmation classes), and Baltimore Catechism 3 (post-Confirmation courses). On the view / search pages, you may be able to limit the display to certain levels. For example, select 1 to limit to level 1, select 2 to limit to level 2 (shows level 1 and 2), or select 3 to show all (levels 1-3). We do not, however, guarantee that the items correspond exactly to the levels in the Baltimore Catechism or that any particular item will be applicable for any particular age or person (see question above).

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What do these selections not include?

These Baltimore Catechism sections may not include all questions, definitions, prayers, explanations, etc. contained in the Baltimore Catechisms. Also, as indicated below, they do not include selections from Baltimore Catechism 4 ("for Teachers and Teachers' Training classes") or Baltimore Catechisms 0 or 00, and they may be shortened/changed, etc. Note: Looking for prayers or definitions? Try the Prayers & Devotions section or Catholic Basics/Definitions.

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Do the selections on this site appear exactly the same as they did in the Baltimore Catechism?

The sections appearing on this site are "based on" the Baltimore Catechisms (which may include supplementation by Rev. Kinkead). They may contain various differences from the Baltimore Catechisms (e.g. changed punctuation / capitalization / numbering / ordering / wording / etc., we may expand/shorten items, update items, etc.). Lesson numbers and descriptions may best correspond with Baltimore Catechisms #2 and #3 (excluding the lesson we have numbered as #99). Some changes may be noted by the appearance of "..." or brackets ("[", "]"). As indicated above, these sections do not contain all questions, definitions, prayers, etc. appearing in the Baltimore Catechism. Further, it should be noted that there are various editions of the Baltimore Catechism and each may differ in various ways. 

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Are the Baltimore Catechism selections independent?

The Baltimore Catechism selections may not be independent of one another, but may depend on one or more other selections. The user must be careful not to take them out of context. For your convenience, we have included various search forms (e.g. by keyword, by reference number, etc.), however one must be especially careful not to take the results of these searches out of context.

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The question or answer says "I mean" / "we mean" / etc. Who does that refer to?

Wording such as "I mean" / "we mean" / etc. appearing in the Baltimore Catechism selections is based on the wording of the Baltimore Catechisms. It does not refer to any persons / organizations / etc. affiliated with this site.

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Why does the top of a column say "Question", when not all items are questions?

For convenience, the column may be labeled "Question & Answer". This is convenient since most items are questions, however, not all items are questions. 

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Can items in the Baltimore Catechism change? Do you guarantee the selections appearing here are current?

Some items in the Baltimore Catechism (e.g. those not related to dogmas of the faith or morals - e.g. fasting requirements) may (and did) change. We cannot guarantee that the selection(s) from the Baltimore Catechism appearing here are current. For current information, contact your applicable diocese.

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What if I need help understanding/applying the selections from the Baltimore Catechism?

If you need help understanding/applying the selections from the Baltimore Catechism, consult appropriate, competent Church authorities.

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Isn't there a Fourth Baltimore Catechism?

There is a text that is sometimes referred to as Baltimore Catechism #4 ("For Teachers and Teachers' Training Classes"). It may offer more explanation of various items in the previous Baltimore Catechisms. This "Fourth Baltimore Catechism" is not included with our selections from the Baltimore Catechism.

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