papal encyclicals Archives - Amazing Catechists

A Pocket Guide to Rerum Novarum

by Veronica Burchard

Published by Sophia Institute Press

One of the first videos I remember seeing of Pope Leo XIV was of him talking about why he chose the name Leo. I will link it here:

He specifically mentions Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical, Rerum Novarum, as a primary reason for choosing the name “Leo.” He explains in the video that this was the first encyclical on Catholic social teaching at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Pope Leo XIV sees us in the midst of a new Industrial Revolution in the AI age. Veronica Burchard has written an extremely helpful new guide to help the laity understand Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical: A Pocket Guide to Rerum Novarum. She expertly explains each section of the encyclical and how it is applicable to the times we live in now.

Foreword by Father John J. Lyndon, O.S.A

I found Father Lyndon’s foreword about Pope Leo XIV fascinating. He and Pope Leo both studied at Villanova at the same time, and Father Lyndon worked side-by-side with Pope Leo in Peru. This section of the book is a detailed look into Pope Leo’s pastoral background in South America. I think that it’s always important to understand where a pope came from so we can better understand his vision. This section of the book is a must read peek into Pope Leo’s past. Father Lyndon also gives a history, summary, and definition of key terms of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum in this section.

The Introduction and Ending

The introduction by the author is short and sweet and explains her motivation for reading and writing about Rerum Novarum. The introduction is a like a mini summary of the key points of the encyclical.

The book also ends with a biography of Pope Leo XIII.

The Heart of the Book

The heart of the book breaks up Rerum Novarum into 64 bite-sized chunks for you to ponder and digest. I think this is a great way to go through an encyclical since these documents are usually quite deep and profound. You could read one section a day (although, you will probably want to read more!), and have a good understanding of the document in a couple of months.

Veronica Burchard has provide a brief (3-5 sentences) summary into each of the 64 parts. She writes clearly and concisely, and her explanations are very helpful – especially how she pinpoints how this document can be applied to the world today. I like the format where Victoria’s summary first appears on the left-hand page, and then you can dive deeper into the actual next on the next page or two. (Check out the preview in the listing to see how it’s laid out.)

Pope Leo XIII’s Condemnation of Socialism and more

The topic I was most curious to read about was Pope Leo’s strong condemnation of socialism. As support for socialism in our nation rises, it is important for Catholics to understand why we cannot support it. Veronica Burchard clearly explains why we cannot allow or tolerate socialism in any way, shape, or form. To sum up, socialism claims to help the poor, when, in reality, taking away private property will only harm the poor. Socialism is unjust and the role of the government is misused. I think that most people who support socialism truly have no idea what it is or what it means. Pope Leo’s encyclical and this guide make it very clear why socialism will only harm citizens.

The encyclical also touches upon many other important topics such as:

why every human has a right to private property
why each man is entitled to his harvest and his hard-earned wages
why each man is entitled to decide how he should spend his wages
how we can have true peace in society
why no one (including the government) can change the purpose of the family
how public aid is good and necessary, but how it can and never should replace the family

Who Would Enjoy this Book

Every Catholic should read this encyclical, and this book can help every person understand and reflect upon Pope Leo XIII’s words more deeply. Anyone who wants more insight into our current Pope’s vision should also pick up this book.

This would be a great book for a book club or study group. There are also 12 discussion questions included in the back of the book. You could break up the book into sections and come together to discuss them a couple of times a month. You can pick and choose some questions for each session. Or, agree upon a date to finish the entire book, and then come together to discuss it.

This book is a handy little size (about 7 x 5 inches, and 161 pages) and would fit easily into a purse or glove compartment. It would be great for waiting rooms, long car/plane rides, or even the beach. It is also something interesting and enriching to read at night (with a cup of tea!) after the kids have gone to bed.

I think this book is great for ages 16 and up. I think it could even be a good Confirmation gift. Veronica Burchard’s summaries truly make it accessible and understandable for everyone to understand.

