"It's the kind of adaptation of the catechism Pope John Paul II intended."

ZENIT talks with Mark Brumley, President of Ignatius Press, about the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church (YOUCAT):

ZENIT: This book aims to adapt the catechism and lessons of the faith for youth, but without watering down the message. In fact, the message is described as being somewhat "tough." Could you say something more about this?

Brumely: One can be so concerned about not morally or intellectually challenging young people, for fear they will reject the faith, that one avoids anything one thinks they'll consider "tough" -- challenging to think about or challenging to live.

That's a mistake, just as it's a mistake to assume that one must never adapt one's presentation of the faith to take into consideration the abilities or the concerns of young people.

Youcat strikes the balance -- it gives substantial content, even though it tries to do so in more youth-accessible language than the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and it uses contemporary photos and graphics. 

ZENIT: The Vatican has also been closely involved in this book's release, and there is a plan to distribute it to all World Youth Day participants in Madrid. What other plans are in place to put this book in the hands of young people?

Brumley: We're working with diocesan offices, parishes, youth ministry organizations, and schools to try to get Youcat into the hands of every Catholic teenager in the United States.

We're developing lesson plans, study guides, and other complementary resources so that Youcat becomes the go-to book for confirmation, Catholic high school formation, and youth ministry and evangelization.

Eventually, we will have many internet resources available for youth and for adults at www.youcat.us.

Read the entire interview, "Catechism Shows Church's Value for Youth" (April, 19, 2011).