Guide makes Catechism 'user-friendly' for all

The map for Mary DeTurris Poust's spiritual journey is bound in a book with a familiar orange cover and blue lettering.

Mrs. Poust wrote the latest in the "Complete Idiots Guide" book series: "The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Catholic Catechism."

The popular book series started in 1993 with books on using computers and software. It has grown to include 500 titles in 30 different subject areas, sold worldwide and translated into 26 different languages, according to the series' publisher, the Penguin Group.

The title of the series belies the fact that readers of the books tend to be intelligent. According to the Penguin Group, the typical reader is highly knowledgeable, but may feel intimidated by new or complicated subjects.

Mrs. Poust's assignment in writing the book was to take the

"Catechism of the Catholic Church," condense it and make it user-friendly. The Catechism is a 900-page book that is the official exposition of the teachings of the Church.

Challenge

She was given three months to complete the task. "This was an interesting project for me," she said. "This was a great professional thing to do but also a spiritual journey."

Mrs. Poust worked with theological advisor Rev. David Fulton, who is on the faculty of St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. The book also has an imprimatur (official approval) from Bishop Paul Bootkoski of the Metuchen, NJ, Diocese.

It was important for Mrs. Poust to have the imprimatur, as she wanted Catholics to know that there is nothing contrary to Church teaching in her book.

The project required juggling the Pousts' schedule. A writer for several Catholic publications, Mrs. Poust works from her home while caring for son Noah and daughters Olivia and Chiara. Her husband, Dennis, is director of communications for the New York State Catholic Conference, which lobbies for public policy on behalf of the state's bishops.

The family's activities include Little League, piano lessons, dance classes, Girl Scouts and volunteering at their parish, St. Thomas in Delmar.

"Dennis had to do so much more," Mrs. Poust said. "I had to back off some of my volunteer activities."

New perspective

Despite the intense schedule, Mrs. Poust was glad to have the opportunity to write the book. She had the feeling that she was led to the project.

"I was really meant to be in this place," she said. "It deepened my own spiritual life."

Since completing the book, the author found she understands Mass in a different way: for instance, she found that the Catechism of the Catholic Church breaks down the Apostles' Creed line by line, explaining why each word is said.

"As I began reading and researching I realized that the words of the Catechism were breathing new life into the faith I had lived with for more than four decades. Suddenly, when I said the profession of faith at Mass, it was as if I were saying it for the first time," she remarked.

Mrs. Poust believes her book may find an audience in Catholics who were raised in the post-Vatican II Church, when there was confusion about what to teach; in non-Catholics; and in Catholics who need a "study guide" to accompany the Catechism. She said that many Catholics have a connection with the Baltimore Catechism which was written in 1885 than they do with the current Catechism.

Already, the author has heard from non-Catholic friends who have read the book that they have a better understanding of the Catholic Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church isn't simply a book of rules for Catholics, she added: "It's a beautiful poetic document. It shows that the Church's teachings aren't just a passing fad."

 (Mrs. Poust will be signing books May 17-18 after all Masses at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. For more information on the book or the author, go to www.marydeturrispoust.com.)

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