You can find A Pocket Guide to Rerum Novarum at Sophia Institute Press.

This book is also available on the Sophia Institute Santifi app as an ebook and audiobook.

Papal Guidance on Teaching the Faith: 12 Timeless Documents on the Preservation of Doctrine

Compiled by Bishop Athanasius Schneider

Published by Sophia Institute Press

When I speak with other catechists and priests from other parishes, I am always amazed at the diverse approaches we all take to faith formation and catechesis. I am particularly grateful for the flexibility in how we hold out the Faith to our Faith Formation families. The church allows us, with our pastor at the helm, to choose a curriculum and approach that will benefit our parishioners the most.

Still, sometimes, it is good to know where to turn for guidance when passing on the Faith. Bishop Athanasius Schneider has recently compiled 12 papal documents about teaching the faith in a new book from Sophia Press: Papal Guidance on Teaching the Faith: 12 Documents on the Preservation of Doctrine. This is such a great resource for catechists and teachers in Catholic education!

Where to Start

Bishop Schneider’s Introduction is the perfect place to start reading this book. He explains how vital it is to pass on the Faith effectively and accurately. As catechists, we need to all stop and think about our methods, and whether they are equipping the next generation to understand and defend their Faith. If the methods are failing, then they must be re-evaluated.

In the Introduction, Bishop Schneider encourages “returning to basics” to teach the Faith. He emphasizes the importance of primary sources: Our Lord, Jesus Christ and the saints. We can also look to the wise and holy popes who have occupied the chair of St. Peter. Thankfully, they have written many helpful and informative documents to guide us. Bishop Schneider has worked to ensure that these documents have been translated accurately to English so that we may understand them and benefit from them

The 12 Documents on the Preservation of Doctrine

Bishop Schneider has compiled 12 documents from the following popes:

Pope Benedict XIV
Pope Clement XIII
Pope Gregory XVI
Pope Pius IX
Pope Leo XIII
Pope Pius X
Pope Pius XI

Each document is published in full in this book. The documents are organized with helpful headings, sub-headings, and numbered points. This structure allows the documents to be easily digested and reflected upon. This book would be great to read and discuss with fellow catechists, perhaps in monthly meetings. You could choose one to discuss together each month of the year.

Helpful Advice Throughout these Documents.

This book is absolutely packed with excellent and practical advice for bishops, priests, and catechists. Even though many of these documents are decades or centuries old, their advice is still relevant today. Some helpful tips that stuck out to me were:

The importance of having children memorize and recite their basic prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, the Creed etc.)
Each person’s role (bishops, priests, and laymen) in passing on the Faith
Obstacles to teaching the Faith (such as widely dispersed and spread out parishes with not enough priests)
Suggested texts and methods for teaching the Faith
Preparing the faithful to receive the Sacraments
Looking to the saints as examples of how to teach the Faith
Qualities of a good teacher – especially the importance of humility
Warnings of errors in society and heresies
Practical tips for adult catechetical instruction
How and why we should provide our children with Christian Education, specifically

Our Duty as Catechists and Teachers

As catechists and teachers of the Faith, we have many important duties and responsibilities. Teaching the truths of our Faith is neither popular nor easy. Our primary responsibility as catechists and teachers of the Faith is to continue to practice our Faith authentically and pursue personal holiness. Part of this responsibility includes humbly continuing to grow and learn about our Faith so that our understanding of it may deepen. This will also allow us to effectively and accurately pass it on.

If you are looking for wisdom and practical instructions for teaching the Faith, then I think you will enjoy Papal Guidance on Teaching the Faith: 12 Documents on the Preservation of Doctrine. This book will give you a deeper understanding of many aspects of our Faith, as well as practical tips and guidance on how to teach it.

Papal Guidance on Teaching the Faith: 12 Documents on the Preservation of Doctrine can be found at Sophia Institute Press.

May God bless your efforts to teach the Faith in your homes, schools, and parishes!

This book is also available on the Sophia Institute Santifi app as an ebook and audiobook.