Dear Patrick,
In this message, I rely on the "Catechism of the Catholic Church".
Because of the crucial importance of Eucharistic faith, I shall
quote the C.C.C. at considerable length.
Before approaching the C.C.C.'s treatment of Christ's Real
Presence in the Eucharist, I quote these words from the Holy
Father's introductory message to the new Catechism; the Pope
writes:
"THE DOCTRINAL VALUE OF THE TEXT
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which I approved June
25th last and the publication of which I today order by virtue of
my Apostolic Authority, is a statement of the Church's faith and
of catholic doctrine, attested to or illumined by Sacred
Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition, and the Church's Magisterium.
I DECLARE IT TO BE A SURE NORM FOR TEACHING THE FAITH and thus a
valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion. May it
serve the renewal to which the Holy Spirit ceaselessly calls the
Church of God, the Body of Christ, on her pilgrimage to the
undiminished light of the Kingdom!
The approval and publication of the Catechism of the Catholic
Church represent a service which the Successor of Peter wishes to
offer to the Holy Catholic Church, to all the particular Churches
in peace and communion with the Apostolic See: the service, that
is, of supporting and confirming the faith of all the Lord Jesus'
disciples (cf. Lk 22:32), as well as of strengthening the bonds of
unity in the same apostolic faith.
Therefore, I ask all the Church's Pastors and the Christian
faithful to receive this catechism in a spirit of communion and to
use it assiduously in fulfilling their mission of proclaiming the
faith and calling people to the Gospel of life. This catechism is
given to them that it may be a SURE AND AUTHENTIC REFERENCE TEXT
FOR TEACHING CATHOLIC DOCTRINE and particularly for preparing
local catechisms. It is also offered to all the faithful who wish
to deepen their knowledge of the unfathomable riches of salvation
(cf. Eph 3:8) "
Therefore, what follows (in sections 1373-1378, 1413) is the
Catholic faith:
<continued next message>
-- | Catholic Information Network (619-449-6030) | Fido: (1:202/1613) Internet: http://www.cin.org/cin